At $18,292/yr net price, Cumberland University graduates earn $57,687/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,687/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,292 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $73,168 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,687/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,687/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,952 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,827/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,220/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,891/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,155/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,937/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $69,338 | $24,420 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,415 | $23,000 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $46,087 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $41,937 | $21,380 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $41,565 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $41,261 | $23,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $31,314 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,960 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
The Risk Factor
47.0% of students at Cumberland University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Cumberland University gives you a mixed financial picture. Ten years out, your median earnings sit near $57,700 against a net price around $18,300 and median debt under $18,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, and the low median debt is the strongest thing this school has going for it. But the return depends almost entirely on what you study.
Nursing is the one program that clearly pays off. It earns roughly $56,400 at the bachelor level, close to the school-wide median, and it's the reason Cumberland's overall earnings number holds up. The catch is debt: nursing graduates carry about $23,000, well above the school's median. You take on more, but the salary justifies it.
The other bachelor programs are a problem. Criminal justice, general biology, and teacher education all land between $28,600 and $31,300 ten years out. That's roughly half what nursing earns and barely above what many people make without a degree. If you enroll in one of these, your net price stays the same while your payoff drops sharply. General biology at under $29,000 is especially weak unless you treat it as a step toward graduate school.
Two numbers should worry you: a 47% graduation rate and 62% retention. Nearly four in ten students who start don't return for a second year, and more than half never finish. Debt without a degree is the worst outcome here, and these rates make that outcome common.
The net price tiers are close together across incomes. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $16,800. over $110,000, roughly $23,900. Lower-income families get modest relief, but nobody gets a steep discount.
Come here for nursing and finish. Look elsewhere if you're drawn to the lower-paying majors or unsure you'll graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cumberland University worth the cost?
Cumberland University's $18,292 net price leads to median earnings of $57,687 after 10 years, which provides reasonable value for most graduates. However, the 47% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, making it risky for students who aren't committed to finishing.
What are the highest paying majors at Cumberland University?
Business Administration graduates from Cumberland University earn around $69,338 annually, making it the best financial return. Nursing graduates earn $56,415, while education majors typically start around $41,937.
How much debt do Cumberland University students graduate with?
Cumberland University graduates have a median debt of $17,952, which is manageable compared to the national average. The relatively low debt load helps make the degree financially viable for most career paths.
Does Cumberland University have good job outcomes after graduation?
Cumberland University graduates earn $57,687 ten years after enrollment, which is solid but not exceptional. The business and nursing programs show the strongest earning potential, while education majors face lower starting salaries typical of that field.