Explore HBCU – Bethune-Cookman University

Staff Writer

January 21, 2022

Bethune-Cookman University is a public 4-year or above Historically Black University located in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Background

Bethune-Cookman University began as the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls in 1904, founded by philanthropist, educator, and civil rights activist Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. Over the years the school went through many stages of change and development, ultimately merging with the Cookman Institute for Boys—founded in 1872 by Rev. D.S. Darnell—and officially becoming the Daytona Cookman Collegiate Institute in 1923. By 1931, the school was a junior college, and just 10 years after that the institution officially became a four-year college when the Florida Department of Education approved a four-year degree in liberal arts and teacher training.

The name of the school was subsequently changed to Bethune-Cookman College, until 2007 when the Board of Trustees approved a name change to Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU).

Programs & Opportunities

Since its inception, Bethune-Cookman University has continued to grow and expand its curricula offerings, at first focusing on education and today spanning 59 degree program offerings, in both undergraduate and graduate study.

B-CU’s extensive academic offerings rival only that of its tight-nit student community, with the university hosting more than 80 student organizations on campus—including community service groups, international and religious organizations, academic and honor societies, fraternities and sororities, leadership groups, and performance groups.

Speaking of which, the largest student organization on campus is the school’s marching band, The Marching Wildcats. So renowned is the school’s marching band, they starred in the Netflix series “Marching Orders.”

Financial Information

B-CU values its students’ overall educational experience, both academic and social. In hopes of making the experience more accessible without the pressure of financial constraint, the institution offers 99% of its students financial aid, leading to a drastic reduction for many in expenses and tuition—identical for all in-and-out-of-state residents at a reported $14,814 yearly tuition rate.

Conclusion

At Bethune-Cookman University, its smaller student population offers a relatively low student to faculty ratio, often resulting in specialized educational care.

B-CU works to produce responsible solution seekers and productive citizens of society—all through the promotion of faith and scholarship, creative opportunities, leadership, and service.

Learn more about Bethune-Cookman University here.

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