Benedict College vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

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

Virginia State University is larger than Benedict College based on total student enrollment (5,605 students vs. 1,691 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Benedict College is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Virginia State University is in Petersburg, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Benedict College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Benedict College 13:1; Virginia State University 13:1.

Benedict College vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Benedict College or VSU? 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 Virginia State University than Benedict College ($17,840 vs. $18,665).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedict College are 46.5% lower than at Virginia State University ($7,146 vs. $13,355).
• Benedict College is 73.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $7,397 more per year; $17,440.00 vs. $10,043.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.9% higher at VSU than at Benedict College (about $5,210 more per year; $22,650.00 vs. $17,440.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Benedict College than at Virginia State University (95% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Benedict College students is 7.1% larger than aid received by Virginia State University students ($13,335 vs. $12,447).

Benedict College vs. VSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Benedict College or VSU? 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 VSU and Benedict College.

• Benedict College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Virginia State University (960) is 40 points higher than at Benedict College (920).
• Incoming VSU 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; Virginia State University 840/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedict College 14/19; Virginia State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Benedict College - Open admission; VSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Benedict College Feb 15, 2027; VSU May 1, 2027.
• Benedict College has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than VSU (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8% at Benedict College vs. 14.3% at VSU.

Benedict College vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Benedict College and VSU? 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).

• Virginia State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Benedict College's (26%).
• Graduates from Virginia State University earn a median of about $11,700 more per year than Benedict College graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $25,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia State University graduates have a $13,398 lower median loan debt than Benedict College graduates ($29,500 vs. $42,898).
• Among borrowers, VSU graduates have an estimated $138 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Benedict College graduates ($305 vs. $443).
• More VSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedict College students, three years after graduation. (28% 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.