Cumberland University
CU
Lebanon, Tennessee 37087
Data last updated: May 29, 2026
Campus Vibe
Known for business
Cumberland University is a private institution in Lebanon with particular strength in business and health sciences.
A mid-sized campus of 2.1K undergraduates with a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
47% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $57,687 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $18,292.
Plan Your Visit
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
75.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$11,250
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
14
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (54)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
62%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Phoenix
History & Fun Facts
- •1858 Memorial Hall, 1918 1842–1861 The university was founded by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 1842 and received its Tennessee state charter in 1843.
- •In 1847 Cumberland Presbyterian church leaders added a law school, the first in Tennessee and the first west of the Appalachian Mountains, and in 1854 a school of theology was begun.
- •By 1866, just one year after the war's end, all departments were again operating in various locations in the town of Lebanon.
- •1865–1930s Cumberland University moved to its present campus location in 1892.
- •Construction of Memorial Hall, designed by William Crawford Smith, was completed in 1896; it remains the tallest building on campus as of January 2022.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from TN state average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
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