Cost & ROI · 2026
Is Bethune-Cookman University worth it?
Pay $12,030/yr after aid. Graduates earn a median of $38,518 ten years out — about 3.2× the annual cost. EduGradify value grade: B.
The ROI math, in 30 seconds
Benchmarks
Bethune-Cookman University vs Florida avg vs national avg
How this school stacks up against the typical Florida college and the typical US college.
| Metric | Bethune-Cookman University | Florida avg | National avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg net price | ▲ $12,030 | $20,569 | $18,467 |
| Median earnings 10y | ▼ $38,518 | $47,387 | $50,834 |
| Median debt | ▼ $31,000 | $19,202 | $19,694 |
| Graduation rate | ▼ 30.5% | 52% | 49.9% |
| Acceptance rate | ▲ 88.2% | 65.9% | 72.3% |
Hidden cost
What you actually pay, by family income
Net price after grants and scholarships changes a lot depending on family income. Find your bracket.
Total cost
4-year cost projection
Estimated net price each year through graduation, assuming a typical 3% annual tuition increase.
Sticker price (without aid) would run roughly $119,056 over four years. Most students get $17,734/yr in grants and scholarships.
Debt math
Loan repayment scenarios
If you borrow the median $31,000 at a 6.5% federal rate, here's what each repayment plan looks like.
Debt-to-earnings: 80% of one year's median pay. Financial advisors recommend keeping student debt under 100% of expected first-year salary. You're below the recommended ceiling.
Lifetime impact
Lifetime earnings boost vs no degree
Over a typical 40-year career, the median Bethune-Cookman University grad earns about -$259,280 more than a high school graduate (assuming HS median ≈ $45k/yr, BLS).
Caveat: this is a population median, not a guarantee. Actual outcomes vary widely by major, career path, and individual choices. We're showing the median to set realistic expectations.
The verdict
What the numbers say about Bethune-Cookman University
The average student at Bethune-Cookman University pays $12,030 a year after grants and scholarships, against a $29,764 published sticker price. That is below the FL average net price of $20,569.
Ten years after entry, graduates earn a median of $38,518 — below the FL median of $47,387. Weighed against what students actually pay, EduGradify models this as an exceptional investment.
Typical graduates borrow about $31,000, roughly $336 a month on a standard ten-year plan — a heavy load at about 80% of one year's median earnings.
Smart alternatives
Cheaper Florida colleges with comparable outcomes
Same state, at least 20% lower net price, with earnings within reach of Bethune-Cookman University.
Frequently asked
Cost & ROI questions
What is the net price at Bethune-Cookman University?
The average net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $12,030 per year. That's $17,734/yr in financial aid against the $29,764 sticker price. Over four years, that adds up to roughly $48,120.
How much do Bethune-Cookman University graduates earn?
Ten years after enrolling, Bethune-Cookman University graduates earn a median of $38,518 per year — below the national average of $50,834. That's about 3.2× the annual net cost.
How much debt do Bethune-Cookman University graduates take on?
Median federal loan debt at graduation is $31,000 — about $336/month on a standard 10-year repayment plan (assuming a 6.5% federal rate). 82% of students take federal loans.
Is Bethune-Cookman University worth the cost?
EduGradify assigns Bethune-Cookman University a value grade of B — top 45% on real ROI nationally. The math: pay $12,030/yr, earn $38,518/yr ten years out, ROI score of 8.00. Exceptional Investment.
What financial aid is available at Bethune-Cookman University?
78.3% of students receive federal Pell Grants (need-based federal aid). 82% take federal student loans. On average, students get $17,734 per year in grants and scholarships off the sticker price.
What's the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at Bethune-Cookman University?
In-state tuition is $14,794 per year. Out-of-state tuition is $14,794 per year — a difference of $0/yr or $0 over four years.
How does net price change with family income at Bethune-Cookman University?
Net price is income-adjusted — lower-income families typically pay much less. Students from families earning under $30k pay about $10,896. Students from families earning over $110k pay about $18,654. See the chart below for all five income bands.
How we calculate ROI
Every number on this page comes from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. ROI score = (median earnings 10 years out × 10) / (avg net price × 4). The higher the ratio, the more graduates earn per dollar invested. We then percentile-rank every US college on that score to assign letter grades A+ through D. Read the full methodology →