Visit campus and meet with your enrollment specialist. Give us a call at (615) 444-2562 or visit www.cumberland.edu/visit to schedule a campus tour.
Office of Admissions 1 Cumberland Square Lebanon, TN 37087 Cumberland.edu (615) 444-2562
@CumberlandUniversity
@cumberlandu
@cumberlandu
Cumberland University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Cumberland University.
To go beyond the simple paths and search for something more. To explore above, beneath, around and between the surface of things to find a purpose beyond one’s self. At Cumberland, your experience goes beyond classroom lectures and final exams. It is where you discover who you are, who you want to become and how you want to leave your mark on the world.
It’s personal Cumberland provides a personalized education that prepares you for a meaningful career and impactful life that reaches far beyond your time at CU. We pride ourselves in matching students' passions with careers that are fulfilling not just to them, but to the community around them. We’re a pretty tight community too. We’ll know you by name in no time.
Small campus, BIG hearts Smaller classes equate to more opportunities for you to connect and engage with faculty. Our faculty are able to structure their curriculum according to how you desire to learn. They have a heart for their students and work every day to invest in your unique strengths and character. Plus, they’re some of the most disciplined and dedicated people we know who are 100% committed to you, your success, and your goals. Basically, you have a whole village of fans cheering you on and celebrating your success every step of the way.
Good humans welcome Cumberland is a place for your ideas and dreams to grow - a place where you belong. Our community thrives on the range of ideas, backgrounds, and experiences each student brings to our campus. This means that every student adds value to our community. Your voice, your thoughts, and your contribution to each conversation help make CU a safe and hospitable space to learn and discover more of what it is to be a good human in today’s world. So speak up, we’re listening.
Value in a liberal arts education
Because that’s what happens when you earn a degree beyond yourself; you transform your future and shape the world around you.
At Cumberland, core liberal arts curriculum is incorporated into all programs of study. This means you can expect to receive an education rooted in liberal arts concepts while also providing you with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to excel in your designated career field. It’s a holistic approach that challenges you to think critically, and teaches you a range of skills applicable to any career. Employers find concepts learned from a liberal arts degree incredibly valuable as they can be an indication of how job candidates will perform as employees or interact with team members. Employers value candidates who will work well with others, communicate appropriately and are well-versed in a variety of subjects.
CU Experience
What does it mean to go beyond the ordinary?
you love small-town vibes
CLOSE TO BIG CITY
FUN
Hometown: Lebanon, Tennessee Cumberland is located just 25 miles from Nashville, Tennessee. Our campus is at the center of the growing city of Lebanon and is within walking distance of coffee shops, restaurants, boutique shops and more.
Nashville Area Ranked Hottest Job Market in US -Wall Street Journal
Our close proximity to Nashville offers more than great live music, food, and sporting events. You’ll also have access to internships, clinical placements and potential career connections at more than 40,000 businesses in and around the city of Nashville. Basically, you could say our sweet location makes CU the perfect place to prepare to launch your career.
location
The perfect place to launch your career
If you’re like us
Completed online application Minimum of 21 ACT composite score or SAT equivalent based on ACT/SAT score converter Minimum 2.75 high school grade point average Official academic transcript(s) (including Dual Enrollment Courses) $25 application fee Immunization records
admissions
First-time Freshmen
Transfer Students Less than 30 hours of college credit Completed Application for Admission Minimum of 21 ACT composite score or SAT equivalent based on ACT/SAT Score Converter Minimum 2.00 Cumulative GPA on all post-secondary work Official academic transcript(s) (including Dual Enrollment Courses) from every college or university you have attended $25 application fee Immunization records
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS More than 30 hours of college credit Completed Application for Admission Official academic transcript(s) (including Dual Enrollment Courses) from every college or university you have attended Minimum 2.00 Cumulative GPA on all post-secondary work $25 application fee Immunization records
Scan the code to start your application today! What is my CU Status Center? Your CU Status Center is where you will monitor the status of your application and see your next steps.
Personal Review Process You’re more than a test score. We know that a student shouldn’t just be measured by their test scores or GPA, that’s why each application is personally and holistically reviewed. This means someone is actually reading it carefully, and we look at the rigor of your curriculum, the trends in your grades, and any supplemental information you provide to give context. Students who do not meet the minimum admission requirements to the university will be required to complete a personal resilience questionnaire and statement.
