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.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Cumberland University enrolls a diverse student body with significant representation from underserved populations. The institution enrolls 32.5% Pell-eligible students, indicating a substantial share from lower-income families. First-generation students comprise 40.8% of enrollment, nearly double the national average and suggesting strong commitment to educational access.
Transfer students represent 21.5% of enrollment, indicating the institution welcomes students from community colleges and other institutions. This transfer-friendly approach provides pathways for students seeking to complete bachelor's degrees after starting elsewhere. The combination of moderate Pell enrollment and high first-generation share suggests Cumberland University successfully attracts students whose families may have limited experience with higher education.
With a 67% acceptance rate, Cumberland University admits the majority of applicants, making it an accessible option for most academically prepared students. However, students seeking additional choices or different characteristics should consider these alternatives.
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For prospective students, these demographics indicate an environment where students from diverse educational and economic backgrounds form the majority. First-generation students can expect to find peers who share similar family educational experiences, while the substantial Pell share suggests financial aid awareness and support systems for students managing educational costs.
Cumberland University shows mixed outcomes for student retention and completion that prospective students should carefully consider. The 62.2% retention rate falls well below the peer median of 83.1%, indicating that a significant share of freshman students do not return for sophomore year. The 47% graduation rate also trails typical expectations, though it exceeds the completion rate of Pell-eligible students at 54%.
Interestingly, Pell-eligible students graduate at higher rates than the overall population, with a 54% completion rate compared to 47% overall. This 7 percentage point advantage for Pell students is unusual and suggests strong support systems for lower-income students. This pattern indicates the institution may be particularly effective at supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds through degree completion.
Prospective students should understand that success at Cumberland University requires strong academic preparation and personal commitment to degree completion. The retention and graduation data suggest that students who persist through the first year and remain engaged with institutional support systems achieve better outcomes. Lower-income students should view the positive Pell completion gap as evidence of institutional commitment to their success.
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