Benedict College vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

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

West Virginia State University is larger than Benedict College based on total student enrollment (3,246 students vs. 1,691 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Benedict College vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Benedict College or WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University than Benedict College ($11,055 vs. $18,665).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedict College are 47.2% lower than at West Virginia State University ($7,146 vs. $13,522).
• Benedict College is 82.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVSU (about $7,870 more per year; $17,440.00 vs. $9,570.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.3% higher at Benedict College than at West Virginia State University (about $2,450 more per year; $17,440.00 vs. $14,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Benedict College than at West Virginia State University (95% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Benedict College students is 48.3% larger than aid received by West Virginia State University students ($13,335 vs. $8,993).

Benedict College vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

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

• Benedict College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Benedict College (920) is 20 points higher than at WVSU (900).
• Incoming WVSU 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; West Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedict College 14/19; West Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Benedict College - Open admission; WVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Benedict College Feb 15, 2027.
• WVSU has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than Benedict College (95.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8% at Benedict College vs. 5.5% at WVSU.

Benedict College vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Benedict College's six-year graduation rate (26%) is higher than West Virginia State University's (25%).
• Graduates from West Virginia State University earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than Benedict College graduates about ten years after starting college ($32,700 vs. $25,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia State University graduates have a $19,648 lower median loan debt than Benedict College graduates ($23,250 vs. $42,898).
• Among borrowers, WVSU graduates have an estimated $203 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Benedict College graduates ($240 vs. $443).
• More WVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedict College students, three years after graduation. (35% 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.