Benedict College provides meaningful access to higher education for students who might not otherwise attend college, serving a predominantly first-generation and Pell-eligible population at affordable private college prices.
The institution offers the benefits of small class sizes and community support, though families should carefully consider the modest long-term earnings outcomes.
Benedict College is a small private nonprofit institution in Columbia, South Carolina, that serves a predominantly first-generation and Pell-eligible student population. With 63% of students receiving Pell Grants and about 41% being first-generation college students, Benedict provides broad access to higher education for students who might not otherwise attend college. The institution falls into the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility category, reflecting its strong commitment to access combined with more modest earnings outcomes.
Benedict College graduates earn a median of $31,902 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution around the middle of the national distribution for earnings outcomes. While these earnings are below what similar students achieve at other institutions, the college's affordability helps offset some of the financial trade-offs. Net prices are particularly reasonable for low-income families at $16,807 annually, making Benedict one of the more affordable private college options in South Carolina.
As a historically black college and university, Benedict serves an important role in providing educational access and community for students who value that environment. The institution's small size allows for personalized attention, though families should weigh the college's accessibility and community benefits against the reality that graduates typically earn less than peers at other institutions.
Benedict College offers a focused set of career-oriented programs, with corrections administration and business administration representing the institution's primary academic strengths. The corrections administration program, while small with 24 graduates, delivers the strongest financial outcomes at $35,416 in median earnings ten years out. This program combines solid early-career pay with direct pathways into stable government and public safety careers.
Business administration and management serves as Benedict's largest program with 28 graduates annually, though earnings outcomes are more modest at $22,834 in early career. The program provides foundational business skills and serves students seeking entry-level management and administrative roles. Both programs reflect Benedict's practical, career-focused approach to education, preparing students for immediate workforce entry rather than advanced academic study.
The limited program portfolio reflects the college's small size and focused mission, concentrating resources on fields where graduates can find direct employment. While the earnings potential in these programs remains below what students might achieve elsewhere, they provide clear career pathways for students who value the supportive HBCU environment and personalized attention that Benedict offers.
Benedict College graduates earn a median of $31,902 ten years after enrollment, which represents modest financial outcomes compared with other institutions. Graduates typically earn about $4,153 less than similar students at other colleges, placing Benedict below expectations for long-term earnings. The college ranks around the middle nationally for overall earnings, but the earnings trajectory shows that financial returns develop slowly over time.
The strongest earnings outcomes come from the corrections administration program, where 24 graduates earn a median of $35,416 ten years out, making it both the highest-return and most concentrated program at the college. Business administration and management is the largest program with 28 graduates, though these students earn a more modest $22,834 in early career. The limited program mix reflects Benedict's focus on practical, career-oriented fields, though the earnings potential in these areas remains below what students might achieve at other institutions. With only 47 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, high-earning outcomes are relatively rare, suggesting that students should have realistic expectations about long-term financial returns.
Benedict College offers strong affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families. Low-income students pay a net price of $16,807 annually, which is well below what most private colleges charge and competitive even with many public institutions. Middle-income families see costs rise to $19,763 per year, while higher-income families pay $24,076 annually. These net prices represent good value for a private college education, especially given the personalized attention that comes with Benedict's small size.
Most students do need to borrow to cover their costs, with typical federal loan debt reaching $32,500 by graduation. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $18,319, which is moderate for a private institution. The college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that while graduates may face challenges with earnings, they are generally able to avoid defaulting on their federal student loans. However, the loan repayment trajectory shows that borrowers make little progress paying down their balances in the first several years after graduation, reflecting the reality that modest earnings make it difficult to accelerate debt repayment.
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