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Benedict College vs South University-Columbia

Benedict College is a private college in Columbia, SC. South University-Columbia is a private for-profit university in Columbia, SC. Benedict College admits about 96% of applicants and South University-Columbia about 100%, making Benedict College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $18,250 a year at Benedict College after aid, and about $27,693 at South University-Columbia. About 23% of students graduate at Benedict College, compared with 13% at South University-Columbia. Ten years after enrolling, South University-Columbia alumni earn a median of about $34,421, against $31,902 for Benedict College.

Benedict College

Columbia, SC · Private

South University-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private
Private (for-profit)
Location
Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,536
450
Acceptance rate
96%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.06–3.56
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
820–1010
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
14–19
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,250
$27,693
Full cost / yr
$32,000
$35,322
In-state tuition
$17,440
$18,145
Out-of-state tuition
$17,440
$18,145
Application fee
$25
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,177
$26,588
$30k - $48k
$18,686
$30,474
$48k - $75k
$19,295
$32,022
$75k - $110k
$20,250
$29,386
Over $110k
$20,328
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
23%
13%
Freshman retention
57%
57%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$24,908
$34,115
Median earnings (10 yr)
$31,902
$34,421
Median debt at graduation
$32,500
$26,123
Student body
Pell grant recipients
62%
58%
First-generation students
41%
47%
International students
10%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Benedict College or South University-Columbia harder to get into?
Benedict College is harder to get into. It admits about 96% of applicants, compared with 100% at South University-Columbia. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Benedict College or South University-Columbia?
Benedict College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,250 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,693 at South University-Columbia. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Benedict College and South University-Columbia?
Before aid, Benedict College costs about $32,000 a year and South University-Columbia about $35,322. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Benedict College or South University-Columbia?
Benedict College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,177 there, against about $26,588 at South University-Columbia. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Benedict College or South University-Columbia?
Benedict College is the larger of the two, with about 1,536 undergraduates against 450 at South University-Columbia.
Does Benedict College or South University-Columbia have a better graduation rate?
Benedict College has the higher graduation rate, at about 23% against 13% at South University-Columbia.
Do graduates of Benedict College or South University-Columbia earn more?
South University-Columbia alumni earn more on average: a median of about $34,421 ten years after enrolling, against about $31,902 for Benedict College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Benedict College and South University-Columbia require SAT or ACT scores?
Benedict College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. South University-Columbia is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

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