Benedict College is proud to announce a significant and sustained increase in its 4-year graduation rates, reflecting the institution’s ongoing commitment to student success, academic excellence, and transformational impact. Through strategic investments in academic programs, student support services, and datainformed decision-making, the College has achieved a notable 104% increase in 4-year graduation rates compared to historical averages.
“President Artis, her staff and especially the students should be commended for this tremendous accomplishment. Benedict College’s efforts to significantly improve graduation rates, with limited financial support, prove that they are a great investment. This achievement reflects the dedication of the faculty, staff, and the vibrant community that supports each student on their journey to academic and professional triumph. With greater philanthropic support, they will be able to produce eye-popping results,” said Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough, executive vice president, research and member engagement, UNCF.
From 2007–2017, Benedict’s average 4-year graduation rate was 13.7%. Today, that number has risen dramatically. The 2019–2023 cohort achieved a 28% 4-year graduation rate, with the 2020–2024 cohort reaching 28.1%, both representing more than double the previous baseline. Even the 2021–2025 cohort, at 24%, reflects a 75% improvement despite unprecedented disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These gains reflect the collective, student-centered work happening across our campus,” said Dr. Janeen Witty, vice president of academic affairs. “Our faculty and staff have embraced innovative strategies that remove barriers, support persistence,
and ensure our students have the tools they need to succeed and become the BEST of BC.” Responding to a Global Crisis with Innovation
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Benedict College implemented a series of targeted initiatives to help students maintain academic momentum. These included expanded virtual academic support, enhanced communication strategies, coursesharing partnerships, and the strategic use of CARES Act funding to assist vulnerable students. These efforts helped preserve the upward trajectory of student achievement even during a period of national instability.
Performance That Exceeds National Norms
Benedict College’s improved outcomes stand strong in comparison to national benchmarks. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES):
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The national average 4-year graduation rate for Black students is 29.7%, placing Benedict’s recent cohorts close to parity, even while serving a student population that is 85% Pell-dependent, first-generation, and primarily from low-wealth households.
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The national average 6-year graduation rate for Black students is 40%; Benedict’s 6-year graduation rate for the 2021–2025 cohort
exceeds this average by 2.7%, marking another significant achievement.
Institutional Momentum and Continued Progress
The College’s current 4-year graduation rate surpasses Benedict’s average 5-year graduation rate over the past decade (22.87%), and the three-year mean of the current cohorts exceeds the College’s 10-year average 6-year graduation rate (25.7%). These results demonstrate a shift in institutional culture and effectiveness, signaling that the initiatives launched in 2017 have taken firm root.
“Clearly, we are moving the needle in a positive direction,” said Dr. Yohannis Job, vice president for enrollment management. “These results affirm our mission to educate, empower, and elevate our students, and they reinforce Benedict’s role as a national leader among Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”
A Commitment to Transformative Student Success
As Benedict College continues to invest in academic innovation and holistic student support, the institution remains firmly committed to sustaining this progress. With every new cohort, the College advances its mission to transform lives, one graduate at a time.
