University of the Cumberlands
University of the Cumberlands is a private nonprofit university in Williamsburg, KY ranked #597 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 5,468 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 71.4%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Biology.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, 81.1% first-year retention, and 46.2% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $11,286, about $5,712 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -171.4%, roughly 98.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $39,046. That's about $4,642 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of the Cumberlands Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of the Cumberlands graduates 46.2% of students within six years and keeps 81.1% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of the Cumberlands's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $9,875 |
| Books and Supplies | $0 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $9,300 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $6,968 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $24,654 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 48.5% of University of the Cumberlands students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $4,895 annually, while high-income families pay $18,953. Use University of the Cumberlands's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $17,072/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $18,953/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $39,046
- 10-Year Median Earnings $39,046
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $8,592
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 52.6%
- Employment Rate 91.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of the Cumberlands graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of the Cumberlands vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of the Cumberlands's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of the Cumberlands's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of the Cumberlands graduates earn $39,046 median, the -13.5% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 5,468
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 81.1%
- Graduation Rate 46.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1
How to Get Into University of the Cumberlands
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of the Cumberlands requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 71.4%, University of the Cumberlands is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 71.4% acceptance rate, University of the Cumberlands is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of the Cumberlands undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Business/Commerce, General, and Human Services, General draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 13.8%
- Business/Commerce, General 13.8%
- Human Services, General 10.5%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 8.9%
- Psychology, General 8.9%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 7.1%
See more majors
- Biology, General 6.0%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 5.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $81,012
- 2. Biology, General $63,243
- 3. Business/Commerce, General $60,400
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Accounting and Related Services $50,102
- 5. Criminal Justice and Corrections $44,221
- 6. Psychology, General $42,393
- 7. Computer and Information Sciences, General $40,725
- 8. Human Services, General $38,951
- 9. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $37,610
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $35,470
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $97,899
- 2. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $90,820
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Doctoral Degree) $78,503
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $74,217
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $71,086
- 6. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $67,247
- 7. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $55,999
- 8. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $51,541
- 9. Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree) $50,801
- 10. Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree) $50,379
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $81,012—128% more than Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($35,470). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $97,899 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of the Cumberlands. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 55 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 6 graduates)
- History (Bachelor's Degree, 6 graduates)
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Bachelor's Degree, 4 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degree, 3 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (15 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Political Science and Government
- History
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Mathematics
- Engineering, Other
- Music
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Chemistry
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Special Education and Teaching
- Physics
- Management Information Systems and Services
- English Language and Literature, General
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 5,468
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 32.0%
- Female Students 68.0%
- Caucasian 71.4%
- Asian 1.0%
- Hispanic 0.3%
- Black 5.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 48.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of the Cumberlands's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of the Cumberlands's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of the Cumberlands support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of the Cumberlands, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 71.4% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. Women make up 68.0% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of the Cumberlands support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of the Cumberlands, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of the Cumberlands offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -13.5% ROI. Ranked #597 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $11,286 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $39,046 median earnings. With 46.2% graduating within six years and 81.1% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: University of the Cumberlands's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #597 ranking, University of the Cumberlands competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $11,286 annually, University of the Cumberlands charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 81.1% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $7,900 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -13.5% ROI and $39,046 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $1,286+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: University of the Cumberlands ranks #597 of 6272 institutions, with 273 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 46.2% six-year graduation rate sits 16.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 81.1% first-year retention is 4.3 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -13.5% return on investment is 98.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $39,046 run about 11% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $11,286 is roughly $5,832 lower than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 19:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 81.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 91.6% employment rate within three years sits 23.4 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates University of the Cumberlands—a private nonprofit university in Williamsburg, KY—at B+ overall. It stands at #597 among 6272 schools Completion earns B-, Support B-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability A-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 81.1% of first-year students return, and roughly 46.2% finish within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -13.5%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $11,286 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $24,654.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $13,368 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $8,592 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 48.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $39,046 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 11% lower.
The three-year employment rate is close to 91.6%.
Plan around an ROI of about -13.5% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
71.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of the Cumberlands admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Williamsburg, KY 40769
- Website www.ucumberlands.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$164.5M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate25.8%