Benedict College’s four-year graduation rate has skyrocketed.
According to a news release, the Historically Black University (HBCU), which serves a student population that is 85% Pell-eligible, first-generation, and primarily from low-wealth backgrounds, and is led by President Roslyn Clark Artis, has achieved a 104% increase in its four-year graduation rate, compared with its historical average.
“Our entire campus celebrates the increase in our graduation rate as an indication of the strategic initiatives and professional development for our faculty and the wrap-around services that we provide for our students to promote retention and success,” Dr. Janeen P. Witty, vice president of academic affairs, commented in the news release.
From 2007 to 2017, Benedict’s average four-year graduation rate was 13.7%, notes the release. The 2021–2025 cohort alone posted a 24% rate, which the university stated reflects a 75% increase despite disruptions in the wake of COVID-19.
The college’s six-year graduation rate also surpasses national averages for Black students by 2.7% for the 2021–2025 cohort, according to the release.
The uptick is credited to the school’s commitment to pillars such as student success and academic excellence, as well as its decisions to invest in student support services, data-informed decision-making, and academic programs, the press release said. As previously reported by AFROTECH™, the college introduced an esports major in 2022 as part of its broader push to enhance student outcomes.
The school has also affirmed its investment in affordability, ensuring that its students can afford to complete their degree in four years. President Artis noted that the college underwent a tuition reset in 2018, which resulted in a 26% decrease in tuition, according to The EDU Ledger.
“Most of our students are low-wealth kids, and they can’t afford to be here on the five- and six-year plans,” she told the outlet.
“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,” Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough, United Negro College Fund executive vice president, research and member engagement, said in the press release.
