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Bethune-Cookman University

Daytona Beach, FL·Private nonprofit·2,414 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. 77% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

100%
Accept
2,414
Students
$14,892
Net Price
28%
Grad Rate
$32,300
Earnings
10 yr
$22,500
Debt

About This School

Bethune-Cookman University is a private nonprofit institution located in Daytona Beach, Florida with approximately 2,414 undergraduate students enrolled. Bethune-Cookman University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 100%. The average net price after financial aid is $14,892 per year. The graduation rate is 28%, and the typical graduate earns $32,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

Bethune–Cookman University is a private historically black university in Daytona Beach, Florida. Bethune–Cookman University is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The primary administration building, White Hall, and the Mary McLeod Bethune Home are historic venues.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: while the $14,892 average net price makes this HBCU genuinely accessible, a 28% graduation rate and 56% freshman retention rate suggest that most students who enroll don't finish — a serious concern worth discussing before committing. For students who do graduate, median earnings of $32,300 a decade out are modest, so financial planning matters. Worth considering if you're drawn to its rich history and close-knit HBCU community, but have an honest conversation about support systems and your plan to stay on track.

Founded
1904
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing14%
Psychology13%
Communications10%
Social Sciences6%
Biological Sciences4%
Computer Science3%
Visual & Performing Arts2%
Education2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite913
Reading 75th %ile520
Math 75th %ile480

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite17

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$14,794
Out-of-State Tuition
$14,794
Avg Net Price
$14,892
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants77%
Median debt at graduation$22,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
28%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
56%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$32,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$22,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$22,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$26,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$32,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.4x

Worth scrutinizing. Median earnings relative to debt are tight.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White1%
Black58%
Hispanic/Latino3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,414 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Bethune-Cookman University

640 Dr Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd

Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3099

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Florida

Browse all Florida schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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