Business Administration, Management and Operations at Benedict College

Benedict College's business program presents troubling economics that warrant serious reconsideration. Graduates earn just $28,419 in their first year—less than half the state median of $42,000 for business majors and landing in the 10th percentile among South Carolina's 34 business programs. That initial salary barely edges above the poverty line for a family of four, yet students typically carry $34,000 in debt, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.20 that will strain monthly budgets significantly.

The modest 6% earnings growth to $30,181 by year four offers little relief. Compare this trajectory to top South Carolina business programs like Charleston Southern ($65,000) or even the state median ($42,000), and the gap is stark. With 63% of Benedict students receiving Pell grants, many come from families with limited financial cushion—making this debt burden particularly risky for a degree that isn't opening doors to middle-class earnings.

If your child is set on Benedict for community or support reasons, consider whether the business major specifically makes sense, or if they might find stronger outcomes in a different field. Otherwise, South Carolina has dozens of business programs delivering substantially better returns. This particular path leaves graduates earning below what many jobs require no degree at all, while carrying debt that will take years to repay.