Cumberland University

Cumberland University's published cost of attendance reaches $41,657 annually, including $27,840 in tuition, $10,360 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid. The average net price of $18,292 represents substantial savings of $23,365 from the sticker price, indicating comprehensive financial aid programming.

The net price of $18,292 falls $8,851 below the peer median of $27,143, making Cumberland University more affordable than similar institutions. This affordability advantage extends across income levels, with the institution offering particularly strong value for middle and lower-income families. The substantial gap between published costs and actual net prices demonstrates Cumberland University's commitment to making education accessible through financial aid, though families should understand that aid packages vary significantly based on individual circumstances and financial need.

Cumberland University admits 67% of applicants, meaning roughly 2 in 3 applicants receive an offer of admission. This moderately selective admission rate provides reasonable access while maintaining academic standards. The peer median admission rate of 70.6% indicates Cumberland University's selectivity falls close to typical levels for similar institutions, just 3.6 percentage points more selective than the peer average.

This level of selectivity means academically prepared students have solid prospects for admission, though the institution does maintain standards that screen applicants. Students should expect to compete with other qualified candidates, but the majority of applicants do receive admission offers. The 62.2% retention rate and 47% graduation rate indicate that gaining admission is more accessible than succeeding academically once enrolled. Prospective students should focus on demonstrating college readiness and fit with Cumberland University's program offerings, particularly in nursing and healthcare fields where the institution shows exceptional strength. Building a college list with institutions across the selectivity spectrum remains sound strategy, but Cumberland University represents a realistic option for students with solid academic preparation.

Cumberland University graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression and strong value creation over time. Median earnings grow from $52,246 six years after enrollment to $59,093 at eight years and $57,687 at ten years, representing 10.4% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes reflect data from 549 graduates in the ten-year cohort, providing reliable confidence in reported figures.

The institution generates $21,503 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 94.9th percentile nationally for value-added performance. This exceptional ranking indicates Cumberland University helps students achieve earnings that far exceed what would be predicted based on their backgrounds. Low-income graduates earn $39,200, while the overall earnings distribution spans from $38,662 at the 25th percentile to $82,086 at the 75th percentile. Approximately 41.1% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, though this estimate carries low confidence due to limited program mix data. The earnings range reflects program diversity, with nursing graduates achieving significantly higher outcomes than business or general studies majors.

Cumberland University offers 3 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing stands out as the flagship program, ranking #187 nationally and #5 in Tennessee. This program graduates 68 students annually with median earnings of $66,878 and achieves a strong value score of 32.1.

Business Administration and Management represents the second-largest program, graduating 36 students with median earnings of $35,538 and ranking #321 nationally and #9 in Tennessee. General Studies graduates 21 students annually with median earnings of $23,264, ranking #180 nationally and #5 in Tennessee. All three programs are designated as top majors at the school, indicating they represent core institutional strengths. The concentration in nursing and healthcare programs helps explain Cumberland University's strong value-added performance, as these fields typically produce favorable employment outcomes.