Economics at Benedict College

Based on comparable economics programs in South Carolina, Benedict College graduates can expect first-year earnings around $48,000—right at the state median but below the national benchmark of $52,000. The estimated debt load of $24,000 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary. For context, Benedict serves a primarily Pell-eligible student body (63%), and for many of these students, a bachelor's in economics at this price point represents reasonable access to professional opportunities.

The challenge is uncertainty. With the Department of Education suppressing actual outcomes due to small sample sizes, we're relying on peer program data rather than Benedict's specific track record. South Carolina's economics programs show significant variation—from Furman's $56,000 to Clemson's $45,000—which means your child's outcomes could differ substantially based on factors the estimates can't capture: internship networks, career services quality, or alumni connections specific to Benedict.

If your child attends Benedict, focus on what matters beyond the degree: securing internships in Columbia's state government sector or banking industry, building relationships with professors who can connect them to employers, and having a clear career plan before graduation. The estimated numbers suggest workable economics, but with limited actual data, the quality of your child's individual experience will matter more than usual.