Biology at Benedict College

The small sample size here demands caution, but the pattern is troubling enough to warrant serious consideration of alternatives. Benedict's biology graduates earn $22,805 in their first year—less than three-quarters of what typical South Carolina biology graduates make, and roughly $10,000 below the national median. While earnings do climb substantially to nearly $35,000 by year four, that still leaves graduates carrying debt that exceeds their initial earnings by 54%. For context, University of South Carolina Aiken charges similar debt loads but delivers $32,000+ in first-year earnings.

The program serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (63%), and these families can least afford a slow financial launch. That first-year salary of $22,805 makes loan repayment genuinely difficult—standard federal repayment plans would consume roughly 15% of take-home pay. The eventual earnings growth is encouraging, suggesting graduates do find their footing, but those early years matter enormously for financial stability.

If your child is set on biology at Benedict, understand they'll likely need additional credentials (a master's degree, certification, or specialized training) to reach competitive salaries. Otherwise, look hard at USC Aiken or Lander, where biology graduates start their careers on firmer financial ground without significantly higher debt.