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Cumberland University

Lebanon, TN·Private nonprofit·2,053 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who prefer a mid-size campus. freshman retention is below 65%. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

67%
Accept
2,053
Students
$18,292
Net Price
47%
Grad Rate
$43,000
Earnings
10 yr
$11,250
Debt

About This School

Cumberland University is a private nonprofit institution located in Lebanon, Tennessee with approximately 2,053 undergraduate students enrolled. Cumberland University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 67%. The average net price after financial aid is $18,292 per year. The graduation rate is 47%, and the typical graduate earns $43,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

Cumberland University is a private university in Lebanon, Tennessee, United States. It was founded in 1842. The oldest campus buildings were constructed between 1892 and 1896.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at $18,292/year net price and a median debt of just $11,250 at graduation, the cost is genuinely manageable, but a 47% graduation rate and 62% freshman retention rate suggest many students don't finish — worth asking why before enrolling. Median earnings of $43,000 a decade out are modest, so this is a harder sell for high-cost majors, but could make sense if you're drawn to specific programs, want a small campus feel in a affordable package, and have a clear plan to stay on track.

Founded
1842
Setting
Fringe town

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing27%
Health Professions11%
Education6%
Biological Sciences6%
Psychology4%
English2%
Visual & Performing Arts2%
Computer Science1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

John BellThomas GoreJames B. McCrearyJohn BurgessCave JohnsonJames Allred

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$27,840
Out-of-State Tuition
$27,840
Avg Net Price
$18,292
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants33%
Median debt at graduation$11,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
47%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
62%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$11,250
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$11,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$37,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.8x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White56%
Black11%
Hispanic/Latino9%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,053 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Cumberland University

1 Cumberland Square

Lebanon, TN 37087

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Tennessee

Browse all Tennessee schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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