Bethune-Cookman University
Bethune-Cookman University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Bethune-Cookman University Worth It?
At a value score of 23/100, Bethune-Cookman University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $38,518 — 28% below average — while paying $12,030/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 29% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $31,000 representing 80% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Bethune-Cookman University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Bethune-Cookman University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #16 of 27 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Uta Mesivta of Kiryas Joel | 100 | $4,156 | $31,853 |
| #2 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #3 | Mercyhurst University | 36 | $19,444 | $47,452 |
| #4 | Davenport University | 34 | $17,707 | $45,099 |
| #5 | Moody Bible Institute | 32 | $22,221 | $45,399 |
| #6 | CBD College | 29 | $23,033 | $37,237 |
| #16 | Bethune-Cookman University | 23 | $12,030 | $38,518 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Bethune-Cookman University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in FL.
Best Programs at Bethune-Cookman University
The highest-earning program at Bethune-Cookman University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $53,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $19,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Bethune-Cookman University earns $53,200, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $19,400. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,030/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $53,200 | $53,200 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $25,300 | $25,300 | $21,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $21,200 | $21,200 | $32,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $20,600 | $20,600 | N/A |
| Communication and Media Studies | $19,700 | $19,700 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $19,400 | $19,400 | $31,500 |
Similar Colleges in FL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Daytona Beach, FL
- Student Body
- 2,732 students
- Admission Rate
- 88%
- Graduation Rate
- 29%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,030
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $38,518
- Median Student Debt
- $31,000