Bethune-Cookman vs. FSW

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Beach, FL with Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers, FL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Florida SouthWestern State College is larger than Bethune-Cookman based on total student enrollment (14,301 students vs. 2,853 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethune Cookman University is located in Daytona Beach, FL (Small City setting); Florida SouthWestern State College is in Fort Myers, FL (Large Suburban setting).
• Bethune Cookman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Florida SouthWestern State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethune Cookman University 17:1; Florida SouthWestern State College 27:1.

Bethune-Cookman vs. FSW Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethune-Cookman or FSW? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Florida SouthWestern State College than Bethune-Cookman ($8,356 vs. $12,476).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethune Cookman University are 7.1% lower than at Florida SouthWestern State College ($10,396 vs. $11,185).
• Bethune Cookman University is 335% more expensive for in-state tuition than FSW (about $11,393 more per year; $14,794.00 vs. $3,401.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14% higher at Bethune-Cookman than at Florida SouthWestern State College (about $1,815 more per year; $14,794.00 vs. $12,979.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethune Cookman University than at Florida SouthWestern State College (98% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethune Cookman University students is 189.3% larger than aid received by Florida SouthWestern State College students ($17,181 vs. $5,938).

Bethune-Cookman vs. FSW Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bethune-Cookman or FSW? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between FSW and Bethune-Cookman.

• Florida SouthWestern State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethune Cookman University 830/990.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethune-Cookman - Test optional; FSW - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Bethune-Cookman students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at FSW (3.06).

Bethune-Cookman vs. FSW Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethune-Cookman and FSW? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Florida SouthWestern State College earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than Bethune-Cookman graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $31,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Florida SouthWestern State College graduates have a $26,985 lower median loan debt than Bethune-Cookman graduates ($9,000 vs. $35,985).
• Among borrowers, FSW graduates have an estimated $279 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethune-Cookman graduates ($93 vs. $372).
• More FSW graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethune-Cookman students, three years after graduation. (43% vs. 20%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.