Bethune-Cookman vs. FAU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Beach, FL with Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Florida Atlantic University is larger than Bethune-Cookman based on total student enrollment (31,607 students vs. 2,853 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethune Cookman University is located in Daytona Beach, FL (Small City setting); Florida Atlantic University is in Boca Raton, FL (Small City setting).
• Bethune Cookman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Florida Atlantic University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethune Cookman University 17:1; Florida Atlantic University 24:1.

Bethune-Cookman vs. FAU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethune-Cookman or FAU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Florida Atlantic University than Bethune-Cookman ($10,225 vs. $12,476).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethune Cookman University are 34.5% lower than at Florida Atlantic University ($10,396 vs. $15,860).
• Bethune Cookman University is 203.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than FAU (about $9,915 more per year; $14,794.00 vs. $4,879.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.1% higher at FAU than at Bethune Cookman University (about $2,530 more per year; $17,324.00 vs. $14,794.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethune Cookman University than at Florida Atlantic University (98% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethune Cookman University students is 58.2% larger than aid received by Florida Atlantic University students ($17,181 vs. $10,857).

Bethune-Cookman vs. FAU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bethune-Cookman or FAU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between FAU and Bethune-Cookman.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Florida Atlantic University (1120) is 210 points higher than at Bethune-Cookman (910).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethune Cookman University 830/990; Florida Atlantic University 1040/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsFlorida Atlantic University 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethune-Cookman - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); FAU - Required to be considered for admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: FAU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman FAU students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Bethune-Cookman (3.3).
• Bethune-Cookman has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than FAU (66.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.4% at Bethune-Cookman vs. 20.3% at FAU.

Bethune-Cookman vs. FAU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethune-Cookman and FAU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Florida Atlantic University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Bethune Cookman University's (37%).
• Graduates from Florida Atlantic University earn a median of about $14,500 more per year than Bethune-Cookman graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,200 vs. $31,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Florida Atlantic University graduates have a $19,124 lower median loan debt than Bethune-Cookman graduates ($16,861 vs. $35,985).
• Among borrowers, FAU graduates have an estimated $198 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethune-Cookman graduates ($174 vs. $372).
• More FAU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethune-Cookman students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 20%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.