Cumberland University
Cumberland University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Cumberland University at a Glance
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.
1842
184 years old
$16M
US$15.7 million (2021)
3,072
Identity
Is Cumberland University Worth It?
At a value score of 36/100, Cumberland University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $57,687 — 7% above average — while paying $18,759/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.3 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 46% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Cumberland University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Cumberland University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TN
Ranked #85 of 170 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | University of Detroit Mercy | 79 | $15,232 | $71,030 |
| #3 | University of Tulsa | 74 | $15,000 | $61,408 |
| #4 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #5 | Kalamazoo College | 68 | $19,072 | $65,590 |
| #6 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #85 | Cumberland University | 36 | $18,759 | $57,687 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Cumberland University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 9 in TN.
Best Programs at Cumberland University
The highest-earning program at Cumberland University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $55,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $25,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Cumberland University earns $55,700, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $25,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $21,875 in median debt vs. $23,250 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $18,759/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $55,700 | $55,700 | $21,875 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $25,900 | $25,900 | $23,250 |
Similar Colleges in TN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Lebanon, TN
- Student Body
- 2,104 students
- Admission Rate
- 67%
- Graduation Rate
- 46%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $18,759
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $57,687
- Median Student Debt
- $17,952