Presidential Award Scholarships: Up to $16,000
Cumberland University is one of the most affordable private liberal arts universities in Tennessee. To view Cumberland’s tuition and fees, please visit cumberland.edu/financial. *All tuition and fees based on 2023-2024 costs.
Presidential Award Scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen who have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher and between a 27-29 composite score on the ACT or a 1280-1380 on the SAT critical reading and mathematics combined score. Presidential Award recipients may be eligible for a scholarship of up to $16,000. Qualifications: Full-time student status, maintain a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA.
Trustee Scholarships: Up to Full-Tuition
On average, a full-time
undergraduate student pays $2,168 per year in tuition and access fees
Trustee Scholarships: Up to Full-Tuition - Apply at www.cumberland.edu/trustee. Trustee Scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen in the top five percent (5%) of their graduating class who have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher, and a minimum 30 composite on the ACT or 1390 on the SAT critical reading and mathematics combined score. Trustee Scholarship recipients are eligible for a scholarship up to full tuition. Trustee applicants must submit a 500-750 word essay to the Director of Financial Aid explaining why they should be considered for the Trustee Scholarship. Qualifications: Full-time student status, maintain a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA at the end of each academic year.
Endowed Scholarships
You are automatically considered for meritbased scholarships when you apply for admission to CU. To learn more about the scholarships you qualify for visit cumberland.edu/scholarships.
Cumberland has over 100 endowed and annual scholarships established by dedicated alumni and friends. We award over $300,000 in private and endowed scholarships every year. You can easily apply for these scholarships by visiting cumberland.edu/scholarships.
Tennessee Promise Scholarship Tennessee residents have the opportunity to fund the first two years of their college experience using the TN Promise Scholarship at Cumberland University. Once you have completed one of our eight associate degree programs, we help you smoothly transition into one of our bachelor’s degree programs. This means you avoid all the stress that comes with changing schools, transferring course credits, and leaving your Phoenix family. To learn more about the TN Promise visit cumberland.edu/tn-promise.
CU Promise Scholarship The Cumberland Promise Scholarships are awarded to students who hold a university parallel associate degree from a regionally accredited institution and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Cumberland Promise recipients may be eligible for a scholarship of up to $16,000. Qualifications: Full-time student status, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA based on award level. Students who are enrolled in the Nursing Program are not eligible for this award.
Federal Grants and Loans
*Averages calculated from 2021-2022 enrollment. Tuition costs can vary based upon individual financial aid awards.
There are several forms of federal aid available to help you with funding your education. Federal grants do not generally require repayment. Loans do require repayment with interest six months after leaving college. Starting in October, you will be able to file the FAFSA online at fafsa.ed.gov. Cumberland’s FAFSA school code - 003485
SCHOLARSHIPS
Estimated Expenses 2023-2024 academic year
honors
Graduate with
HONORS The Honors Program at Cumberland University offers an opportunity for intellectually curious students to broaden their horizons beyond the traditional university classroom experience. The program uses an interdisciplinary approach to encourage critical thinking, cultivate ethical and social responsibility, and develop professional skills that students can carry with them into the future.
Priority registration for courses Honors diploma and medals for graduation Small class size and unique topics in honors courses A special dinner with CU's President, Trustee(s), and Honors faculty Dedicated Honors Program gathering space The prestige and competitive advantage that comes with graduating from an honors program
Our Honors students love to get involved locally and give back to the community through biannual Service Days.
Honors Program Tiers Students can graduate from the honors program in three different ways:
Honors Program Requirements 27 ACT/1280 SAT and a 3.5 GPA Students who do not meet one or both of these requirements may submit a 750-word essay explaining how their background and experiences qualify them for entrance into the honors program. You can submit your essay at https://admissions.cumberland.edu/register/honors-program-essay.
Honors Associate: Completes a minimum of twelve Honors hours. Honors Fellow: Completes a minimum of eighteen Honors hours. Honors Scholar: Completes a minimum of twenty-one Honors hours, representing all requirements of the Honors program, including the FYE course, the 300-level Honors Leadership course, and the Honors Capstone course. Learn more about our Honors Program Curriculum at cumberland.edu/honorsprogram/program-requirements or email honors@cumberland.edu.
Justin Potter Edward Potter Lurton Hall Jackson Hall South Hall
housing
RESIDENCE HALLS Your housing application includes: Emergency contact information Housing contract Information and payment instructions for a housing deposit and fees
Cumberland requires freshman students to live in a residence hall unless they receive a documented exemption from the Office of Residence Life. Students may petition for exemption if they meet certain criteria. For the purposes of housing, a freshman is defined as any first-time entering freshmen student attempting nine (9) credit hours or more, any freshmen with college experience (advanced placement, dual credit, etc.), and/or any transfer student with less than 30 hours earned.
