Benedict College vs. South Carolina State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Benedict College in Columbia, SC with South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

South Carolina State University is larger than Benedict College based on total student enrollment (3,242 students vs. 1,691 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Benedict College is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); South Carolina State University is in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Benedict College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. South Carolina State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Benedict College 13:1; South Carolina State University 19:1.

Benedict College vs. South Carolina State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Benedict College or South Carolina State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at South Carolina State University than Benedict College ($17,965 vs. $18,665).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedict College are 20.6% lower than at South Carolina State University ($7,146 vs. $9,000).
• Benedict College is 57.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Carolina State University (about $6,380 more per year; $17,440.00 vs. $11,060.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.7% higher at South Carolina State University than at Benedict College (about $4,310 more per year; $21,750.00 vs. $17,440.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Benedict College as at South Carolina State University (95% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Benedict College students is 15.2% larger than aid received by South Carolina State University students ($13,335 vs. $11,579).

Benedict College vs. South Carolina State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Benedict College or South Carolina State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between South Carolina State University and Benedict College.

• Benedict College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at South Carolina State University (930) is 10 points higher than at Benedict College (920).
• Incoming South Carolina State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (17 vs. 16 at Benedict College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedict College 820/1010; South Carolina State University 800/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedict College 14/19; South Carolina State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Benedict College - Open admission; South Carolina State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Benedict College Feb 15, 2027; South Carolina State University Jul 31, 2027.
• Benedict College has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than South Carolina State University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8% at Benedict College vs. 11.4% at South Carolina State University.

Benedict College vs. South Carolina State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Benedict College and South Carolina State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• South Carolina State University's six-year graduation rate (35%) is higher than Benedict College's (26%).
• Graduates from South Carolina State University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than Benedict College graduates about ten years after starting college ($31,000 vs. $25,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, South Carolina State University graduates have a $9,693 lower median loan debt than Benedict College graduates ($33,205 vs. $42,898).
• Among borrowers, South Carolina State University graduates have an estimated $100 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Benedict College graduates ($343 vs. $443).
• More South Carolina State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedict College students, three years after graduation. (27% vs. 13%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.