Benedict College Achieves Record Enrollment with Largest Freshman Class Since Pandemic

Columbia Welcomes an Exciting New Chapter at Benedict College

Columbia, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement as Benedict College celebrates a significant milestone in its enrollment history. This fall, the college has welcomed a record-breaking number of new students, marking the largest freshman class since the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Record Enrollment Numbers

A whopping 554 new students have chosen to enroll at Benedict College for the fall 2024 semester. This represents an impressive 18.4% increase from last year, showcasing the college’s remarkable growth and appeal. Of these new students, 419 are first-time, first-year students—a number that surged by 31.4% from 338 in fall 2023.

These robust figures reflect a three-year high and underscore the successful strategic enrollment initiatives at the college. “We are very proud of the efforts of our Admissions and Recruitment team, as well as the collaborative work across campus that has contributed to this enrollment milestone,” said Yohannis Job, the vice president for enrollment management.

A Diverse Student Body

Benedict College is not just growing in numbers; it is also embracing diversity. This year’s incoming class comprises students hailing from 25 states, stretching from the Carolinas all the way to California. Interestingly, students have traveled from as far north as Connecticut and as far south as the U.S. Virgin Islands to be part of this thriving academic community.

Additionally, the campus is welcoming international students from places such as the Bahamas, Kenya, and Barbados. Notably, around 57% of the new student population comes from South Carolina, affirming the college’s dedication to serving its home state while also maintaining a wide-reaching global outlook.

A Commitment to Excellence

The growth in enrollment is a strong indicator of the strength of Benedict College’s academic programs and the value it provides to students. “The growth in our enrollment speaks to the strength of our academic programs, the value of a Benedict College education, and the deep trust our community places in us as an institution,” shared Roslyn Clark Artis, the president of Benedict College.

This commitment to quality education goes hand in hand with a focus on student success, which is evidently resonating with students and families alike. “We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment that empowers students to succeed academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually,” Artis emphasized.

A Bright Future Ahead

The enthusiasm surrounding this year’s enrollment speaks volumes about the positive changes happening at Benedict College. As new students engage in their academic journeys, the college community is eager to support them. Benedict College has set the stage for a vibrant educational experience that prioritizes not just academic excellence, but also personal growth and community engagement.

In addition to the buzz around Benedict College, it’s worth noting that overall enrollment across the University of South Carolina system has increased by 5.2% for the fall 2024 semester. This expansion across academic institutions hints at a broader trend of growth and revitalization in higher education as we move further away from the impacts of the pandemic.

As the latest class settles into campus life, the shared hopes and dreams of the students, faculty, and staff continue to shape the future of Benedict College. Columbia is truly a thriving educational hub, and the excitement is just beginning!