Benedict College was founded in 1870 on land of a former 110-acre (45 ha) plantation in Columbia, South Carolina.

Representing the American Baptist Home Mission Society, Bathsheba A. Benedict of Pawtucket, Rhode Island had provided $13,000 to purchase the property.

Eventually, other subjects were added to the curriculum to address the original objective of the school: to train teachers and preachers.

[4] From 1870 to 1930, Benedict College was led by a succession of seven northern white Baptist ministers, all college-educated.

In 1994, with a strategic planning process in place, Benedict College set an enrollment goal of "2000 by the year 2000".

The college is implementing a $50 million campus improvement plan, which includes land acquisition and the completion of a comprehensive athletics complex.

Before preparing to go on a sabbatical leave to study for his doctorate degree at Temple University, the late Mr. Jones recommend Mr. Johnson for the position.

Linda Kersaw, one of five Richland One alumni inducted into the district's Hall of Fame, led the choir for over 20 years.

In 2022, the Tigers football team put together their best season in school history, winning the SIAC championship and qualifying for the NCAA Division II playoffs for the first time.

In addition, Benedict also claimed the black college national championship for schools competing below the NCAA Division I level.