At $14,892/yr net price, Bethune-Cookman University graduates earn $38,518/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,518/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,892 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $59,568 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,518/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,518/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 13.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $31,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,728/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,194/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,399/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,105/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,662/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $31,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $25,967 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
27.8% of students at Bethune-Cookman University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Bethune-Cookman gives you a weak financial return with one clear exception. A 27.8% graduation rate is the number that should worry you most: fewer than three in ten students finish, and if you borrow the typical debt load without a degree, you carry the bill with no credential to pay it back. Add a 56% retention rate, and the odds of getting stuck partway through are real.
Nursing is the reason to be here. It pays roughly double what the median graduate earns and nearly matches the typical debt in a single year, which makes the loans manageable. Accounting is the only other program that clears the school-wide median by a solid margin. After that, the payoff drops fast. Business administration, psychology, and general studies all land below what many high school graduates earn, and a general studies degree pairs that low salary with the full $31,000 debt load. Those majors here do not pay for themselves.
The specific risk at this school is the combination of low completion, standard-sized debt, and weak earnings outside nursing. You are betting on finishing and picking one of the few programs that returns your investment.
The net price tiers work in your favor if your family earns under $48k, where you pay under $14,200 a year. Above $75k, the price climbs past $19,000, and the earnings numbers do not justify that for most majors.
This school fits you if you are committed to nursing and confident you will graduate. If you are undecided on a major, or leaning toward business, psychology, or general studies, the salary data says look elsewhere. The nursing pipeline works. the rest of the campus asks you to take on real debt for pay that trails the regional job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethune-Cookman University worth the cost?
Bethune-Cookman University's ROI is challenging, with graduates earning $38,518 ten years after enrollment while carrying typical debt of $31,000. The nursing program offers much better returns at $60,623, but other programs struggle to justify the investment.
What is the graduation rate at Bethune-Cookman University?
Bethune-Cookman University has a 28% graduation rate, meaning most students don't complete their degree. This low completion rate significantly increases the financial risk for students who may end up with debt but no degree.
Which Bethune-Cookman University programs have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at Bethune-Cookman University lead to the highest earnings at around $60,623 annually. Business and psychology programs show weaker returns, with graduates earning $30,000-40,000 despite similar debt loads.
How much student debt do Bethune-Cookman University graduates typically have?
Bethune-Cookman University graduates typically carry $31,000 in debt. Given the median earnings of $38,518, this debt load represents a significant portion of early career income for most graduates.