Benedict College vs. Centra College

Comparable Facts

Compare Benedict College in Columbia, SC with Centra College in Lynchburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Benedict College is larger than Centra College based on total student enrollment (1,691 students vs. 219 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Benedict College is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Centra College is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Benedict College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Centra College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Benedict College 13:1; Centra College 3:1.

Benedict College vs. Centra College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Benedict College or Centra College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedict College are 42.5% lower than at Centra College ($7,146 vs. $12,424).
• Benedict College is 34.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Centra College (about $4,457 more per year; $17,440.00 vs. $12,983.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.3% higher at Benedict College than at Centra College (about $4,457 more per year; $17,440.00 vs. $12,983.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Benedict College than at Centra College (95% vs. 0%).

Benedict College vs. Centra College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Benedict College or Centra 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 Centra College and Benedict College.

• Benedict College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedict College 820/1010.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedict College 14/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Benedict College - Open admission; Centra College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Benedict College Feb 15, 2027.
• Centra College has a higher acceptance rate (100%) than Benedict College (95.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8% at Benedict College vs. 0% at Centra College.

Benedict College vs. Centra College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Benedict College and Centra 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).

• Graduates from Centra College earn a median of about $19,800 more per year than Benedict College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $25,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Centra College graduates have a $30,856 lower median loan debt than Benedict College graduates ($12,042 vs. $42,898).
• Among borrowers, Centra College graduates have an estimated $319 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Benedict College graduates ($124 vs. $443).
• More Centra College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedict College students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.