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 runs on low costs and low returns. You'll pay about $11,000 a year on average and borrow modestly, finishing with median debt under $15,000. But median earnings ten years out sit around $45,000, which is where the math gets tight. The debt is manageable. the payoff is thin.
The bachelor's programs listed here don't help the case. Business is the strongest option, and it still leaves you near $36,000 a year. Criminal Justice pays less than business while saddling you with the highest debt of any program here, over $23,000 , the worst trade on the list. Psychology, teacher education, and human services all land under $30,000, which is a poor return on any amount of borrowing. If you're picking a major purely on income, business is the only one that doesn't actively work against you, and even it underperforms.
The financial risk here is the 46% graduation rate. Fewer than half of you finish, and if you borrow and leave without a degree, you carry the debt without the earnings bump. The 81% retention rate says most of you come back after year one, so the dropout damage happens later.
The net price tiers are the real story for families. Under $30,000 in income, you pay about $4,900. between $30,000 and $48,000, roughly $6,000. Above $75,000, the price nearly triples to $17,000 or more. This school is built for lower-income Kentucky families who qualify for the deepest discounts.
Come here if you're low-income, staying regional, and can graduate on time , the low net price keeps the risk small. Look elsewhere if you're paying the full $19,000 sticker or counting on a high-earning career, because these salary numbers won't justify it.
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.