Benedict College Doubles Graduation Rate to 28 Percent
A historically Black college in South Carolina has more than doubled its four-year graduation rate in just six years, proving what focused support can achieve. Benedict College jumped from 13.7 percent to 28 percent, even through a pandemic.
Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina just achieved something remarkable: a 104 percent increase in its four-year graduation rate over the past six years. For a school where 85 percent of students are Pell-dependent or first-generation, that's not just a number—it's a transformation.
The college's four-year graduation rate averaged just 13.7 percent between 2007 and 2017. Today, recent cohorts are hitting 28 percent, with the school's six-year graduation rate now exceeding the national average by 2.7 percent.
The turnaround began in 2017 with strategic investments in academic programs and data-driven student support. President Artis and her team focused on wraparound services, professional development, and ensuring every student gets the help they need to succeed.
When COVID-19 hit, the college didn't let students fall through the cracks. Virtual academic support, course-sharing partnerships, and CARES Act funding kept vulnerable students on track during national uncertainty.
Why This Inspires
Benedict College is competing with schools that have far more resources, yet they're nearly matching the national four-year graduation average for Black students of 29.7 percent. Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough of the UNCF called these results proof that the institution is a premier investment for philanthropic partners.
The success shows what happens when faculty, staff, and administrators stay laser-focused on student outcomes. Dr. Yohannis Job says the college is "moving the needle" in a positive direction, with each new cohort advancing the mission to educate, empower, and elevate.
The current three-year average now exceeds what used to be the ten-year average for six-year graduation rates. Every metric points in the same direction: up.
Dr. Janeen P. Witty highlighted that the entire campus celebrates these wins together, creating a culture where student success isn't just a goal but an expectation. The faculty remains committed to ensuring graduates are career-ready from day one.
If this much progress is possible with limited resources, imagine what greater support could achieve for HBCUs nationwide.
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Based on reporting by Google News - Graduation Success
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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