Maharishi International University vs. Benedict College

Comparable Facts

Compare Maharishi International University in Fairfield, IA with Benedict College in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Maharishi International University is larger than Benedict College based on total student enrollment (2,592 students vs. 1,691 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Maharishi International University is located in Fairfield, IA (Remote Town setting); Benedict College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Maharishi International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Benedict College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Maharishi International University 13:1; Benedict College 13:1.

Maharishi International University vs. Benedict College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Maharishi International University 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 Maharishi International University than Benedict College ($16,281 vs. $18,665).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedict College are 3.4% lower than at Maharishi International University ($7,146 vs. $7,400).
• Benedict College is 5.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Maharishi International University (about $910 more per year; $17,440.00 vs. $16,530.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.5% higher at Benedict College than at Maharishi International University (about $910 more per year; $17,440.00 vs. $16,530.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Maharishi International University than at Benedict College (97% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Benedict College students is 16% larger than aid received by Maharishi International University students ($13,335 vs. $11,496).

Maharishi International University vs. Benedict College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Maharishi International University 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 Maharishi International University.

• 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: Maharishi International University - Test-free; Benedict College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Maharishi International University Jul 30, 2027; Benedict College Feb 15, 2027.
• Benedict College has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Maharishi International University (95.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 75.3% at Maharishi International University vs. 8% at Benedict College.

Maharishi International University vs. Benedict College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Maharishi International University 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).

• Maharishi International University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Benedict College's (26%).
• Graduates from Maharishi International University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than Benedict College graduates about ten years after starting college ($29,300 vs. $25,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Maharishi International University graduates have a $3,861 lower median loan debt than Benedict College graduates ($39,037 vs. $42,898).
• Among borrowers, Maharishi International University graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Benedict College graduates ($403 vs. $443).
• More Maharishi International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedict College students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.