About Cumberland University
Cumberland University sits in Lebanon, Tennessee, a college town about 30 miles east of Nashville. With 2,053 students, this private university feels small enough that professors know your name. The school accepts 66% of applicants, making it accessible for students who want a supportive environment to grow academically. Cumberland has been around since 1842, giving it deep roots in Tennessee higher education. The university attracts students who want personal attention in their classes, with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio that means you won't get lost in huge lecture halls.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a private school. Students pay an average net price of $18,292 after aid, which is much less than the sticker price of $39,400. Graduates earn a median of $57,687 ten years after leaving school, while carrying typical debt of $17,952. The math works out to monthly loan payments of about $190, which is manageable on those post-graduation salaries. About 33% of students receive Pell Grants, showing Cumberland serves middle-class families alongside wealthier ones.
Cumberland fields 22 varsity sports teams called the Phoenix, competing in NAIA with 402 student-athletes. The school gives out nearly $8 million in athletic scholarships, making sports a real pathway to affordable education. With 90% of students coming from Tennessee, you'll be surrounded by people who understand Southern culture and values.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a private school. Students pay an average net price of $18,292 after aid, which is much less than the sticker price of $39,400. Graduates earn a median of $57,687 ten years after leaving school, while carrying typical debt of $17,952. The math works out to monthly loan payments of about $190, which is manageable on those post-graduation salaries. About 33% of students receive Pell Grants, showing Cumberland serves middle-class families alongside wealthier ones.
Cumberland fields 22 varsity sports teams called the Phoenix, competing in NAIA with 402 student-athletes. The school gives out nearly $8 million in athletic scholarships, making sports a real pathway to affordable education. With 90% of students coming from Tennessee, you'll be surrounded by people who understand Southern culture and values.
Academics & Faculty
Cumberland University operates as a small private university that focuses on practical career preparation rather than research. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay relatively small, though the 47% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees. The school is best known for its business programs, education degrees, and nursing program, which directly feed into Tennessee's job market. Cumberland also has a strong reputation for its music and theater programs, drawing students who want performance opportunities without the pressure of a conservatory. Most students here are looking for affordable professional training in fields like teaching, healthcare, and business management rather than academic theory.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 36.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 47.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 47.0%
- Retention Rate
- 62.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,687
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $69,338 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,415 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $46,087 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $41,937 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $41,565 |
| Education, General. | Master | $41,261 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $31,314 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,960 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
Campus Life
Cumberland's campus sits in Lebanon, Tennessee, about 30 miles east of Nashville. This gives students access to a major music city without the distractions and costs of living right in it. With 625 housing spots for 2,053 students, about 30% live on campus, creating a close community feel where you'll recognize faces walking between classes. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name, not just your student ID number.
Tennessee weather means you'll need both a winter coat and plenty of sunscreen. Winters rarely drop below freezing for long, but summers can hit 90 degrees with sticky humidity. The Phoenix athletics program draws serious attention with 402 athletes competing in 22 NAIA sports, and game days bring much of the campus together. Students often head to Nashville on weekends for concerts, internships, or just city life, then return to Lebanon's quieter pace for studying. The small-town setting means fewer distractions during the week, but you're never more than a 45-minute drive from Broadway's honky-tonks or the Grand Ole Opry.
Tennessee weather means you'll need both a winter coat and plenty of sunscreen. Winters rarely drop below freezing for long, but summers can hit 90 degrees with sticky humidity. The Phoenix athletics program draws serious attention with 402 athletes competing in 22 NAIA sports, and game days bring much of the campus together. Students often head to Nashville on weekends for concerts, internships, or just city life, then return to Lebanon's quieter pace for studying. The small-town setting means fewer distractions during the week, but you're never more than a 45-minute drive from Broadway's honky-tonks or the Grand Ole Opry.
- Setting
- Town-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 625 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1842
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 26°–46°F
- July Avg
- 67°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 120.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- -774.7"
Student Demographics
Cumberland draws heavily from Tennessee, with 90% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the school's deep roots in the region since 1842 and its role as a local option for middle Tennessee families. The student body tilts slightly female at 55%, which often happens at smaller private colleges. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing Cumberland serves families across income levels rather than just wealthy students. The school attracts students who want a smaller college experience close to home, particularly those interested in the school's strong athletics programs with 402 student-athletes competing in 22 NAIA sports.
- Men
- 45.5%
- Women
- 54.6%
- White
- 55.6%
- Black
- 10.9%
- Hispanic
- 8.9%
- Asian
- 1.5%
- In-State Students
- 90.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 32.5%
Location
Cumberland University sits in Lebanon, Tennessee, about 30 miles east of Nashville. The town has 26,000 people and offers that small-town feel where you know your neighbors but can still reach a major city in under an hour. Lebanon sits in the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee, where country music history meets modern college life. The campus serves 2,053 students in a town-fringe setting that gives you space to breathe without feeling isolated. You get the benefits of a tight-knit community while staying close enough to Nashville's internships, concerts, and job market. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Cumberland University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Lebanon, Tennessee 37087
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,687
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $69,575
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $190/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,952
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Cumberland University?
Cumberland University accepts 66.21% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The school attracts primarily Tennessee residents, with 90.36% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Cumberland University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $18,292 after aid, below the sticker price of $27,840 for tuition. The school provides institutional grants averaging $22,145 to 28.49% of students, helping make this historic 1842 institution more affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Cumberland University?
Cumberland maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its 2,053 students. The university operates on a semester system and has built a reputation for personalized attention in its town-fringe Lebanon setting.
What are the graduation rates at Cumberland University?
Cumberland graduates 47.67% of students in four years, with the six-year rate reaching 47.00%. While these rates reflect challenges common to smaller private universities, graduates earn a median salary of $57,687 ten years after graduation.
Where do Cumberland University students live on campus?
The university houses students in facilities with a capacity of 625, serving a portion of the 2,053 total enrollment. Room and board costs $10,360, contributing to a total attendance cost of $39,400 for this residential campus experience.
How strong is athletics at Cumberland University?
Cumberland competes in NAIA athletics with 22 varsity sports and 402 total athletes representing the Phoenix. The university invests $7,936,396 in athletic scholarships, reflecting its commitment to competitive sports as part of the campus culture.
