Overview
Bethune-Cookman University was founded in 1904 by Mary McLeod Bethune as the Daytona Literary and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls, later merging with the Cookman Institute for Men in 1923. It grew into a four-year college and eventually achieved university status, becoming one of the most historically significant HBCUs in the nation. The institution is renowned for its legacy of producing Black professionals, educators, and leaders, and its founder's story remains central to American civil rights and education history.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Daytona Beach, Florida |
| Founded | 1904 |
| Total students | 2,300 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 15:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 60% |
| Graduation rate | 32% |
| Average starting salary | $38,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $16,500 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $16,500 |
| Room & board | $10,500 |
| Average financial aid | $14,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 95% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 830-980 |
| ACT range | 15-19 |
| Average GPA | 2.80 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Nursing
- Business Administration
- Education
- Communications
- Criminal Justice
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.