Bethune-Cookman University

Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) is a private nonprofit university and historically Black college and university (HBCU) in Daytona Beach. Mary McLeod Bethune founded it in 1904 to expand education for Black girls who had been excluded from opportunity; it has since grown into a coeducational institution with undergraduate, graduate and professional study. Its history and HBCU identity remain central to the campus, alongside a United Methodist heritage, community service and a broad mix of career programs. Students considering B-CU should look beyond the name and traditions to compare each program’s academic requirements, the main campus or Hastings instructional site, and the full cost after aid.

Academic programs and new career pathways

B-CU organizes its programs across arts and humanities; business and entrepreneurship; education; sciences, engineering and mathematics; and nursing and health sciences. Established areas include nursing, hospitality management, criminal justice, teacher preparation, environmental studies, music, communications, business, psychology and the liberal arts. Recent B-CU Futures additions include actuarial science, applied artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital marketing, esports and gaming administration, healthcare administration and supply chain management; healthcare administration is also available as an MBA track. Program names and launch availability can change, so confirm the entry term and degree requirements in the current academic directory and with the department before applying.

The university combines classroom work with leadership, service and campus life. Its nursing and health programs prepare students for health-related careers, while education programs include pathways toward Florida teaching credentials. Business students can examine accounting, finance, hospitality and management; science and technology programs include newer offerings connected to data, computing and emerging industries. Graduate degrees are offered in selected areas such as nursing, counseling, public health, education and business. Ask each program about clinical or field placements, professional accreditation, prerequisites, internship access and how new majors are being staffed and scheduled.

Tuition, scholarships and aid

For 2026–27, B-CU lists undergraduate tuition at $14,536 for a typical 12–18 credit load across fall and spring. On-campus charges add $7,744 for housing, $3,646 for the meal plan, $998 in fees and $680 for course materials, for $27,604 in listed direct costs. The university estimates another $7,604 for personal expenses, transportation, books and supplies, producing an on-campus cost-of-attendance estimate of $35,208. New first-time undergraduate students also pay a one-time, nonrefundable $200 enrollment fee. Graduate tuition is listed at $13,500 for a typical year, plus listed program fees; online, military and special program rates differ. Review the university’s current tuition and cost-of-attendance schedule to match your course load and housing plan.

Students should submit the FAFSA using B-CU’s federal school code, 001467. The university says admitted applicants are considered for merit scholarships, and admitted Wildcats can use Scholarship Universe to search internal and external awards. Eligible Florida residents may also review Bright Futures and the Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship Program, which supports qualifying students with academic achievement and financial need at selected Florida HBCUs. These options have different residency, enrollment, filing and award rules; speak with Financial Aid about eligibility and deadlines, then compare your written award with tuition, room, meals and other charges. B-CU’s financial-aid and scholarship resources explain current applications and contacts.

Admissions and campus visits

Prospective students can apply through B-CU’s admissions site and arrange a campus visit. Ask Admissions to review required transcripts, any program-specific application steps, transfer-credit evaluation and the current scholarship process before paying the enrollment deposit. Students with questions about nursing, education or another regulated field should also ask how the curriculum maps to state or professional requirements. Use the university’s admissions and tour information to schedule with the Daytona Beach team.

Daytona Beach campus and the Hastings site

The main campus is at 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. Call the university at 386-481-2000; Undergraduate Admissions is at 386-481-2600 or 1-800-448-0228, and Financial Aid at 386-481-2620. The university does not publish one schedule for every office. Its Office of Community Engagement lists Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; call the office you need before visiting because hours vary by department and academic calendar.

B-CU also operates the John W. Miller Center, an off-campus instructional site for adult and nontraditional students: 7645 State Road 207, Hastings, FL 32145; phone 386-481-2958. It offers evening and weekend classes and lists bachelor’s pathways including criminal justice, elementary education, psychology, interdisciplinary studies, business administration and sociology. It is not a second full-service residential campus, and not every B-CU program is offered there. Confirm the degree, class schedule and location directly with the Miller Center before enrolling.

What students and visitors say

Student comments often value B-CU’s cultural pride, campus traditions, music and entertainment, and the sense of belonging that comes from a close community. Some describe faculty and staff as supportive and say their involvement helped them build confidence and career skills. Other students raise concerns about communication, dining, aging facilities or the level of academic and mental-health support. Experiences differ by program and by how connected a student feels to campus life. A tour and conversations with current students can help you judge the services and community firsthand; you can also read student accounts of B-CU for additional perspectives.

B-CU can be a meaningful choice for students seeking an HBCU experience, a campus shaped by Mary McLeod Bethune’s legacy, and degree options connected to service, leadership and professional preparation. Compare the major and its requirements, total charges after aid, available housing and the exact site where your classes will meet. Ask Admissions and Financial Aid to confirm those details for your intended start term, especially if you are considering the Hastings adult-learner pathway or one of the newly introduced majors.