Benedictine University (BenU) is proud to announce a new, transformative admissions partnership with Midwestern University (MWU), opening a direct and efficient pathway for students aspiring to enter the healthcare field.
Beginning with the class matriculating in Fall 2027, this agreement provides unparalleled access to ten of Midwestern University’s prestigious graduate and professional programs at the Downers Grove, IL, and/or Glendale, AZ, campuses.
A Clear Advantage for BenU Students
This partnership is designed to reward the rigorous academic preparation that Benedictine University students receive. Rather than facing an uncertain competitive landscape, qualified BenU graduates will benefit from either a guaranteed interview or, in two key programs, guaranteed acceptance into Midwestern University’s nationally recognized colleges.
“Benedictine University alumni have matriculated to Midwestern University for decades, have excelled in their coursework at Midwestern and have gone on to productive, successful careers in healthcare fields. This agreement reflects the confidence that Midwestern University has in the quality of a Benedictine education,” said Cheryl Mascarenhas, PhD, Assistant Provost for Academic Strategy and Growth for Benedictine University.
“We are removing the guesswork for our students. They can focus on their passion for healthcare knowing that if they meet the benchmarks, a clear path exists to a top-tier professional school.”
What This Means for Students
The partnership reduces anxiety and increases focus by allowing students to pursue their undergraduate studies at BenU with a clear roadmap, knowing exactly what is required to advance to professional school. Benedictine University students who meet prerequisites, GPA, and shadowing expectations can secure an interview in an otherwise crowded applicant pool in which interviews are difficult to come by. The agreement offers guaranteed interviews for competitive programs within the Arizona and Chicago Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM/CCOM), the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), the College of Health Sciences for a variety of programs including the Physician Assistant (PA) program, and the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine.
In a significant benefit, the partnership also offers guaranteed acceptance into Midwestern’s College of Graduate Studies (CGS) Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) programs in both Glendale, AZ and Downers Grove, IL. Whether a student’s goal is medical school, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nurse anesthesia, podiatry, or physician assistant studies, this partnership covers a vast spectrum of healthcare disciplines.
Building on a Foundation of Excellence
The agreement honors the rigorous coursework Benedictine University students already undertake and acknowledges the value proposition of a Benedictine degree. This speaks to the reputation of Benedictine University’s programs and the trust that Midwestern University places in the preparation that our alumni receive for graduate students in healthcare disciplines.
Supporting the Whole Student
Beyond academics, the partnership emphasizes the values both institutions share: a commitment to service, personal integrity, and genuine patient-centered care. The agreement encourages students to engage in community service, shadowing, and medically related experiences, activities that are already hallmarks of a Benedictine education.
Looking Ahead
Benedictine University and Midwestern University look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship that will help address the critical need for skilled healthcare professionals in Illinois, Arizona, and beyond. Specific advising details and program checklists will be available through the Benedictine University’s website in the coming months.
For current and prospective Benedictine students interested in a future in healthcare, this partnership represents a direct, and supportive route to achieving your professional dreams. For prospective students interested in learning more about the specific requirements for each program, please email [email protected].
