About Bethune-Cookman University
Students typically pay around $14,892 after financial aid, with 77% receiving help to cover costs. Graduates earn a median of $38,518 ten years after leaving school, while carrying about $31,000 in debt. The numbers tell a challenging story about return on investment. Monthly loan payments average $329, which can strain budgets given the earning potential.
Women make up 63% of the student body, and 58% of students are Black. The 84% acceptance rate means most applicants get in, but only 28% graduate within six years. Basketball and football teams compete in Division I, giving student-athletes chances to shine on bigger stages. The Methodist-affiliated campus houses 2,200 students who cheer on 14 varsity sports teams.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 71.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 31.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 27.8%
- Retention Rate
- 56.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,518
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,623 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $40,485 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $36,042 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $31,042 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $30,771 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $28,719 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $25,967 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $20,140 |
Campus Life
Weekends revolve around the legendary Marching Wildcats, whose performances draw crowds that rival the main football game. The band's reputation extends far beyond campus, making game days major social events for the 63% female, 37% male student body. Florida's year-round warmth means outdoor activities dominate free time, though you'll want sunscreen, not winter coats. As a historically black university where 58% of students are Black, BCU maintains strong traditions of mentorship and cultural pride. With 73% of students from Florida, many go home on weekends, but those who stay find plenty happening in this close community.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 2,200 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1904
Campus Safety (2023)
22 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 49°–68°F
- July Avg
- 75°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 53.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 36.7%
- Women
- 63.3%
- White
- 0.5%
- Black
- 58.1%
- Hispanic
- 3.3%
- Asian
- 0.0%
- In-State Students
- 73.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 76.9%
Location
- Address
- Daytona Beach, Florida 32114-3099
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,518
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $44,885
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $26,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 21.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $329/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $31,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Bethune-Cookman University?
Bethune-Cookman accepts 84.97% of applicants with an average SAT score of 905. This historically black university in Daytona Beach maintains accessible admissions standards while building on its strong legacy in education and community leadership.
How much does Bethune-Cookman University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $14,892 annually, with 76.94% receiving financial aid. The university keeps costs manageable for families, with students from households earning under $30,000 paying just $13,728 after aid.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Bethune-Cookman University?
The student-faculty ratio is 14:1 across the university's 2,414 enrolled students. This HBCU offers strong programs in business and education, building on its United Methodist foundation and century-long commitment to student success.
What are the graduation rates at Bethune-Cookman University?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 27.80%, with graduates earning a median salary of $38,518 ten years after graduation. The university focuses on supporting students through completion, though retention remains a challenge with 56.14% of students returning for their second year.
Where is Bethune-Cookman University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Daytona Beach, Florida, housing up to 2,200 students with 340 student-athletes competing in NCAA Division I. The university's 14 varsity sports teams compete in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, creating a active athletic culture in this small city setting.
What is Bethune-Cookman University known for in terms of traditions?
The university is famous for its Marching Wildcats band, which represents the school's rich musical and cultural traditions. With a student body that is 58.12% Black and deep HBCU heritage dating to 1904, the campus celebrates African American culture and academic excellence.
