Bethune-Cookman University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
For families looking at Bethune-Cookman University, the scholarship picture can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re the first in your family to go through this process. This guide breaks it all down in plain English, from tuition costs to the Florida aid programs that make a real difference. Be sure to also check out our Florida state aid guide for additional grants and scholarships that can stack with B-CU’s own awards.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Bethune-Cookman University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (12–18 credits) | $13,844 | $13,844 |
| Mandatory Fees | $950 | $950 |
| Housing | $7,376 | $7,376 |
| Meal Plan | $3,020 | $3,020 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,450 | $1,450 |
| Transportation | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| Personal Expenses | $3,300 | $3,300 |
| Total (Before Aid) | $31,040 | $31,040 |
Florida Residents Save More: Instead of reciprocity, B-CU students benefit from state grants and scholarships.
- EASE Grant: A state-funded award for Florida residents attending private colleges like B-CU. Amount set by legislature each year.
- Bright Futures: Pays a per-credit-hour rate (around $212/credit at private universities), which can cover roughly $6,300 for 30 credits.
- Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship: Up to $3,000/year for eligible Florida HBCU students with financial need.
Example: A Florida student taking 30 credits could see over $9,000 covered between EASE and Bright Futures before any B-CU scholarships are added.
Cost & Aid FAQs
Who qualifies for Florida aid? Full-time Florida residents who meet program rules (credit load, GPA, FAFSA/FFAA submission).
How much do these programs really save? Together, state grants can cut $8,000–$10,000 off the sticker price for many families.
Do I need a separate application? Bright Futures requires the FFAA; EASE and Bethune scholarships are awarded through the B-CU financial aid office once you’re enrolled and file the FAFSA.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Bethune-Cookman reviews admitted first-year students for institutional merit automatically. The university does not publish a tiered GPA/ACT/SAT grid; awards are individualized based on the full academic profile and timing of application.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institutional Merit (automatic consideration) | Varies (individualized based on academics, rigor, leadership, and timing) | Admitted first-year students reviewed automatically; submit ACT/SAT to be considered for academic scholarships even though admission is test-optional. | No (awarded through admission review) | Usually Yes (maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress; specific GPA/credit terms appear on the award letter) | Students with stronger unweighted GPAs (≈3.2–3.8*), solid course rigor, and early applications tend to receive larger offers; test scores, if submitted, can help with merit review. *Estimate based on B-CU’s holistic process and peer HBCU patterns; use as directional guidance only. |
Note: Because B-CU does not publish a public tier grid, award ranges are individualized and may vary year-to-year with funding and applicant strength.
Automatic Merit FAQs
How do I get considered? Apply for admission and submit your high school transcript. You’ll be reviewed automatically for merit; submitting ACT/SAT scores is required for scholarship consideration even though admission itself is test-optional.
Are there priority dates? Yes—B-CU advises applying before the December 1 scholarship deadline for full consideration. Applying earlier can improve funding options.
Do test-optional applicants qualify? You can be admitted test-optional, but B-CU states that test scores need to be submitted for academic scholarship consideration. If you have scores, send them.
Can B-CU merit stack with Florida programs like Bright Futures or EASE? Generally, institutional aid is coordinated with federal/state aid and outside scholarships up to your Cost of Attendance; your final package may be adjusted so total aid does not exceed COA.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Unlike automatic awards, competitive scholarships require extra steps—an essay, interview, portfolio, or simply being selected from a limited pool. These are the types of scholarships where the university is looking for students who stand out, not just meet the admission bar.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No university-level competitive scholarships are currently published for Bethune-Cookman University (2025–2026). We will re-check official pages in the next update cycle. | |||||
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
Does Bethune-Cookman offer a Presidential or Dean’s Scholarship? No such awards are currently listed on the university’s scholarship pages for 2025–2026. Many competitive opportunities come through donor funds or state/UNCF programs instead.
Where should my student look instead? Check the Hidden Gem Scholarships section below—this is where state programs, UNCF awards, and special identity-based funds are listed.
Could B-CU add new competitive awards later? Yes. Competitive programs sometimes open mid-year or are tied to specific donors. It’s smart to recheck the financial aid site and your B-CU student portal each semester.
⭐ College Specialty
Bethune-Cookman is a private HBCU with deep roots in Florida’s educational history. While it’s not classified as an R1 research university, it has carved out strong reputations in fields that matter both locally and nationally. Parents should know that students here don’t just earn a degree—they join programs that are respected across the state and, in some cases, the country.
- Business (ACBSP-accredited): Recognized for teaching excellence and continuous improvement, aligning with employers in Florida’s business sector.
- Music (NASM-accredited): Nationally accredited program that trains performers and educators, with graduates moving on to advanced study and professional ensembles.
- Experiential Learning (QEP: RISE): A campus-wide initiative that emphasizes research, innovation, service, and experiential learning—helping students develop hands-on skills that employers notice.
🎖️ Honors College
Bethune-Cookman’s Honors Experience Program is built for top-performing students who want smaller classes, close mentoring, and chances to present their work on big stages. Admission is not automatic—you’ll need to apply when the university opens the window each spring. While there isn’t a scholarship named “Honors College Scholarship,” Honors students are often the ones who qualify for B-CU’s top awards.
GPA of 3.5 or higher*, rigorous high school or early college coursework, leadership in clubs or service, and the drive to complete research or creative projects.
*Estimate based on honors program norms; B-CU posts updated criteria each spring.
- Faculty mentoring and research support
- Presentation opportunities at the Southern Regional Honors Council
- Leadership development programs and recognition events
- Smaller, discussion-based courses with other motivated peers
Specific Scholarships for Top-Performing Students
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Covers tuition, room, board, and a book voucher (after federal/state aid) | Incoming students with ≥3.75 GPA and SAT ≥1240 or ACT ≥26 | No — awarded by admission review | Yes (must maintain strong GPA and progress toward degree) | The very top of the applicant pool, often those who also pursue the Honors Experience Program |
Honors FAQs
Is there a separate Honors scholarship? No. There isn’t a named “Honors College Scholarship.” But Honors students are strong contenders for the university’s most competitive awards, like the Presidential Scholarship.
What other aid can Honors students stack? In addition to the Presidential Scholarship, high-achieving Honors students may qualify for Institutional Merit Scholarships, the STEM-Ex Scholarship (for STEM majors with need), and Florida programs like Bright Futures and EASE.
Does Honors add time to a degree? No. Honors classes and projects are designed to fit inside a regular four-year program.
When should I apply? The Honors Experience Program application opens each spring. Applying early maximizes your chance for selection and for top scholarship review.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Bethune-Cookman University gives families more than one way to bring the cost of college within reach. From Florida’s state programs like Bright Futures and EASE, to competitive institutional awards like the Presidential Scholarship, there are real paths to reduce the sticker price. If your student is motivated, strong academically, and open to programs like Honors or ROTC, B-CU can offer both financial help and meaningful opportunities to grow. For first-generation families, the key is filing the FAFSA early, watching deadlines, and stacking every eligible award so nothing is left on the table.
✅ Last updated: September 18, 2025