About Benedict College
Students pay an average net price of $17,781 after financial aid, with 63% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $31,902 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $32,500. The monthly loan payment of $345 reflects the financial reality many face. The low loan repayment rate of 13% suggests graduates struggle to manage their debt burden relative to their earnings potential.
The retention rate of 65% indicates some students find their fit elsewhere after freshman year. Just 21% graduate within six years, a rate that reflects the challenges many students face balancing academics with financial pressures. The Tigers compete in NCAA Division II with 280 student-athletes across 15 sports. Nearly two-thirds of students are from out-of-state, creating a diverse geographic mix within the predominantly African American student body of 77%.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 76.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 20.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 21.1%
- Retention Rate
- 65.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $31,902
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $35,416 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,236 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $22,834 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $22,602 |
Campus Life
With housing capacity for 1,689 students serving an enrollment of 1,573, nearly everyone can live on campus if they choose. The historically black institution draws 77% African American students, with 62% coming from out of state to experience this Baptist-affiliated environment. Students gather for homecoming traditions and cheer on the Tigers' 15 varsity teams competing in NCAA Division II. Weekend life revolves around campus activities and Columbia's downtown scene, including the riverfront and Five Points entertainment district. The 280 student-athletes receiving $2.2 million in athletic scholarships bring energy to campus life, while the strong sense of community helps explain why two-thirds of students return each year.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,689 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1870
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 36°–59°F
- July Avg
- 72°–95°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 47.5%
- Women
- 52.5%
- White
- 0.9%
- Black
- 77.2%
- Hispanic
- 2.4%
- Asian
- 0.5%
- In-State Students
- 37.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 63.5%
Location
- Address
- Columbia, South Carolina 29204-1086
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $31,902
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $35,935
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $21,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 13.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $345/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $32,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Benedict College?
Benedict College accepts 68% of applicants with an average SAT score of 920. This historically Black Baptist institution provides accessible higher education opportunities while maintaining selective standards for its 1,573 students.
How much does Benedict College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $17,781 annually, with 63% receiving financial aid. The college keeps costs manageable with tuition set at $18,000 for both in-state and out-of-state students, making it affordable for families across income levels.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Benedict College?
Benedict College maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in small class settings. The college operates on a semester system and has built a reputation for nurturing student development through close mentorship relationships.
What are the graduation rates at Benedict College?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 21% with a 65% retention rate from first to second year. While graduation rates reflect challenges common among HBCUs serving first-generation college students, the college maintains strong support systems for student success.
Where is Benedict College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Columbia, South Carolina, housing up to 1,689 students in a mid-size city setting. Benedict Tigers compete in NCAA Division II with 15 varsity sports and receive over $2.2 million in athletic scholarships annually.
Does Benedict College have a strong HBCU tradition?
Founded in 1870, Benedict College serves as a historically Black institution with 77% Black enrollment and deep Baptist roots. The college has maintained its mission of educating African American students for over 150 years while welcoming a diverse student body from across the nation.
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