Application and fees must be received prior to assignments being made. Housing contracts must be signed by the incoming student in order to be considered accepted. Assignments are made based on the date your housing deposit is paid. Housing assignments for the fall semester are available after July 1st. Assignments for incoming spring semester students are available after December 1st. Housing Priority Deadlines: Fall Applicants - April 15th Spring Applicants - November 15th.
LIVING LEARNING Communities Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are on-campus residential communities dedicated to a specific academic program, major or theme. LLCs provide a unique campus experience where like-minded students can easily connect and support one another while pursuing common goals or interests.
4SOUTH Over 500 students call CU’s campus home. Our campus features five residence halls that offer a variety of living options and experiences to support you throughout your academic career. Residential students enjoy walking to class, academic support services, dining, and athletics facilities. Choosing to live on campus offers you a traditional college experience that is all-inclusive, convenient and fun.
For more information about living on campus call or send us an email. Office of Residence Life (615) 453-6348 reslife@cumberland.edu
This unique campus experience is for all declared nursing majors starting with first-time freshmen. The Nursing LLC 4SOUTH is located in CU’s premier residence hall, South Hall, on the 4th floor. For more information email learningcommunity@cumberland.edu.
Make better grades by living in an LLC Connect and interact with likeminded students Classmates provide ongoing support and accountability Participate in learning opportunities and experiences Join study groups Access to customized study space Access to greater academic support opportunities Participate in community events and socials with classmates Interact and collaborate with faculty outside of the classroom Save money with all-inclusive housing options Enjoy all the benefits of oncampus living Make lifelong friends
Student life
where
LIFE
Happens
We have so many student clubs, groups, and organizations we could not fit them all on the page. You can check out the full list of student life opportunities at cumberland.edu/student-life.
Cumberland is full of exciting moments that make your college experience fun and memorable. You’ll become part of the CU Family and meet some of the brightest and kindest people we know. With a variety of student organizations and clubs, a vibrant Greek life community, intramural sports, and numerous leadership opportunities, you’ll discover many ways to get involved.
Greek Fraternities Kappa Alpha Psi Kappa Sigma Omega Psi Phi Phi Beta Sigma Sigma Chi
Intramurals Student Organizations AFRO Baptist Collegiate Ministries FUTURO (Latino Association) International Student Organization Pride Alliance SFA (Sanctuary For All) Student Government Association And more!
Student Interest Groups & Clubs Automotive Club Comic Book Club Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble CU Environmental Club Dance Club Tabletop Gaming Club University Singers/Cumberland Chorale And more!
Flag Football Sand Volleyball Dodgeball 3 vs 3 Basketball Basketball Ultimate Frisbee Co-ed Softball Co-ed Volleyball
Greek Sororities Alpha Omicron Pi Alpha Sigma Tau Zeta Phi Beta
Special Interests Activities Billiards Ping pong Video gaming tournaments Hiking Climbing Paintball Camping And you guessed it, there’s more!
Have a new idea you want to bring to student life? We can help you get it organized and off the ground in no time.
Baseball Basketball Bowling Cross Country Football Golf Soccer Tennis Track and Field Volleyball Wrestling
Women’s Varsity Teams Basketball Bowling Cross Country Golf Soccer Softball Tennis Track and Field Volleyball
In the game or in the stands you become part of the winning team. Phoenix support 31 NAIA men's, women's and coed teams that rise and compete for conference and national championships.
Over the past 10 years the Phoenix athletic family has claimed: 4 individual national titles in men’s wrestling 1 individual national title in men’s track and field 1 baseball national championship 2 men’s track national championships 5 men’s golf national championships 3 women’s soccer national championship 1 men’s basketball national tournament win 3 conference champions in men’s golf 1 women's soccer conference championship 2 men's tennis conference championships 3 conference championships in men’s soccer Final Four qualifier in women’s basketball
Coed Varsity Teams Competitive Cheer
Club Teams Dance Esports
JV Teams Baseball Men's Basketball Men's Soccer Softball Women's Basketball Women's Soccer Women's Volleyball
Band Home of the Phoenix Marching Band
Our teams are led by award-winning coaches who invest their time and energy into our student-athletes. With their support, our student-athletes continue to excel both on the field and in the classroom.
athletics
Men Varsity Teams
Scan for Athletics Recap
MINDED
Part of earning a degree beyond yourself is becoming part of a greater community. At CU, we believe we rise by lifting others, and community service is just one of the many ways you can make a difference as a Phoenix. Whether you want to build new homes with Habitat for Humanity, read to children in the city schools, or become a Big Brother or Big Sister, we will provide you with the resources and support you need so you can serve others and leave your mark on the world.
