Cumberland University
About Cumberland University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Cumberland University is a private university in Lebanon, Tennessee, east of Nashville. It offers programs in nursing, business, criminal justice, and education at affordable tuition, with a growing campus and strong NAIA athletics.
Founded
1842
Location
Lebanon, Tennessee
Students
2,816
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
67.3%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
45.6%
Below national average
Tuition
$27,840
Per year
Avg Net Price
$18,759
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$57,687
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
67.3 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$25
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
With a 67.3% acceptance rate, Cumberland University admits most students who meet the academic standards. Focus on putting together a complete, thoughtful application.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
45.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
59.5%
4-Year Grad
41%
6-Year Grad
53%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
33.1%
$/Student
$3.6K
Class Size
Medium
The 41% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$27,840
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,800
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$43,358
After Financial Aid
$18,759
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$17,882
Receive Grants
30.3%
Take Loans
19.1%
The total cost of attendance runs about $43,358/yr, including $12,800 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $18,759.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Cumberland University fund their education.
While in School
30.3%
Get Grants
Free money
19.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$41,840
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$17,952
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$190/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 19.1% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $17,952. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Cumberland University.
Gender
55.9%
Female
44%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,104
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
712
Graduates
40.8%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
5.4%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 56% of the student body. 40.8% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 6.8% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Fringe
Campus Quick Facts
2,104
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Cumberland University fields 12 varsity teams with 390 student athletes, about 19% of the student body.
Division
NAIA
Division I
Conference
Mid-South
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
390
19% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
68% / 32%
265
Men
125
Women
11
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Cumberland Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$57,687
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$67K
61 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$36K
44 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
—
43 grads
Accounting and Related Services
$51K
22 grads
4yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$27K
21 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$45K
16 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $52K six years out, growing to $58K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cumberland University
What is the acceptance rate at Cumberland University?▾
How much does Cumberland University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Cumberland University?▾
How much do Cumberland University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.