University of the Cumberlands
University of the Cumberlands — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of the Cumberlands at a Glance
The University of the Cumberlands is a private Christian university in Williamsburg, Kentucky, United States. Over 25,000 students are currently enrolled at the university.
1888
138 years old
22,120
7,612 undergrad · 14,508 grad
Identity
Is University of the Cumberlands Worth It?
At a value score of 39/100, University of the Cumberlands is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $45,036 — 16% below average — while paying $14,107/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 48% 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.
With a 99% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of the Cumberlands has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of the Cumberlands compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #2 of 17 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 | Ensign College | 44 | $10,824 | $50,630 |
| #2 | University of the Cumberlands | 39 | $14,107 | $45,036 |
| #3 | Loyola University New Orleans | 35 | $23,696 | $52,927 |
| #4 | Davenport University | 34 | $17,707 | $45,099 |
| #5 | National Louis University | 30 | $12,641 | $45,799 |
| #6 | Belmont University | 30 | $33,147 | $55,930 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of the Cumberlands's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of the Cumberlands
The highest-earning program at University of the Cumberlands is Business/Commerce, General at $35,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Human Services, General at $27,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business/Commerce, General graduate from University of the Cumberlands earns $35,200, while a Human Services, General graduate earns $27,800. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business/Commerce, General graduates carry $15,222 in median debt vs. $19,059 for Human Services, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,107/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General | $35,200 | $35,200 | $15,222 |
| Human Services, General | $27,800 | $27,800 | $19,059 |
Similar Colleges in KY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Williamsburg, KY
- Student Body
- 6,941 students
- Admission Rate
- 99%
- Graduation Rate
- 48%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,107
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $45,036
- Median Student Debt
- $14,911