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 University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $38,518 ten years after graduation falling well below what you need to comfortably service the typical $31,000 debt load. The 28% graduation rate means nearly three-quarters of students leave without a degree but often with debt.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $60,623 in median earnings that justify the investment. Accounting also provides solid returns at $40,485. Beyond these programs, the financial picture deteriorates quickly. Business administration majors earn just $31,042, barely above the poverty line for a family, while psychology graduates face even tighter finances at $30,771.
Your biggest risk is joining the majority who never graduate. The 56% retention rate signals many students struggle academically or financially in their first year. If you do graduate outside of nursing or accounting, you face limited earning potential in the Daytona Beach job market.
This school makes financial sense if you can get into nursing and have strong academic preparation to beat the low graduation odds. The high financial aid participation rate means merit scholarships may be available, but you should verify any aid package covers four full years given the retention struggles.
Look elsewhere if you plan to major in business, psychology, or other lower-earning programs. The combination of modest earnings potential and significant debt creates a challenging financial burden that could limit your economic mobility for years after graduation.
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.