Bethune-Cookman University
About Bethune-Cookman University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Bethune-Cookman University is a private historically Black university in Daytona Beach, Florida. Founded by Mary McLeod Bethune in 1904, it offers programs in business, psychology, criminal justice, and communications, with a rich legacy of civil rights leadership.
Founded
1904
Location
Daytona Beach, Florida
Students
2,847
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
88.2%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
30.5%
Below national average
Tuition
$14,794
Per year
Avg Net Price
$12,030
After financial aid
SAT Average
880
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$38,518
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
May 1
Regular
Aug 1
Bethune-Cookman University accepts the majority of applicants at 88.2%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
880/ 1600
ACT Scores
17/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
30.5% complete their degree within six years
Retention
61.8%
4-Year Grad
15%
6-Year Grad
32%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
76%
$/Student
$11.1K
Class Size
Medium
The 15% graduation rate is below average, but 61.8% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$14,794
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$10,396
Books & Supplies
$1,450
Total Cost of Attendance
$29,764
After Financial Aid
$12,030
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$10,896
Receive Grants
78.3%
Take Loans
82%
The total cost of attendance runs about $29,764/yr, including $10,396 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $12,030.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Bethune-Cookman University fund their education.
While in School
78.3%
Get Grants
Free money
82%
Take Loans
Must repay
$22,913
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$31,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$329/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Graduates leave with $31,000 in median debt, above the national average. Explore all scholarship and aid options, and consider your expected earnings in your chosen field.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Bethune-Cookman University.
Gender
62.6%
Female
37%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,732
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
115
Graduates
42.2%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
4%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 63% of the student body. 42.2% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
2,732
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Bethune-Cookman University fields 10 varsity teams with 426 student athletes, about 16% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Southwestern
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
426
16% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
69% / 31%
293
Men
133
Women
6
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Bethune-Cookman Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$38,518
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$25K
64 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$38K
44 grads
4yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$47K
39 grads
4yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$50K
39 grads
4yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$31K
35 grads
4yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
—
29 grads
Median earnings are $39K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bethune-Cookman University
What is the acceptance rate at Bethune-Cookman University?▾
How much does Bethune-Cookman University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Bethune-Cookman University?▾
How much do Bethune-Cookman University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.