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Benedict College

Accept Rate
67.3%
Grad Rate
20.4%
Enrollment
1,573
Avg SAT
910
Tuition
$18,000
Median Salary
$31,902
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Benedict College feels like a close-knit community where everyone knows your name and your success is a shared mission. It's a place of intense pride and resilience, where the historic campus buzzes with a focus on personal growth and collective achievement. You'll sense a real commitment to uplift and empowerment in the air.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

67.3%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 91075th Pctl
8201010
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctl75th Pctl
1419
1122436

Admissions Tips

1. Emphasize your resilience and personal journey in your application essay, as Benedict values students who are determined to succeed. 2. With a 67.3% acceptance rate, your application should showcase your genuine interest in the college's mission and community. 3. Connect your academic interests to Benedict's top majors like Business or Criminal Justice to show a clear fit.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
910
40080012001600
School range: 820โ€“1010

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Benedict College offers strong, career-focused programs in Business, Biology, and Criminal Justice, emphasizing practical skills for the real world. The small class sizes foster direct interaction with dedicated faculty who are invested in student success. While research opportunities are more focused on undergraduate engagement than large-scale projects, the supportive environment helps students thrive.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
18.1%
Biology & Biomedical
16%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
10.6%
Criminal Justice
9.1%
Education
7.2%
Communications
6.3%
Psychology
6%
Visual & Performing Arts
6%
Health Professions
3.9%
Public Administration
3.6%
Computer Science
3.3%
Engineering
2.4%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

20.4%
Graduation Rate
65.1%
Retention Rate
1,573
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$18,000
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$17,781
After financial aid
Total Cost
$29,921
Cost of attendance/year
63.5%
Receive Pell Grants
67.1%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Columbia

Columbia offers a vibrant mix of activities, from exploring the historic Congaree River and parks to enjoying the local food scene and live music. Students can catch a game with the local minor league baseball team or visit the state museum. The city's college-town energy, anchored by the University of South Carolina, provides plenty of off-campus options for fun.

Local Rent Check

$1,110 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Columbia
Explore Columbia

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$72,000
$0Est. 4 Years: $72,000

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($31,902):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Benedict College is located in an urban setting with campus safety protocols in place, including campus police and emergency alerts. As with any city campus, students are encouraged to practice awareness of their surroundings, especially at night.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ High accessibility with a 67.3% acceptance rate and significant financial aid availability.
  • โœ“ Strong sense of community and small class sizes for personalized attention.
  • โœ“ Diverse range of popular majors that align with career opportunities.
  • โœ“ A historic campus with a legacy as a proud HBCU institution.

Cons

  • โœ— The 20.4% graduation rate is significantly below the national average.
  • โœ— The 10-year median earnings of $31,902 are lower than many other institutions.
  • โœ— The 65.1% retention rate suggests some students may struggle to persist.

Notable Alumni

Robert G. Flowers
A retired Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and former head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
James E. Clyburn
A prominent U.S. Representative for South Carolina who attended Benedict College before transferring to South Carolina State University.
Ernie Harwell
A legendary American sportscaster for Major League Baseball, known for his long tenure with the Detroit Tigers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Benedict College is known for its historic role as a private HBCU in Columbia, SC, with academic strengths in Business & Marketing, Biology, Criminal Justice, and Education. It is recognized for its mission to serve students from diverse backgrounds and its commitment to providing accessible higher education.

No, Benedict College is not considered highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 67.3%. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 910. This makes it an accessible option for many applicants, though a complete and thoughtful application is still important.

Campus life at Benedict is community-oriented and intimate, with an enrollment of just 1,573 students. Students engage in a variety of activities and organizations, fostering a strong sense of belonging. The urban setting in Columbia provides easy access to city amenities and events.

The value of a Benedict degree depends on your career path. With an average net price of $17,781, it is a relatively affordable option. However, the 10-year median earnings of $31,902 are modest, so prospective students should carefully consider their major and career goals to maximize their return on investment.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Palmetto Health BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina South Carolina State Government Richland School District Two Colonial Life
Smart Start Score
33

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 2,090
  • In-State Tuition $18,000
  • Zip Code 29204

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 47.5% โ™€ 52.5%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $17,781 and a high Pell Grant rate of 63.5%, Benedict is an accessible option for many students. The 10-year median earnings of $31,902 are modest, so the return on investment is more about the personal and career foundation than immediate high earnings. For students committed to their field, the investment can be justified by the supportive education and potential for growth.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $18,000
Housing (12 mo) $13,320
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $38,520
With avg financial aid:
$17,781/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.