Students at Bethune-Cookman University benefit from strong college access and financial aid support, with the institution serving as an important gateway for first-generation and Pell-eligible students.
While earnings outcomes are modest, graduates do achieve higher-than-expected earnings compared with similar students at comparable institutions.
Bethune-Cookman University is a private nonprofit institution in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving a student body where nearly 77% receive Pell Grants and over 42% are first-generation college students. While Azimuth's national ranking places the university in the bottom tier for overall value among four-year institutions, BCU provides an important access point for students who might not otherwise attend college. The university's strength lies in its commitment to serving underrepresented populations, though families should understand that long-term earnings outcomes are modest compared to national averages.
Graduates earn a median of $38,518 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution well below typical earnings levels for college graduates nationwide. However, the university does show some positive value-added performance, with graduates earning about $19,373 more than similar students at comparable institutions might be expected to earn. This suggests that while absolute earnings are low, the institution provides meaningful educational value relative to its student population and resources.
As a historically black university with a medium-sized student body, BCU offers the personal attention and community support that can be crucial for first-generation students navigating college. The university's role as an access provider is significant, even as families must weigh the financial trade-offs of modest post-graduation earnings against the value of obtaining a college degree and the supportive educational environment the institution provides.
Bethune-Cookman University's program portfolio reflects its mission of serving students interested in public service, business, and social sciences careers. Psychology leads with 71 graduates and represents the highest aggregate return program, combining substantial enrollment with median earnings of $29,685. This field typically prepares students for careers in counseling, social services, and related helping professions that align with the university's service-oriented mission.
Business Administration and Management graduates 56 students annually and produces the highest individual earnings at $31,042, offering the strongest financial outcomes among the major programs. Corrections Administration, with 69 graduates earning $25,967, reflects the university's strength in criminal justice fields and public safety careers. These programs collectively represent pathways into stable employment sectors, though earnings levels remain modest compared to national averages.
The concentration in psychology, criminal justice, and business fields suggests a program mix oriented toward public service and community-focused careers rather than high-earning technical or professional fields. While this alignment with the university's mission serves important social functions, families should understand that these career paths typically produce more modest financial returns and plan their educational investments accordingly.
Graduates of Bethune-Cookman University face challenging long-term earnings outcomes that require careful financial planning. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $38,518, placing the institution in the bottom 2% nationally for earnings performance. While these absolute earnings are well below national averages for college graduates, the university does demonstrate meaningful educational value through its earnings beyond expectations performance, with graduates earning approximately $19,373 more than similar students at comparable institutions.
The university's strongest programs in terms of graduate outcomes include Psychology (71 graduates with median earnings of $29,685), Business Administration and Management (56 graduates earning $31,042), and Corrections Administration (69 graduates earning $25,967). Psychology represents the highest aggregate return program, combining substantial enrollment with relatively stronger earnings outcomes. Business Administration graduates see the highest individual earnings among the major programs, though all fields produce earnings that are modest by national standards.
Families considering BCU should understand that while the university provides educational value relative to expectations, the absolute earnings levels mean graduates will need to manage their financial expectations and debt loads carefully. The institution serves an important role in providing college access, but the financial returns require realistic planning for post-graduation budgeting and career development.
Bethune-Cookman University offers relatively strong affordability, particularly for low-income families who represent the majority of its student body. Low-income students pay an average net price of $13,728 annually, which is competitive for a private institution and reflects substantial financial aid support. Middle-income families see net prices around $16,399, while higher-income families pay approximately $20,662, creating a progressive pricing structure that makes the private college experience accessible across income levels.
The university's financial aid approach appears designed to serve its predominantly Pell-eligible population, with nearly 77% of students receiving federal Pell Grants. This strong aid packaging helps explain how a private institution can maintain accessibility for students from lower-income backgrounds. The net price structure suggests that most families can access BCU without paying the full sticker price, though families should carefully evaluate the long-term value proposition given the modest post-graduation earnings outcomes.
While the upfront costs are manageable through financial aid, the relationship between what families pay and what graduates ultimately earn requires careful consideration. The university succeeds in making college accessible, but families should plan for post-graduation financial realities that may include extended repayment periods and careful budget management given the earnings levels typical of BCU graduates.
Bethune-Cookman University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
