Hampshire College vs. Benedict College

Comparable Facts

Compare Hampshire College in Amherst, MA with Benedict College in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Benedict College is larger than Hampshire College based on total student enrollment (1,691 students vs. 844 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hampshire College is located in Amherst, MA (Rural Fringe setting); Benedict College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Hampshire College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Benedict College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hampshire College 13:1; Benedict College 13:1.

Hampshire College vs. Benedict College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hampshire College or Benedict College? 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 Benedict College than Hampshire College ($18,665 vs. $27,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedict College are 55.2% lower than at Hampshire College ($7,146 vs. $15,958).
• Hampshire College is 237.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Benedict College (about $41,456 more per year; $58,896.00 vs. $17,440.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 237.7% higher at Hampshire College than at Benedict College (about $41,456 more per year; $58,896.00 vs. $17,440.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hampshire College than at Benedict College (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hampshire College students is 246% larger than aid received by Benedict College students ($46,145 vs. $13,335).

Hampshire College vs. Benedict College Admissions comparison

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

• Benedict College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBenedict College 820/1010.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBenedict College 14/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hampshire College - Test-free; Benedict College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hampshire College Jan 15, 2027; Benedict College Feb 15, 2027.
• Benedict College has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Hampshire College (75.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.4% at Hampshire College vs. 8% at Benedict College.

Hampshire College vs. Benedict College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Hampshire College's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Benedict College's (26%).
• Graduates from Hampshire College earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than Benedict College graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $25,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hampshire College graduates have a $19,367 lower median loan debt than Benedict College graduates ($23,531 vs. $42,898).
• Among borrowers, Hampshire College graduates have an estimated $200 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Benedict College graduates ($243 vs. $443).
• More Hampshire College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedict College students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.