Overview of Benedict College
Benedict College is a historically black liberal arts college located in Columbia, South Carolina. Established in 1870 by Bathsheba A. Benedict, a northern philanthropist, the institution has a rich history of providing quality education to African American students. Benedict College is affiliated with the Baptist Church and has played a crucial role in the development of higher education opportunities for black students in the United States.
The college’s mission is to provide transformative learning experiences that empower students to excel personally, academically, and socially. Benedict College is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive community that prepares students for leadership roles in a global society.
Academically, Benedict College offers a range of undergraduate programs across various disciplines. The curriculum emphasizes a liberal arts education, ensuring that students develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. The college is known for its strong emphasis on preparing students for careers in fields such as business, education, social sciences, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
One of Benedict College’s standout features is its dedicated faculty. The college takes pride in its professors, who are not only experts in their respective fields but also mentors committed to guiding students toward academic and personal success. The smaller class sizes at Benedict foster a more intimate learning environment, allowing for meaningful interactions between students and faculty.
The campus itself is a blend of historic and modern facilities. The historic Richardson Hall, named after the college’s founder, stands as a symbol of Benedict’s longstanding commitment to education. The campus has expanded over the years to include state-of-the-art facilities, modern residence halls, and cutting-edge laboratories to support academic and research endeavors.
Beyond academics, Benedict College places a strong emphasis on community engagement and service. The college encourages students to participate in various community service initiatives, fostering a sense of social responsibility and civic engagement. This commitment to service aligns with the college’s broader mission of producing graduates who contribute positively to society.
The extracurricular scene at Benedict College is vibrant, with a range of student organizations, clubs, and activities. These provide students with opportunities to pursue their interests, develop leadership skills, and build a sense of community on campus. Whether through cultural organizations, sports clubs, or academic societies, students have the chance to engage in a well-rounded college experience.
Athletics also play a significant role in campus life at Benedict. The college competes in the NCAA Division II and is a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). The Benedict Tigers participate in various sports, including basketball, football, track and field, and more. Athletics contribute to school spirit and provide students with opportunities for teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness.
Benedict College is committed to providing access to higher education for students from diverse backgrounds. The college offers financial aid programs to support students in their academic journey, recognizing the importance of making education accessible to all.
Benedict College stands as a beacon of education, community, and service. With a rich history, a commitment to academic excellence, and a focus on holistic student development, Benedict College continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of its students and contributing to the broader landscape of higher education.
1600 Harden Street Columbia, SC 29204
Phone: (803) 253-5143
Email: admissions@benedict.edu
Web site: http://www.benedict.edu
Rankings: Benedict College
Located in Columbia, SC, Benedict College is one of the best universities in the state of South Carolina. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Benedict College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Benedict College.
Benedict College is a historically black college located in Columbia, South Carolina. Founded in 1870, it is one of the oldest HBCUs in the United States. Benedict College has consistently been ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, and is currently ranked #32 on their list of top liberal arts colleges. The college has also been recognized for its outstanding academic programs and commitment to social justice and community engagement by various organizations including The Washington Monthly, Princeton Review, and Forbes Magazine. Benedict College also offers a variety of student services including career planning, counseling services, tutoring and mentoring programs, study abroad opportunities, and more. With six schools offering over 40 majors and concentrations in areas such as business administration, computer science, criminal justice and public safety management, education studies, environmental science and sustainability studies; Benedict College provides students with an array of options to pursue their educational goals. In addition to these academic offerings students can choose from over 50 clubs and organizations that offer a range of activities from civic engagement to intramural sports. Benedict College strives to create an environment where students can reach their full potential academically while engaging with the campus community socially.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.4 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 83 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 56.5% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 28.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 72 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 48.5% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 6.4% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 18:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 89.0% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 94 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 640-880 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 5% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 16% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 69.9% |
| Financial resources rank: | 30 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 5 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 27.0% |
Essential Facts: Benedict College
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | N/A |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | N/A |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | N/A |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 50% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 37% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | No |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance mandatory, dress/hair code, honor code, hazing prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA II |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, jazz band, marching band, music ensembles, pep band, student government, student newspaper, yearbook |