Education Note: Bennett College
Institutional Overview
Bennett College is a private, historically Black women's college located at 900 E Washington St, Greensboro, NC 27401. Founded in 1873 by the Freedmen's Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Bennett's mission is to provide quality liberal arts education to women of color. With an enrollment of just 168 students as of Fall 2022, Bennett is a small institution serving primarily Black students from low-to-middle income backgrounds. The college's distinctive focus is on empowering women through programs in the arts, sciences, business, and education.
The Risk Score for Bennett College is 0.71, making it one of the lower-risk colleges on the provided list. This formula assesses risk by combining the college's debt-to-income ratio and likelihood of non-completion. Bennett's 32% graduation rate and $28,992 average student debt contribute to this below-average risk profile compared to some peer institutions. However, the college still faces concerning challenges related to financial stability and student outcomes that require ongoing attention and improvement.
Strengths
Bennett is widely praised for its supportive, nurturing environment for Black women. The college maintains a low 10:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention and mentorship. Notable academic strengths include Bennett's entrepreneurship, journalism, and ROTC programs, which provide unique opportunities for students. Additionally, student reviews highlight the strong sense of community and sisterhood cultivated on campus.
"The faculty and community at Bennett are amazing, but the school's administrative and operational issues can be incredibly frustrating. I wish we had access to the same resources and opportunities available at larger, more well-funded institutions." Students consistently cite the college's supportive culture but express concerns over aging infrastructure and limited academic options.
Weaknesses
Despite its strengths, Bennett faces significant operational and financial challenges. Students report issues with aging campus facilities, inadequate financial aid processing, and limited course offerings. These concerns are reflected in the college's low 32% six-year graduation rate and high 18.9% student loan default rate, which is nearly triple the national average. Bennett has also faced accreditation probation in recent years due to its precarious financial situation and enrollment declines.
Bottom Line
Bennett College faces significant challenges that raise serious concerns about its long-term viability. With a dismal 32% graduation rate, high student loan default levels, and poor post-graduation earnings, the college appears to offer a high-risk educational experience relative to its peers. While Bennett's supportive environment for Black women is a notable strength, its aging facilities, financial instability, and accreditation troubles pose substantial barriers to student success. Substantial investments and strategic reforms will be critical for Bennett to address its most pressing weaknesses and improve outcomes for its students.
To address its most pressing challenges, Bennett should prioritize investments in campus infrastructure, financial aid resources, and career development services. Strengthening alumnae engagement and exploring strategic partnerships could help boost enrollment, improve student outcomes, and secure the college's long-term financial sustainability. Additionally, the college's leadership and Board of Directors should work to swiftly resolve the accreditation issues that have plagued the institution.