Benedict College vs. Virginia Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Benedict College is larger than Virginia Union University based on total student enrollment (1,691 students vs. 1,646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Benedict College is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Virginia Union University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Benedict College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Benedict College 13:1; Virginia Union University 16:1.

Benedict College vs. Virginia Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Benedict College or Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University than Benedict College ($11,483 vs. $18,665).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedict College are 35.1% lower than at Virginia Union University ($7,146 vs. $11,016).
• Virginia Union University is 0.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Benedict College (about $10 more per year; $17,450.00 vs. $17,440.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.1% higher at Virginia Union University than at Benedict College (about $10 more per year; $17,450.00 vs. $17,440.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Benedict College than at Virginia Union University (95% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Union University students is 31.4% larger than aid received by Benedict College students ($17,524 vs. $13,335).

Benedict College vs. Virginia Union University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Benedict College or Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University and Benedict College.

• Benedict College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Benedict College (920) is 50 points higher than at Virginia Union University (870).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedict College 820/1010; Virginia Union University 850/885.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedict College 14/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Benedict College - Open admission; Virginia Union University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Benedict College Feb 15, 2027.
• Virginia Union University has a higher acceptance rate (98%) than Benedict College (95.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8% at Benedict College vs. 14.3% at Virginia Union University.

Benedict College vs. Virginia Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Benedict College and Virginia Union 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).

• Virginia Union University's six-year graduation rate (29%) is higher than Benedict College's (26%).
• Graduates from Virginia Union University earn a median of about $8,300 more per year than Benedict College graduates about ten years after starting college ($33,300 vs. $25,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia Union University graduates have a $9,148 lower median loan debt than Benedict College graduates ($33,750 vs. $42,898).
• Among borrowers, Virginia Union University graduates have an estimated $95 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Benedict College graduates ($348 vs. $443).
• More Virginia Union University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedict College students, three years after graduation. (19% 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.