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44.6%Acceptance
$19,140Tuition
191Students
21%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$36,654Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCUUnited Methodist

About Bennett College

Bennett College shapes young women into leaders through small classes and personal attention. This historically Black women's college enrolls just 191 students in Greensboro, giving everyone room to stand out. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and potential. Founded in 1873 with United Methodist roots, Bennett has built a reputation for developing professionals in education, business, and STEM fields.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $22,858 after aid, while 75% receive financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $36,654 ten years after college, but carry typical debt of $28,130. The monthly loan payment averages $298, which could strain budgets given starting salaries. Only 26% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.

Bennett maintains strong student loyalty with a 90% retention rate, showing women find their place here. The employment rate reaches 92.6%, indicating graduates find work after college. However, the 21% six-year graduation rate signals academic challenges that students should understand before enrolling. The campus houses 179 students, creating tight-knit community bonds that last well beyond graduation.

Academics & Faculty

Bennett College operates as a historically Black women's college with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio that ensures intimate classroom experiences and personalized mentoring. The college traditionally focuses on developing leaders in education, business, and STEM fields through its liberal arts curriculum. With only 191 students enrolled, every Belle receives individualized attention from professors who know them by name. The college's 20.07% four-year graduation rate reflects significant academic and financial challenges that many students face. Bennett's United Methodist affiliation shapes its commitment to service and social justice education. The small size allows for close-knit academic communities where students collaborate directly with faculty on research and community engagement projects.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
7:1
Full-Time Faculty
31.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
20.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
20.6%
Retention Rate
90.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$36,654
Carnegie Classification
Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Social Work. Bachelor $36,488
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $31,133
Communication and Media Studies. Bachelor $30,771
Biology, General. Bachelor $25,967
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. Bachelor $21,964

View all 19 programs →

Campus Life

Bennett College's 191 students create an intimate sisterhood on this historic campus in Greensboro. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every Belle personally. With housing capacity for 179 students, nearly everyone lives on campus in the tight-knit residential community that defines the Bennett experience.

Greensboro sits in North Carolina's Piedmont region, where students need both winter coats for January lows in the 30s and shorts for humid summers reaching the 90s. The city of 300,000 offers internships and cultural opportunities just minutes from campus. Students gather in the campus center between classes and participate in traditions like the annual Belle Gala. Weekends revolve around sisterhood activities, community service projects, and social events with nearby colleges. The 90% retention rate reflects how students embrace Bennett's mission of developing confident women leaders. Only 39% of students come from North Carolina, creating a diverse sisterhood from across the country united by the shared experience of attending one of America's few remaining historically Black women's colleges.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
179 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1873

Campus Safety (2023)

26 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Domestic Violence 0 0 0 10
Motor Vehicle Theft 0 0 0 9
Aggravated Assault 0 0 0 6
Arson 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
29°–50°F
July Avg
70°–88°F
Annual Precipitation
45.9"
Annual Snowfall
7.1"

Student Demographics

Bennett College draws women from across the Southeast who are looking for the close mentorship that comes with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio. Three-quarters of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's commitment to making education accessible to first-generation and lower-income students. Most students come from out of state, drawn by Bennett's reputation as one of only two historically Black women's colleges in the nation. The small enrollment of 191 students creates an intimate environment where the Belles can develop leadership skills in tight-knit sisterhood.
Men
0.0%
Women
100.0%
White
0.5%
Black
53.9%
Hispanic
2.6%
Asian
0.5%
In-State Students
39.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
75.0%

Location

Bennett College sits in Greensboro, North Carolina, part of the Piedmont Triad region alongside Winston-Salem and High Point. The city houses roughly 300,000 residents and serves as a major educational center with several universities. Greensboro offers urban amenities while maintaining a manageable scale for college students. The campus sits about 90 miles from Charlotte and 80 miles from Raleigh-Durham. With 39% of students coming from within North Carolina, many choose to stay relatively close to home. The Piedmont region features rolling hills between the mountains and coast, providing a temperate climate year-round. Downtown Greensboro has undergone significant revitalization with restaurants, arts venues, and internship opportunities. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Bennett College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Greensboro, North Carolina 27401-3239

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$36,654
Median Earnings (5 years)
$43,341
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$23,200
Loan Repayment Rate
25.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$298/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,130

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Bennett College?

Bennett College admits 44.63% of applicants, making it moderately selective for prospective students. This historically Black women's college focuses on developing leaders across education, business, and STEM fields. With just 191 students enrolled, the admissions process allows for careful evaluation of each candidate's potential.

How much does Bennett College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $22,858 annually at Bennett College. About 75% of students receive financial aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying around $21,663 per year. The college's United Methodist affiliation helps keep costs manageable for students from diverse economic backgrounds.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Bennett College?

Bennett College maintains a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in small classes. This intimate academic environment supports the college's mission of developing strong female leaders. The small size allows professors to mentor students closely in their chosen fields of study.

Does Bennett College have good graduation outcomes?

Bennett College graduates 20.6% of students within six years, which reflects challenges common among small HBCUs serving first-generation college students. However, 92.6% of graduates find employment after graduation. The median earnings of $36,654 ten years post-graduation demonstrate the value of the college's career-focused programs.

Where do Bennett College students live on campus?

Bennett College houses students in residence halls with a capacity of 179, nearly matching the total enrollment of 191. The campus setting in Greensboro provides access to a large city's resources while maintaining the close-knit community feel. Room and board costs $9,804 annually for on-campus living.

Is Bennett College exclusively for women?

Bennett College enrolls 100% women, making it one of the few remaining historically Black women's colleges in the United States. The student body is 53.93% Black and represents both in-state (39.02%) and out-of-state students. This single-gender environment, combined with HBCU traditions, creates a unique educational experience focused on helping women leaders.