SJU Academic Calendar

The College of St. Benedict and St. John's University, located in Minnesota, follow a traditional semester-based academic calendar with two main terms: fall and spring. The fall semester typically begins in late August or early September and concludes in mid-December, while the spring semester starts in mid-January and ends in early May. A notable feature of their calendar is the inclusion of a January Term (J-Term), a short, intensive period in early January where students can engage in focused coursework, study abroad, or internships. Additionally, the universities observe extended breaks for holidays like Thanksgiving and spring break, aligning with student needs for rest and travel.

• Fall Semester Start: Late August 2025 (typically around August 25–30), marking the beginning of the academic year with orientation for new students.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025, providing a long weekend for family time and rest.
• Fall Semester End/Final Exams: Mid-December 2025 (approximately December 15–20), concluding with exams and winter break preparation.
• January Term (J-Term): January 5–23, 2026, a unique short term for intensive study or experiential learning.
• Spring Semester Start: Late January 2026 (around January 26–30), following the J-Term.
• Spring Break: Mid-March 2026 (typically March 9–13), offering a week-long respite.
• Commencement: Early May 2026 (around May 8–10), celebrating graduation for seniors.

• Early Action Deadline: November 15, 2025, for students seeking early consideration with notification by mid-December 2025.
• Regular Decision Deadline: January 15, 2026, the standard deadline for most applicants with decisions released by late March 2026.
• Priority Financial Aid Deadline: February 1, 2026, recommended for students applying for need-based aid to ensure timely processing.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2026, the national deadline for confirming attendance for admitted students.
• International Student Application Deadline: December 1, 2025, for the fall 2026 term, allowing extra time for visa processing.

The academic calendar at the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University aligns closely with national norms for liberal arts colleges in the Midwest, with semesters mirroring typical U.S. university schedules. The inclusion of the J-Term offers unique flexibility, particularly for international students who may use this period for travel or focused study. Breaks like Thanksgiving and spring break are strategically placed to coincide with public holidays, ensuring accessibility for students from diverse regions. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on historical patterns, the universities’ structure supports a balance of academic rigor and personal time, catering to a global student body.