Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM IDENTITY
•HBCU founded by Mary McLeod Bethune with a longstanding performing arts tradition
•Part of the Dr. La-Doris McClaney School of Performing Arts and Communication
TRAINING
•Acting, directing, producing, and voice work for radio, film, television, and stage
•Performance Repertory enrollment required — students build a body of work across all four years
•Black American Drama and Narrative Theatre courses integrate cultural heritage into the curriculum
•120 credit hours with dedicated theatre coursework culminating in a 6-credit Senior Internship capstone
PERFORMANCE & PRODUCTIONS
•Mary McLeod Bethune Players theatre company — mandatory participation for all theatre performance majors
•Orchesis Dance Ensemble — 28+ years showcasing contemporary, jazz, ballet, African, hip-hop, and tap
FACILITIES
•$23M Performing Arts Center — 2,500-seat venue with 100,000 sq ft, 48' x 60' stage with fly system and acoustical shell
•State-of-the-art sound and lighting, 40 box seats, five private dressing rooms, Green Room with projection
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Rodney Chester — actor, best known as Alex Kirby on Logo's Noah's Arc
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Apply atCBCA
Deadlines
Priority (Spring)Nov 15, 2025
Regular Decision (Spring)Dec 15, 2025
PriorityMay 1, 2026
Regular DecisionAug 1, 2026
Fee
$25Waiver
Good to Know
APPLICATION PORTAL
•Apply to the university via the B-CU application portal or Common Black College App
•No separate department application required
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
•Minimum 2.8 GPA on a 4.0 scale
•Test-optional — SAT/ACT not required for admission
•Test scores must be submitted for academic scholarship consideration
•Students admitted without test scores must take an on-campus placement test
What's The Process
•No audition or prescreen required for admission
•Admission is based on university acceptance
•Students must participate in the Mary McLeod Bethune Players and/or Orchesis Dance Ensemble once enrolled
Program info updated Mar 24, 12:58 AM
PROGRAM IDENTITY
•HBCU founded by Mary McLeod Bethune with a longstanding performing arts tradition
•Part of the Dr. La-Doris McClaney School of Performing Arts and Communication
TRAINING
•Acting, directing, producing, and voice work for radio, film, television, and stage
•Performance Repertory enrollment required — students build a body of work across all four years
•Black American Drama and Narrative Theatre courses integrate cultural heritage into the curriculum
•120 credit hours with dedicated theatre coursework culminating in a 6-credit Senior Internship capstone
PERFORMANCE & PRODUCTIONS
•Mary McLeod Bethune Players theatre company — mandatory participation for all theatre performance majors
•Orchesis Dance Ensemble — 28+ years showcasing contemporary, jazz, ballet, African, hip-hop, and tap
FACILITIES
•$23M Performing Arts Center — 2,500-seat venue with 100,000 sq ft, 48' x 60' stage with fly system and acoustical shell
•State-of-the-art sound and lighting, 40 box seats, five private dressing rooms, Green Room with projection
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Rodney Chester — actor, best known as Alex Kirby on Logo's Noah's Arc
Updated Mar 24, 12:58 AM
Academic School Information
3.25
Avg GPA (W)
88%
Admit Rate
29%
Grad Rate
2,732
Enrollment
$38,518
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$14,794
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$12,030
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$10,896
Family Income $30k - $48k$11,487
Family Income $48k - $75k$14,346
Family Income $75k - $110k$17,882
Family Income $110k+$18,654
