What does Benedict College do?

Benedict College is a private, co-educational liberal arts college located in Columbia, South Carolina. Founded in 1870 by Bathsheba A. Benedict, the college was established to educate newly freed African Americans. It began as Benedict Institute, operating in a former plantation mansion, and has evolved to offer a wide range of academic programs. Today, Benedict College enrolls between 1,700 and 2,000 students across 26 baccalaureate programs and two graduate degrees. The college offers studies in various fields, including social sciences, life and physical sciences, computer science, business, art, music, English, and education. The institution maintains a historical Baptist affiliation while becoming increasingly nonsectarian. Its varsity sports teams, known as the Tigers, compete in NCAA Division II. Benedict College is also involved in community initiatives, such as the Columbia Canopy Project, reflecting its commitment to local historic communities.