Benedict College Doubles Graduation Rate in 8 Years

Benedict College just proved that the right support can change everything for students who need it most.

The historically Black college in Columbia, South Carolina, has doubled its four-year graduation rate over the past eight years. Between 2007 and 2017, only 13.7% of students graduated in four years. Today, that number has jumped to 28%.

The achievement is even more remarkable because Benedict serves students facing significant barriers. About 85% of students depend on Pell grants, come from low-wealth households, and are the first in their families to attend college.

"Our faculty and staff are laser-focused on providing the best academic experience," said Dr. Janeen P. Witty, vice president of academic affairs. The campus invested in better academic programs, wraparound student services, and data-driven decision making to help students succeed.

Even a global pandemic couldn't stop the momentum. When COVID-19 hit, Benedict quickly rolled out virtual tutoring, strengthened communication with students, and used federal relief funds to help vulnerable students stay enrolled. The 2021 cohort still achieved a 24% graduation rate, up 75% from the historical average.

Why This Inspires

Benedict's success sends a powerful message to other colleges serving similar student populations. The improvements happened without massive financial resources, just strategic focus on what students actually need.

Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough from the United Negro College Fund pointed out what this means for the future. "This achievement proves that they are a great investment," he said. "With greater philanthropic support, they will be able to produce eye-popping results."

The numbers tell the full story. Benedict's current four-year graduation rate already exceeds what used to be its average five-year rate. The college's six-year graduation rate now beats the national average for Black students by 2.7 percentage points.

"Clearly, we are moving the needle in a positive direction," said Dr. Yohannis Job, vice president for enrollment management. These results show that when colleges commit to real change, students respond.

Benedict College is transforming lives one graduate at a time, and showing other institutions exactly how it's done.