Bethune-Cookman University
Bethune-Cookman University has an acceptance rate of 88.2%, an average net price of $13,059, and an overall rank of #1466 (Grade C+). About 34.2% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $41,995 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.
Bethune-Cookman University is a private nonprofit university in Daytona Beach, FL. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Gerontology.
Day to day, students benefit from a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, and 61.8% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 64.1%, roughly 14.2 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Bethune-Cookman University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Bethune-Cookman University graduates 34.2% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 34.5% and keeps 61.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Bethune-Cookman University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $16,453 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $14,794 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,450 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,396 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,300 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $29,512 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 83.7% of Bethune-Cookman University students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $12,470 to $20,481 depending on family income. Use Bethune-Cookman University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $16,774/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $20,481/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $41,995
- 10-Year Median Earnings $42,476
- Average Years to Graduate 5.0 years
- Average Student Debt $28,025
- Debt-to-Earnings ~66.7%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 21.1%
- Employment Rate 91.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Bethune-Cookman University graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
Bethune-Cookman University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Bethune-Cookman University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Bethune-Cookman University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Bethune-Cookman University graduates earn $41,995 median five years after graduation, 32% below the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 430-510
- SAT Math 400-480
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,732
- Full-Time Students 97.7%
- Part-Time Students 2.3%
- Retention Rate 61.8%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 34.2%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 34.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1
How to Get Into Bethune-Cookman University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Bethune-Cookman University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 88.2%, Bethune-Cookman University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 88.2% acceptance rate, Bethune-Cookman University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 830 and 990 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Bethune-Cookman University undergraduates. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, Psychology, General, and Criminal Justice and Corrections draw the most students.
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 19.0%
- Psychology, General 13.1%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 11.6%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 11.6%
- Communication and Media Studies 10.4%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 8.6%
See more majors
- Sociology 4.2%
- Biology, General 3.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $85,163
- 2. Gerontology $48,858
- 3. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $46,550
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Information Science/Studies $43,227
- 5. Communication and Media Studies $41,143
- 6. Psychology, General $37,834
- 7. Criminal Justice and Corrections $37,027
- 8. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $34,446
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $50,164
- 2. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $46,855
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $85,163—147% more than Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($34,446). Graduate: Human Resources Management and Services programs lead with $50,164 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for Bethune-Cookman University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 64 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 44 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 39 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 39 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 35 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (31 programs)▼
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Psychology, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Communication and Media Studies
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Sociology
- Biology, General
- Music
- Information Science/Studies
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Political Science and Government
- Gerontology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Chemistry
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- Special Education and Teaching
- Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Mathematics
- Management Information Systems and Services
- International Business
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
Online Master's Degrees (3 programs)▼
- Public Health
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,732
- Full-Time Students 97.7%
- Part-Time Students 2.3%
- Male Students 37.5%
- Female Students 62.5%
- Caucasian 0.2%
- Asian 0.0%
- Hispanic 5.3%
- Black 54.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 83.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Bethune-Cookman University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Bethune-Cookman University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Bethune-Cookman University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Bethune-Cookman University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Bethune-Cookman University has a diverse student body, with 0.2% identifying as White. Women make up 62.5% of undergraduates. 83.7% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Bethune-Cookman University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Bethune-Cookman University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Bethune-Cookman University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 64.1% ROI. Ranked #1466 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $13,059 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $41,995 median earnings. With 34.2% graduating within 150% of normal time and 61.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Bethune-Cookman University's Positioning
With a C+ grade and #1466 ranking, Bethune-Cookman University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $13,059 annually, Bethune-Cookman University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 61.8% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $9,141 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 64.1% ROI and $41,995 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $3,059+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Bethune-Cookman University ranks #1466 of 1955 institutions, with 959 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 34.2% graduation rate sits 28.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 61.8% first-year retention is 15.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 64.1% return on investment is 14.2 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $41,995 run about 32% lower than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $13,059 is roughly $6,822 lower than the national median of $19,881.
Helpfulness for Students
- 17:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 61.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 91.3% employment rate within three years sits 23.1 points above national outcomes.
- 81.0% of students borrow federal loans, outpacing typical campuses and raising repayment stakes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Daytona Beach, FL, Bethune-Cookman University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a C+ from EDsmart. It is currently ranked #1466 overall Grades by category break down as Completion C, Support C, Career Outcomes C+, and Affordability A.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 61.8% retention, 34.2% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 34.5% earning an award within eight years. Return on investment currently measures 64.1% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $13,059 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $29,512.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $16,453 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $28,025 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 83.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $41,995 five years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 32% lower.
The three-year employment rate is close to 91.3%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 64.1%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
88.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Bethune-Cookman University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Bethune-Cookman University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/bethune-cookman-university/
MLA (9th): “Bethune-Cookman University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/bethune-cookman-university/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Bethune-Cookman University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/bethune-cookman-university/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bethune-Cookman University's acceptance rate?
Bethune-Cookman University's acceptance rate is 88.2%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does Bethune-Cookman University cost?
At Bethune-Cookman University, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $13,059 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $29,512 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $14,794. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Bethune-Cookman University's ranking?
Bethune-Cookman University ranks #1466 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of C+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Bethune-Cookman University's graduation rate?
At Bethune-Cookman University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 34.2% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 34.5%, and first-year retention is 61.8%.
What are Bethune-Cookman University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Bethune-Cookman University report median earnings of $41,995 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Bethune-Cookman University's student population?
Bethune-Cookman University enrolls about 2,732 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 640 Dr Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3099
- Website www.cookman.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$36.3M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate12.7%