About University of the Cumberlands
The University of the Cumberlands serves 5,468 students in the Appalachian foothills with a mission rooted in Baptist values and practical education. This Christian university has built its reputation on accessible faith-based learning since 1889, blending traditional campus programs with extensive online offerings. The remote Kentucky setting attracts students seeking a close-knit community where chapel attendance remains part of campus culture. An 83% acceptance rate welcomes students with diverse academic backgrounds, while the university emphasizes character development alongside career preparation.
Students pay an average net price of $11,286 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable private college options in the region. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, and the typical graduate leaves with $14,911 in debt. Ten years after graduation, median earnings reach $45,036, which means most graduates can manage their monthly loan payments of $158. The low sticker price of $9,875 tuition helps keep costs manageable for families across income levels.
Women outnumber men 68% to 32% on campus, creating a female-majority environment. The Patriots field 26 varsity sports teams in NAIA competition, with 742 student-athletes receiving over $4.6 million in athletic scholarships. A 46% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many first-generation college students face, but a 97% employment rate shows strong job placement outcomes.
Students pay an average net price of $11,286 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable private college options in the region. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, and the typical graduate leaves with $14,911 in debt. Ten years after graduation, median earnings reach $45,036, which means most graduates can manage their monthly loan payments of $158. The low sticker price of $9,875 tuition helps keep costs manageable for families across income levels.
Women outnumber men 68% to 32% on campus, creating a female-majority environment. The Patriots field 26 varsity sports teams in NAIA competition, with 742 student-athletes receiving over $4.6 million in athletic scholarships. A 46% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many first-generation college students face, but a 97% employment rate shows strong job placement outcomes.
Academics & Faculty
University of the Cumberlands operates as a Baptist-affiliated institution that blends traditional liberal arts education with professional programs. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to professors, though the 46% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees. The university has built a reputation for its education and nursing programs, which align with regional workforce needs in rural Kentucky. Students can choose from both on-campus and extensive online offerings. The school's Christian foundation means faith integration appears throughout the curriculum. With 83% of applicants gaining admission and average SAT scores around 1060, the university serves students seeking affordable, values-based higher education in Appalachian Kentucky.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 21.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 45.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 46.2%
- Retention Rate
- 81.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,036
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $64,791 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $50,856 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $49,787 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $44,835 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $43,338 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $41,472 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $40,446 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $39,009 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $37,354 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $36,104 |
Campus Life
The Appalachian foothills of southeastern Kentucky create a secluded campus environment about 90 miles from Lexington. With housing capacity for 1,420 students and total enrollment of 5,468, roughly a quarter of students live on campus in a close-knit residential community. The 68% female student body reflects the university's strong nursing and education programs that draw women from across Kentucky and neighboring states.
Winter means genuine cold with snow in the mountains, so pack a warm coat for January temperatures that regularly drop below freezing. The Baptist foundation shapes campus life through mandatory chapel services and a dry campus policy. With 26 varsity sports and 742 total athletes, Patriots athletics dominate weekend entertainment in this town of 5,000 residents. Students often gather for basketball games or explore nearby Cumberland Falls State Park. The 81.13% retention rate suggests most freshmen adapt well to the rural setting and faith-based community standards. Those seeking big-city amenities will find limited options, but outdoor enthusiasts thrive in the Daniel Boone National Forest surroundings.
Winter means genuine cold with snow in the mountains, so pack a warm coat for January temperatures that regularly drop below freezing. The Baptist foundation shapes campus life through mandatory chapel services and a dry campus policy. With 26 varsity sports and 742 total athletes, Patriots athletics dominate weekend entertainment in this town of 5,000 residents. Students often gather for basketball games or explore nearby Cumberland Falls State Park. The 81.13% retention rate suggests most freshmen adapt well to the rural setting and faith-based community standards. Those seeking big-city amenities will find limited options, but outdoor enthusiasts thrive in the Daniel Boone National Forest surroundings.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 1,420 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1889
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–43°F
- July Avg
- 64°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 13.5"
Student Demographics
University of the Cumberlands draws heavily from Kentucky and surrounding Appalachian communities, with two-thirds of students coming from in-state. The student body is predominantly female, reflecting strong programs in nursing, education, and health sciences that traditionally attract more women. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to serving first-generation college students from working-class families in rural Kentucky. The Baptist affiliation and emphasis on Christian values resonate with conservative students from small towns across the region who want faith-integrated education close to home.
- Men
- 32.0%
- Women
- 68.0%
- White
- 71.4%
- Black
- 5.4%
- Hispanic
- 0.3%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 66.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 48.5%
Location
University of the Cumberlands sits in Williamsburg, Kentucky, about 80 miles north of Knoxville, Tennessee, and 120 miles southeast of Lexington. The campus serves 5,468 students in the Appalachian foothills, where rolling hills and forests define the landscape. Williamsburg itself is a small town of fewer than 6,000 residents, creating an intimate college environment where the university anchors the community. The remote setting means students experience true small-town life, with outdoor recreation opportunities in nearby Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and Daniel Boone National Forest. Students considering colleges in Kentucky may also compare University of the Cumberlands with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Williamsburg, Kentucky 40769
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,036
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,890
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 52.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $158/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,911
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of the Cumberlands?
The acceptance rate is 83.02%, making it accessible to most students who apply. This Baptist university values faith-based character alongside academics. Average admitted students score around 1060 on the SAT.
How much does University of the Cumberlands cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $11,286 for all students, with significant aid available. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $4,895 after aid. The university offers reasonable tuition at $9,875 regardless of state residency.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of the Cumberlands?
The student-faculty ratio is 19:1 across the 5,468 enrolled students. The university blends traditional classroom learning with online programs. About 81% of students return for their sophomore year.
What are the graduation outcomes at University of the Cumberlands?
The six-year graduation rate is 46.20%, while graduates earn a median salary of $45,036 ten years after enrollment. The employment rate reaches 96.6% for graduates. Monthly student loan payments average $158 with median debt of $14,911.
Where is University of the Cumberlands located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Williamsburg, Kentucky, a remote town setting in Appalachian foothills. On-campus housing accommodates 1,420 students with room and board costing $9,300. The student body is 68% female and 71% white.
How strong are athletics at University of the Cumberlands?
The Patriots compete in 26 varsity sports at the NAIA level with 742 total athletes. The university awards $4.7 million in athletic scholarships annually. This represents a major commitment to sports for a school of this size in rural Kentucky.
