Exciting Times at Benedict College: Record Enrollment This Year!
Columbia, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement as Benedict College celebrates a significant milestone in its history. The college has reported the highest number of new student enrollments since the COVID-19 pandemic began. This fall semester has welcomed a whopping 554 new students, marking an impressive 18.4% increase compared to the previous year!
A Closer Look at the Numbers
Among this thriving group are 419 first-time, first-year students, which represents a remarkable 31.4% increase from just 338 in fall 2023. These figures not only highlight the college’s growing popularity but also indicate a renewed interest in quality education—something Benedict College has been passionate about fostering over the years.
All Hands on Deck
Yohannis Job, the Vice President for Enrollment Management, expressed immense pride in the hard work of the Admissions and Recruitment team. Their collaborative efforts across the campus have played a crucial role in achieving this enrollment milestone. “Our commitment to providing access to quality education, combined with our focus on student success, has resonated with students and families,” Job stated in a recent release.
Welcome to a Diverse Community
This year’s enrollment figures tell a beautiful story of diversity. Students are arriving from 25 states, stretching all the way from the Carolinas to California, with representation from as far north as Connecticut and far south as the U.S. Virgin Islands. Not stopping there, the incoming class includes international students from places like the Bahamas, Kenya, and Barbados. How amazing is that?
Local and Global Blend
Approximately 57% of this new student body comes from South Carolina, reinforcing Benedict College’s commitment to serving its home state while still embracing a global perspective. President Roslyn Clark Artis remarked, “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.”
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Artis also emphasized the college’s goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. She believes that this atmosphere empowers students not just to succeed academically but socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. This kind of inclusive support can make all the difference during a student’s college experience.
Overall Growth in Higher Education
Interestingly enough, Benedict College is not alone in this upward trend. The overall system enrollment for schools, including USC Columbia, has also seen a growth of 5.2% for the fall 2024 semester. This surge is indicative of a larger movement in education as many institutions recover from the impacts of the pandemic and adapt to the needs of today’s students.
Innovation at Its Core
With programs like the Innovation Institute at the college, students are equipped with high-demand technology certifications that will help them thrive in the modern job market. It’s all about giving them the tools they need to succeed while still maintaining that cherished personal touch that colleges like Benedict are known for.
As we move through this academic year, all eyes are on Benedict College. Its growth paints an inspiring picture of resilience and determination in education. Whether you’re a current student, a prospective one, or simply interested in the ongoing developments, there’s no denying that exciting times are ahead for this cherished institution!
