Location: Columbia, SC•In-State Tuition: $18,000•Admission Rate: 67%•Avg SAT: 910
Median Earnings (1yr)
$21,607
5th percentile
25th percentile in South Carolina
Median Debt
$32,000
28% above national median
D/E Ratio: 1.48 ElevatedSample: 23 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Starting at $21,607—nearly $5,000 below South Carolina's already-modest median for this field—Benedict's Human Development program faces an uphill battle justifying its $32,000 debt load. That 1.48 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates are borrowing nearly 18 months of their first year's salary, creating immediate financial strain in a field where earnings growth typically happens slowly. While the program ranks in the 25th percentile statewide (meaning 75% of SC programs deliver better outcomes), the gap between Benedict and even the state median is significant enough to matter.

The small sample size here is crucial—with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, these figures might not represent a typical experience. That said, the pattern is concerning enough that it warrants serious consideration: Southern Wesleyan graduates in the same field earn 45% more in their first year with similar debt. For a program serving predominantly Pell-eligible students (63% of Benedict's population), that income difference translates to real hardship managing loan payments on an already tight budget.

If your child is committed to human development work, exploring programs with stronger earnings outcomes—or considering whether graduate education will be necessary anyway—makes sense. At these earnings levels, every dollar of undergraduate debt matters considerably more than it would in higher-paying fields.

Where Benedict College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human development, family studies, bachelors's programs nationally

Benedict CollegeOther human development, family studies, programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Benedict College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Benedict College earns $22k — 5th percentile among human development, family studies, bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina

Human Development, Family Studies, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (14 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Benedict CollegeColumbia$18,000$21,607—$32,0001.48
Southern Wesleyan UniversityCentral$27,870$31,326—$39,7921.27
National Median—$33,543—$25,0000.75

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with human development, family studies, graduates

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Human Service Assistants

Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.

$45,120/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Childcare Workers

Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Nannies

Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Duties may include meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, discipline, intellectual stimulation, language activities, and transportation.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.

Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other

All community and social service specialists not listed separately.

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Benedict College, approximately 63% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 23 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.