(Columbia, SC) — Benedict College has announced that its electrical engineering program earned ABET accreditation, becoming the first historically Black college or university in South Carolina to achieve that distinction, according to the college.
Announced September 3, 2026, the milestone places a nationally recognized measure of program quality behind an engineering education offered at one of Columbia’s HBCUs. For students and families weighing where to invest in a college degree, that recognition carries practical significance.
ABET evaluates academic programs against standards developed for their professions. Its engineering criteria address curriculum, student outcomes, faculty, facilities, and ongoing improvement. Accreditation applies to the specific program, giving prospective students and employers an external measure of its educational quality.
For minority communities, the announcement offers an opportunity to connect institutional achievement with individual ambition. A student considering engineering can see that path taking shape at an HBCU in Columbia. Parents, school counselors, and community mentors have another concrete example to bring into conversations about college preparation and technical careers.
Benedict President and CEO Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis credited the accomplishment to the work of the college’s faculty and staff and its commitment to preparing students for future careers. The college says the accreditation strengthens professional opportunities for its electrical engineering graduates.
The program joins Benedict’s environmental engineering program, which the college says has held ABET accreditation since 2022. Benedict also reports that it is preparing its computer science and computer engineering programs for accreditation.
The distinction also gives families something specific to examine when comparing programs. Alongside cost, scholarships, campus support, and internship opportunities, program accreditation can help students assess whether their education aligns with professional expectations. ABET describes its review as a process of quality assurance and continuous improvement.
For the Midlands community, the next conversation is about how to turn this recognition into opportunity: connecting interested students with the program, building relationships with employers, and supporting students through graduation.
Readers can learn more through Benedict College’s official announcement.
