Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 45.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 46.2%
- Retention Rate
- 81.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $45,036
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,911
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 52.6%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $158/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $64,791 | $31,421 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $50,856 | $21,878 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $49,787 | $16,263 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $44,835 | $43,350 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $43,338 | $21,171 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $41,472 | $11,852 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $40,446 | $12,997 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $39,009 | $19,508 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $37,354 | $17,564 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $36,104 | $15,568 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $23,375 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $13,730 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $19,500 |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $28,055 | $17,669 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $19,587 |
Outcomes Overview
University of the Cumberlands graduates carry a median debt of $14,911, which represents about 33% of their first-year median earnings of $45,499. Monthly loan payments of $158 consume roughly 4.2% of gross monthly income, a manageable burden compared to the national average of 10-15%. The 96.6% employment rate reflects strong job placement success. Many graduates enter education, healthcare, and business fields that align with the university's Christian mission and rural Kentucky roots. The low debt load helps offset modest starting salaries typical of graduates serving in ministry, teaching, and social services. Despite the 46% graduation rate, those who complete their degrees enjoy a strong return on investment with affordable debt payments relative to earnings.