Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Columbia, South Carolina
67.3% Acceptance Rate
Benedict College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
67.3%Acceptance Rate
910Avg SAT
17Avg ACT
$29,921Annual Cost
$31,902Grad Salary
63.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
67.3%
Avg SAT
910
Avg ACT
17
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
820–1010
ACT Middle 50%
14–19
Need-Based Aid
63.5% receive Pell
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.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 67.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Benedict College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Benedict College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
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 2026 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.
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.
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
SAT 910 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for 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
ACT 17 — Accessible
This score makes Benedict College an easy target for 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 | - | - | - |
| 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.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Benedict College
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Benedict College is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Consistency over Perfection
Prove you can handle a college curriculum by maintaining a steady or upward GPA trend. One or two lower grades won't be a dealbreaker if you've improved since.
Placement Validation
Use the SAT or ACT to exempt yourself from non-credit remedial courses. A solid score here saves you time and tuition money once you enroll.
Practical Leadership
Highlight work experience, family responsibilities, or community service. These schools value 'grit' and real-world maturity.
FAFSA & Deadlines
At schools with higher acceptance rates, the 'win' is financial. Submit your FAFSA and local scholarship apps as early as possible to maximize your aid package.
Next Step: Review the specific 'Pre-Professional' tracks at Benedict College to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.
Benedict College Profile
Full Name
Benedict College
City
Columbia
State
South Carolina
ZIP Code
29204-1086
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
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 the graduate 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.
63.5% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 67.1 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.
Compare Similar Colleges
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, GA | 864 | 18 |
| Bennett College | Greensboro, NC | 890 | NA |
| Virginia Union University | Richmond, VA | 860 | NA |
| Chamberlain University-Illinois | Addison, 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 is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | Pine Bluff, AR | 916 | 16 |
| Bethune-Cookman University | Daytona Beach, FL | 913 | 17 |
| Trinity College of Florida | Trinity, FL | 905 | 19 |
| Wesleyan College | Macon, GA | 905 | NA |
| Morningside University | Sioux City, 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 | Normal, AL | 947 | 17 |
| Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| University of Bridgeport | Bridgeport, CT | 985 | NA |
| Delaware State University | Dover, DE | 984 | 24 |
Degree Programs at Benedict College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Benedict College →
Frequently Asked Questions About Benedict College Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $31,902 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $29,921 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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