Benedict College Defies National Trends With Majority-Male Enrollment
Benedict College proudly announces that male students now comprise 54 percent of its undergraduate population, marking a historic shift that distinguishes the College as one of the few higher education institutions, and among the only HBCUs, to achieve a majority-male student body. This achievement stands in sharp contrast to national and HBCU enrollment patterns, where men remain significantly underrepresented.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (2024), men account for only 42 percent of all undergraduates nationwide. Within historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), women comprise approximately 63 percent of enrollment, leaving just 37 percent male students. Benedict College’s 54 percent male representation positions it as a leader in reversing the decline of male participation in higher education.
“At Benedict College, we do not accept the narrative that young men, particularly Black men, are disengaged from higher education,” said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College. “We are building intentional programming, mentoring networks, and leadership opportunities that make college not only accessible but purposeful for them. We know from experience that when you invest in these young men, they show up, stay engaged, and succeed.”
A Transformational Achievement in Higher Education
Benedict’s majority-male enrollment is more than a demographic milestone, it is a reflection of the College’s mission-driven approach to equity, access, inclusion, and opportunity. Through innovative recruitment strategies, academic support, and leadership development, the College has created an environment where male students can thrive.
“Our success in achieving a majority-male enrollment is the result of deep and intentional community engagement,” said Mr. Yohannis Job, Vice President for Enrollment Management. “We have expanded outreach to male students through schools, churches and mentorship programs, and the results speak volumes about the promise and potential of Benedict men.”
The institutional demographics stand in stark contrast to the national trends:
- National undergraduate population: 42% male / 58% female
- HBCU average enrollment: 37% male / 63% female
- Benedict College (Fall 2025): 54% male / 46% female
Benedict College’s commitment to student success remains steadfast. With this achievement, the institution continues to demonstrate the power of intentional leadership, strategic investment, and a holistic approach to education that builds better people, better communities, and a better world.
Founded in 1870, Benedict College is an award-winning historically black liberal arts institution located in Columbia, South Carolina. The College offers diverse undergraduate and graduate programs and is recognized nationally for innovation, sustainability, and leadership development. With its guiding motto “a power for good in society” Benedict College continues to shape the next generation of leaders who will change the world.
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Benedict College
Founded in 1870 by a woman, Bathsheba A. Benedict, Benedict College is a private co-educational liberal arts institution offering 29 competitive baccalaureate degree programs and two master’s degree programs. The Midlands HBCU welcomes students from several counties in South Carolina, states across America, and countries around the world. The College also has a diverse faculty deeply engaged in teaching, research, and service.
Benedict College has been highly regarded and exceptionally ranked for its programs by several academic and traditional publications. Benedict College is the recipient of the 2024 UNCF Institutional Excellence Award given by UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building Program in celebration of an HBCU that achieved next-level performance. Benedict was also named HBCU of the Year by HBCU Digest and voted the number one Gold Winner in The States’ BEST College or University in 2025.
Benedict College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Five of the College’s degree programs hold national accreditation: Social Work Program, Environmental Health Science Program, Environmental Engineering, Studio Art, and the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship.