Bethune Cookman University

Overview

Bethune-Cookman University is a historically Black, United Methodist Church-affiliated university situated in Daytona Beach, Florida, approximately 51 miles northeast of Orlando. Founded in 1904 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune as the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School, it transitioned into a four-year university in 1941 and maintains a legacy of offering a culturally enriched higher education environment. The university campus exudes a warm, traditional atmosphere, with select architecture reflecting the red-brick Collegiate Gothic style, and offers both on-campus housing and a variety of student facilities. Bethune-Cookman focuses on a diverse range of academic disciplines, with notable programs in business, education, and the health sciences. While maintaining a moderately selective admissions process, the university also provides a range of extracurricular opportunities. Athletically, the university competes in the NCAA Division I Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference under the team name the Wildcats, though it emphasizes its academic offerings above athletic prominence.

In the most recent statistical year 12,818 prospective students applied, and 10,891 were granted admission.  Of those admitted 965 enrolled in the school.  2,606 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 121 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $13,844 plus fees of $950. Bethune-Cookman is ranked 1010 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.