Cumberland University (CU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Cumberland University
Set in Middle Tennessee, Cumberland University pairs a historic red-brick setting with practical academics. It's known for strengths across health sciences, business, education, and the arts and humanities, with a reputation for personal attention and hands-on learning. Students tap modern labs and studios, athletic spaces, and a library built for quiet focus. Support runs deep, from advising and tutoring to counseling and career services.
Campus life feels close-knit and spirited. You'll find student organizations, service projects, intramurals, and plenty of music and theater. The Phoenix identity shows up at games and traditions, including a storied place in college football history. And career prep leans on real experience and regional connections, with opportunities in Lebanon and nearby Nashville. The town's square, local eats, parks, and live music make it easy to feel at home.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Cumberland University (CU) offers 42 degree programs across 16 major academic fields, graduating approximately 669 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (6 programs, 183 graduates), Liberal Arts (3 programs, 156 graduates), Health (4 programs, 78 graduates), Education (8 programs, 54 graduates) and Kinesiology (3 programs, 46 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (6 programs, 183 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 97 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
52.0201 |
| Business Administration and Management | 49 |
|
Master's
|
52.0299 |
| Accounting | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0301 |
| Marketing Management | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1401 |
| Management Science | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1301 |
| Project Management | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0211 |
Liberal Arts (3 programs, 156 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 145 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0199 |
| General Studies | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
24.0102 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
24.0101 |
Health (4 programs, 78 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 65 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.3801 |
| Health Administration and Management | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.0701 |
| Nursing Education | 4 |
|
Master's
|
51.3203 |
| Athletic Training | 3 |
|
Master's
|
51.0913 |
Education (8 programs, 54 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Education | 20 |
|
Associate's
Master's
|
13.0101 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development in Specific Subject Areas | 18 |
|
Master's
|
13.1399 |
| Elementary Education | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1202 |
| Secondary Education and Teaching | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1205 |
| Educational Leadership and Administration | 2 |
|
Master's
|
13.0401 |
| Special Education Teaching | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1001 |
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching | 2 |
|
Master's
|
13.1314 |
| Reading Teacher Education | 1 |
|
Master's
|
13.1315 |
Kinesiology (3 programs, 46 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 22 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
31.0505 |
| Sports Studies | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0508 |
| Sport and Fitness Management | 11 |
|
Master's
|
31.0504 |
Security & Safety (2 programs, 28 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice Administration | 20 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0103 |
| Criminal Justice, Other | 8 |
|
Associate's
|
43.0199 |
Public Services (1 programs, 27 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Administration | 27 |
|
Master's
|
44.0401 |
Psychology (1 programs, 26 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 26 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
Biological Sciences (4 programs, 22 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences | 12 |
|
Associate's
|
26.9999 |
| Biomedical Sciences | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0102 |
| Biochemistry | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0202 |
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
English (2 programs, 14 graduates)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
23.0101 |
| Creative Writing | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
23.1302 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Cumberland University (CU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Cumberland University (CU)
How much does it cost to attend Cumberland University (CU)?
The annual tuition at Cumberland University (CU) is $27,840 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $44,740 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $10,360 (on) / $10,540 (off) and books and supplies $1,200.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Cumberland University offer?
Cumberland University (CU) offers 42 academic programs across 16 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Residency.
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (6 programs)
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (3 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (4 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (8 programs)
- Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation (3 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Cumberland University?
Cumberland University (CU) has an 67% acceptance rate and a 36% yield rate, making it selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 2,788
- Students admitted: 1,868
- Students enrolled: 673
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Cumberland University?
Cumberland University (CU) provides financial aid to 27% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $23,749 and average loans of $6,060.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $4,939
- State/Local grants: $5,698
- Institutional grants: $16,913
- Federal loans: $4,851
The university supports 623 students with grants and 141 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Cumberland University graduates?
Cumberland University (CU) graduates earn a median salary of $52,246 after 6 years and $57,687 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $38,662 (25th percentile) to $82,086 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
Related Universities
Found something useful? Help others discover it too! Share with friends, on social media, or save for later - every share helps someone find the information they need.