Ibrahim Gardner
Bethune-Cookman University (B–CU or Bethune–Cookman) is a private historically black university in Daytona Beach, Florida. The university was founded by Mary McLeod Bethune in 1904 as the Daytona Literary and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls, with just five students. Since then, the university has grown and developed, merging with the Cookman Institute of Jacksonville in 1923 to become a co-ed high school. As of 2023, Bethune-Cookman admitted 100% of applicants and offers 39 bachelor's degrees and six master's degrees. The university has over 80 student organizations on campus, including academic societies, Greek fraternities and sororities, and community service groups.
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What You'll Learn
Bethune-Cookman University's history
On October 3, 1904, Mary McLeod Bethune, a remarkable young Black woman, founded the Daytona Literary and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls—now known as Bethune-Cookman University—with $1.50, her faith in God, and five students, including her son Albert. The school's first students met in the home of John Henry and Alice Smith Williams. The school's tuition was $0.50 per week, and Mrs. Bethune supported her students by scavenging for supplies and selling sweet potato pies. The school soon moved to a new location, with Bethune using the proceeds from her pie sales to secure a $5 down payment on the property.
The school underwent several stages of growth and development over the years. In 1923, it merged with the Cookman Institute of Jacksonville, Florida, which had been founded in 1872, and became a co-educational high school. The merger also resulted in the creation of the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute for Girls and the Cookman Institute for Boys. By 1931, the school had become a junior college, and in 1941, it became a four-year college when the Florida Department of Education approved a baccalaureate program in Liberal Arts and Teacher Education. The name was changed to Bethune-Cookman College, and in 1943, the first group of graduates received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education.
In 1947, Bethune-Cookman College received an "A" rating from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Florida State Department of Education. The college was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1970 and admitted to candidacy status to offer a master's degree in science education in 1988. In 2000, campus improvements included the construction of new academic buildings and scholarship houses. On February 14, 2007, the Board of Trustees approved a name change to Bethune-Cookman University, reflecting the addition of graduate programs to its offerings.
Bethune-Cookman University is a private historically Black university in Daytona Beach, Florida, affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The university offers 39 bachelor's degrees and six master's degrees and has a strong academic reputation, with a focus on small-university community feel and HBCU sensibility. The university has a rich history of athletic and extracurricular accomplishments, with over 80 student organizations on campus, including the notable "Marching Wildcats" marching band, which has over 300 members.
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Current admissions
Bethune-Cookman University (B–CU) is a private historically black university in Daytona Beach, Florida, founded by Mary McLeod Bethune in 1904. The university offers 39 bachelor's degrees and six master's degrees. As of 2023, Bethune-Cookman admitted 100% of applicants, not requiring ACT or SAT test scores for admission. However, the average enrolled student who submitted scores had an SAT score of 905 or an ACT score of 16.5. The average GPA at Bethune-Cookman University is 3.25, and the university considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional.
Bethune-Cookman University provides prospective students with the opportunity to visit the campus and take a tour. Tours are available based on weather conditions and university schedules. The university also offers prospective students and their families the chance to connect with current students and faculty members to gain a better understanding of the campus community and the admission process.
The university has a holistic admissions approach, considering various factors beyond just academic performance. While standardised test scores and GPA are important, Bethune-Cookman also values extracurricular activities, community involvement, leadership experiences, and the overall well-being of the applicants. The university encourages prospective students to share their unique stories, talents, and passions through their application essays and interviews.
The admissions process at Bethune-Cookman University typically involves submitting an online application form, official high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements or essays. Prospective students may also be required to participate in interviews with admissions officers or alumni. Additionally, the university may consider factors such as the applicant's demonstrated interest in the university, legacy status, or special talents or achievements in their admissions decisions.
Bethune-Cookman University's admissions process aims to identify students who align with the university's values and mission. The university seeks to enrol students who demonstrate academic potential, a commitment to their community, and a desire to contribute to the diverse and inclusive campus community. The admissions process is designed to be thorough and personalised, ensuring that admitted students are well-rounded individuals who will thrive in their chosen academic programmes and make a positive impact during their time at Bethune-Cookman University.
