At $17,781/yr net price, Benedict College graduates earn $31,902/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,781 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $71,124 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,902/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,098/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $32,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,807/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,415/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,763/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,885/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,076/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $35,416 | $37,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,236 | $33,923 |
| 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 | $31,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $22,602 |
The Risk Factor
21.1% of students at Benedict College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Benedict College delivers poor financial returns with median earnings of $31,902 after graduation and a troubling 21% graduation rate. Your chances of completing your degree are less than one in four, making this a high-risk investment.
Criminal Justice offers the best earnings potential at $35,416 annually, though you'll carry $37,000 in debt to reach that modest salary. Psychology and Biology graduates earn around $29,000, while Communication and Liberal Arts majors see starting salaries closer to $25,000. These earnings barely justify the debt load, especially given how many students never graduate.
The school's 65% retention rate signals academic struggles that extend beyond finances. If you're considering Benedict, you need strong study habits and clear career goals to avoid becoming part of the 79% who don't graduate.
Benedict works best for students who receive substantial financial aid and have family support systems in Columbia. The $17,781 net price becomes manageable with significant grants, but federal loans alone won't cover the gap between aid and actual costs.
You should look elsewhere if you're paying full price or need high earning potential after graduation. The combination of low completion rates and modest earnings creates substantial financial risk. Students interested in Criminal Justice might find better value at South Carolina's public universities, which offer similar programs with stronger job placement rates and lower debt loads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benedict College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Benedict College graduates earn $31,902 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a median debt of $32,500, many students will struggle to pay off loans on these typical salaries.
What are the best paying majors at Benedict College?
Criminal Justice graduates from Benedict College earn the highest average salary at $35,416 annually. Psychology and Biology majors earn around $28,000-29,000, while Communication and Liberal Arts graduates typically earn about $25,194.
How much debt do Benedict College students typically graduate with?
Benedict College students graduate with a median debt of $32,500. Given that typical graduate earnings are around $32,000, this debt load represents a challenging debt-to-income ratio for most alumni.
What is Benedict College's graduation rate and why does it matter?
Benedict College has a 21% graduation rate, meaning most students who start never finish their degree. Students who don't graduate still face loan payments without the benefit of a completed credential, making this a significant financial risk.