At $11,286/yr net price, University of the Cumberlands graduates earn $45,036/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,036/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,286 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $45,144 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,036/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,036/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,911 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,895/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,965/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,476/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,072/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,953/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
46.2% of students at University of the Cumberlands 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
University of the Cumberlands delivers solid financial value for a private college, with a net price under $12,000 that beats most competitors. Your debt load stays manageable at around $15,000, well below national averages for private schools.
Educational Administration programs stand out as clear winners, with graduates earning $50,000-$65,000 annually. Business Administration also pays off well at nearly $50,000 with relatively low debt of $16,263. These numbers work particularly well in Kentucky's lower cost-of-living markets where your purchasing power stretches further.
Psychology programs present mixed results. Clinical Psychology graduates earn $44,835 but carry heavy debt loads of $43,350, creating a concerning debt-to-income ratio. Student Counseling offers better balance with similar earnings but half the debt.
The school's 46% graduation rate poses the biggest financial risk. If you don't finish, you'll carry debt without the degree needed for higher earnings. The 81% retention rate suggests most students who stay engaged do continue, but you need strong academic preparation and commitment.
This school works best if you're pursuing education or business programs, can handle the rural Kentucky location, and have solid study habits to handle the graduation challenge. The low net price makes it accessible even without extensive financial aid, though nearly half of students do receive assistance.
Avoid University of the Cumberlands if you need urban internship opportunities, want guaranteed prestige recognition, or lack confidence in completing your degree. The value proposition depends entirely on finishing what you start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of the Cumberlands worth the cost?
University of the Cumberlands offers a relatively low net price at $11,286 per year, but graduates earn only $45,036 after 10 years, which is below the national average. The school's 46% graduation rate means over half of students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying majors at University of the Cumberlands?
Educational Administration graduates earn the highest salaries at around $65,000, while business and psychology programs typically lead to earnings in the mid-40s. Most other programs result in below-average starting salaries.
How much debt do University of the Cumberlands graduates have?
The median debt for University of the Cumberlands graduates is $14,911, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with average earnings of $45,036, some graduates may still struggle with loan payments depending on their field.
Does University of the Cumberlands have good job placement rates?
University of the Cumberlands has a low 46% graduation rate, which raises concerns about student success and job placement. The school's 10-year earnings data suggests graduates face challenges in the job market compared to other colleges.