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Rankings
Bethune-Cookman University, a private, historically black university in Daytona Beach, Florida, has received various rankings from different organisations. The university has a student to faculty ratio of 15:1, a freshmen retention rate of 58%, and an on-time graduation rate of 15%.
In 2023, US News & World Report ranked Bethune-Cookman #156-201 out of 201 National Liberal Arts Colleges, #49 out of 79 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and #18 out of 196 Top Performers on Social Mobility. Bethune-Cookman University's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges by US News is #182 out of 211 National Liberal Arts Colleges. For 2024, US News & World Report also listed the university as the 6th least expensive private college in the United States.
In 2024, Bethune-Cookman was ranked 51st among 194 liberal arts colleges in the US by Washington Monthly. The university holds the #71 spot on the Best Colleges in Florida ranking by College Factual, but was not ranked in their Best Overall Colleges report.
Bethune-Cookman University has faced some criticism and challenges in recent years. In May 2017, students protested the invitation of Betsy DeVos to speak at the commencement. In 2018, the university sued former university president Edison Jackson and others involved in a $306 million construction deal, alleging fraud, corruption, and bribery. As a result, the university was placed on probation by its regional accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which cited failings in integrity, governing board characteristics, and financial responsibility. Despite these issues, Bethune-Cookman University remains a recognised institution with various rankings across different organisations.
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Student life
The campus experience at Bethune-Cookman University offers a supportive community and a diverse range of programmes, with opportunities for leadership roles and extracurricular activities. The university offers 39 bachelor's degrees and six master's degrees. 75% of students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, while 25% live off campus.
Students can join over 80 student organisations on campus, including academic and honour societies, Greek fraternities and sororities, Greek-letter professional and service organisations, community service groups, leadership organisations, performance groups, and international and religious-based organisations. The largest student organisation on campus is the marching band, "The Marching Wildcats", with over 300 members. The university also has a strong athletic programme, participating in NCAA Division I FCS and sponsoring 15 athletic programmes.
Bethune-Cookman University has a unique history, founded in 1904 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune as the Daytona Literary and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls, with just five students. The school was founded with $1.50, faith in God, and a strong will to provide education and enhance Black communities. The university has since grown and developed, merging with the Cookman Institute of Jacksonville in 1923 to become a co-ed high school and later expanding its academic programmes to offer a range of bachelor's and master's degrees.
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Controversies
Bethune-Cookman University (B–CU) is a private historically black university in Daytona Beach, Florida. The university has been involved in several controversies over the years, including financial losses, lawsuits, and invitations to controversial speakers.
In May 2017, B–CU faced widespread criticism for inviting Betsy DeVos, the US Education Secretary, to be a commencement speaker. DeVos had previously made comments suggesting that historically black colleges were pioneers of school choice, a viewpoint that many students and faculty members disagreed with. Protests erupted, and a petition was created on change.org, questioning the university's decision. The incident led to heightened security measures at the commencement ceremony, including bag searches. During DeVos' address, a majority of the crowd booed, and students turned their backs to her.
The controversy surrounding DeVos' invitation was not an isolated incident but was indicative of broader financial issues and management concerns within the university. B–CU had incurred significant financial losses in the preceding years, amounting to $28 million over a two-year period. This led to multiple lawsuits, including one filed by the university itself against former president Edison Jackson and others involved in a $306 million construction deal, alleging fraud, corruption, and bribery. The nursing program also faced academic issues, resulting in probation by its accreditor.
The financial controversies and lawsuits had a significant impact on the university's reputation and standing. In the summer of 2018, B–CU was placed on probation by its regional accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. This action was taken due to failings in various areas, including integrity, financial responsibility, and control of finances. The university's board chairman, Edison Jackson, retired amidst mounting debt and criticism of his management.
Amidst these controversies, B–CU has also faced challenges in maintaining its academic standards and integrity. In 2023, the university admitted 100% of applicants, not requiring ACT or SAT test scores for admission. However, this led to questions about the academic preparedness of its students, with enrolled students who submitted test scores having average SAT scores of 905 and ACT scores of 16.5.
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