Benedict College, established in 1870 by Bathsheba A. Benedict as a school for freed slaves, is a private historically black college in Columbia, South Carolina ranked #85 in Regional Colleges South by U.S. News. The college's 100-acre campus in the state capital features 29 buildings including the state-of-the-art Business Development Center and the Benjamin E. Mays Human Resources Center, named for its most famous president. Benedict offers 29 degree programs through five academic divisions, with particular strengths in business administration, biology, and mass communication. The college's Center for Cybersecurity Education and Research addresses critical workforce needs in this growing field.
Benedict's location provides students with unparalleled access to state government internships, Fortune 500 companies, and cultural institutions in South Carolina's capital city. The college maintains a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and has produced numerous notable alumni including civil rights leaders, NFL players, and business executives. Benedict Tigers athletics compete in NCAA Division II and the SIAC conference. The college's long-standing partnership with the United Methodist Church informs its commitment to service learning and community engagement through programs like the annual 'Day of Service' involving the entire campus.
Benedict College Acceptance Rate
Benedict College is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Benedict College is 67.3%. This means that 67 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Benedict College Admission Requirements
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Benedict College Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Benedict College Average SAT Score: 910
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Benedict College is 910 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 910 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1010 SAT or 19 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Benedict College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 820, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Benedict College.Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal, most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 450 | 400 | 500 |
| SAT Reading | 465 | 420 | 510 |
| SAT Composite | 910 | 820 | 1010 |
It means that if you have scored less than 820 then you are below most of the admitted students at Benedict College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1010 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 900
Can I get into Benedict College with a 1000 SAT?
With a 1000 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Benedict College are good but the admission staff at Benedict College tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Benedict College ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Benedict College is 17.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Benedict College an easy target or ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 17 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ACT English | |||
| ACT Composite | 17 | 14 | 19 |
Can I get into Benedict College with a 19 ACT?
A 19 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Benedict College — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Benedict College use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Benedict College — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Benedict College uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 19 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 17.Benedict College Profile
Name: Benedict College
City: Columbia
URL: www.benedict.edu/
State: South Carolina
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 29204-1086
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Can I Get Into Benedict College Without SAT Or ACT?: Benedict College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Is a Benedict College degree Worth It?
Getting into Benedict College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Benedict College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Benedict College is $49,300 and unemployment rate is 4.58%.
How much does a degree from Benedict College Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Benedict College is $29,921. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Benedict College is much less than this.
63.48% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 67.09 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Benedict College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Benedict College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Benedict College as your choice in the form.
How much does a Benedict College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is $31,902. An average Benedict College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Benedict College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Valley State University | Fort Valley State University, GA | 864 | 18 |
| Bennett College | Bennett College, NC | 890 | NA |
| Virginia Union University | Virginia Union University, VA | 860 | NA |
| Chamberlain University-Illinois | Chamberlain University-Illinois, IL | 868 | 16 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Benedict College. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, AR | 916 | 16 |
| Bethune-Cookman University | Bethune-Cookman University, FL | 913 | 17 |
| Trinity College of Florida | Trinity College of Florida, FL | 905 | 19 |
| Wesleyan College | Wesleyan College, GA | 905 | NA |
| Morningside University | Morningside University, IA | 910 | 17 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Benedict College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A & M University | Alabama A & M University, AL | 947 | 17 |
| Alabama State University | Alabama State University, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Baptist Health College Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| University of Bridgeport | University of Bridgeport, CT | 985 | NA |
| Delaware State University | Delaware State University, DE | 984 | 24 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
Frequently Asked Questions About Benedict College Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $31,902 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $29,921 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: 63.5% of students at this university receive a Pell Grant — free money that does not need to be repaid. Your chances of need-based aid are strong. Submit your FAFSA as early as possible and list this institution as your choice to be considered for maximum aid.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Benedict College is 67.3% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Benedict College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 910 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 820-1010
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Benedict College.
Last Updated: Wednesday March 18, 2026
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in November 2025, US Department of Education's latest statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.