Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, has seen enrollments increase by nearly 26 percent since 2005. The enrollment boom has forced the college to house students in an apartment complex that is 15 minutes away from campus. The school must transport the students to campus by shuttle buses. Previously, the college had used a vacant hotel as a dormitory.
To alleviate the housing shortage on campus, the historically Black college has announced plans to build a 100-suite residence hall that will be able to house 400 students. The four-story building will cost $15 million and is scheduled to open in August 2013.