Our amazing community partners regularly offer volunteer opportunities for you to go beyond our campus borders to serve others. Here are just a few opportunities you will have to make an impact. To see the full list of volunteer opportunities visit cumberland.edu/community-outreach/studentvolunteer-opportunities.
community minded
COMMUNITY
Best Buddies Big Brothers of Mt. Juliet Cedars of Lebanon State Park Community Help Center Compassionate Hands Down Syndrome Association (Middle TN) Empower Me Day Camp Habitat for Humanity Nashville Rescue Mission New Leash on Life Mid-Cumberland Retired and Senior Volunteer Program United Way of Wilson County and the Upper Cumberland Wilson County Library Our students share a sincere passion for people and regularly put their hearts into action. CU students volunteer nearly 5,000 hours each school year in their communities.
Associate Programs:
Accounting (BBA) Art and Design (BFA) Biochemistry (BS) Biology (BS) Biomedical Science (BS) Business Administration (BBA) Chemistry (BS) Child Growth and Learning (Elementary Education) (BS) Coaching & Sport Performance (BS) Creative and Imaginative Writing (BA) Criminal Justice (BA) English (BA) Exercise and Sport Science (BS) General Studies (BA) Health Care Administration (BBA) History (BA) Homeland Security (BA) Humanities & Social Sciences (BA) Information Technology (BS) Interdisciplinary Studies (BA) LPN to BSN (BSN) Management (BBA) Marketing (BBA) Mathematics (BS) Music (B.Mu.) Music Performance (B.Mu) Musical Theatre (BA) Nursing (BSN) Physical Education and Coaching (BS) Project Management (BA) Psychology (BS) Special Education (K-12) (BS) Sport Management (BS) Supply Chain Management (BA)
Associate of Arts (AA) Associate of Arts in Business (AAB) Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice (AA in CJ) Associate of Arts in Education (AA in Ed) Associate of Arts in English (AA in Eng.) Associate of Arts in History (AA in His.) Associate of Arts in Music (AA in Mus.) Associate of Science (AS)
Minors: Accounting Anthropology Athletic Coaching Biology Chemistry Computational Finance Creative Writing Criminal Justice Digital Photography E-Commerce English Entrepreneurship
Film Studies Forensic Psychology General Business Geography Graphic Design Health Health Care Administration History Hospitality Management Humanities and Social Sciences
Dual Major: Secondary Education K-12 Education Biology Art & Design with Business Teacher Licensure English Music Education History (Vocal or Mathematics Instrumental) Sociology Psychology
Pre-professional: Pre-Athletic Training Pre-Dental Hygiene Pre-Dentistry Pre-Engineering Pre-Law Pre-Medicine Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Physical Therapy Pre-Veterinary
International Business Management Marketing Mathematics Music Non-Profit Management Philosophy and Religion Physical Education Psychology Sociology Strength and Conditioning Technology Management
Graduate Programs: Master of Arts in Education (Online) Master of Arts in Education: Emphasis in Professional Studies Master of Arts in Education: Emphasis in Athletic Coaching Master of Arts in Education: Emphasis in Physical Education & Physical Activity Leadership Master of Arts in Teaching: Emphasis in Early Childhood Education (Hybrid) Master of Arts in Teaching: Emphasis in Elementary Education (Hybrid) Master of Arts in Teaching: Emphasis in Physical Education (Online) Master of Arts in Teaching: Emphasis in Secondary Education (Hybrid) Master of Arts in Teaching: Emphasis in Special Education (Hybrid) Master of Arts in Teaching: Emphasis in English Language Learners (Hybrid) Master of Education: Emphasis in Instructional Leadership (Hybrid) Master of Education: Emphasis in Physical Education and Sports (Online) Master of Education: Emphasis in Reading Specialist (Hybrid) Master of Sport and Exercise Science (Hybrid) Master of Public Service Management (Online + 1 Saturday in person per semester) Master of Business Administration (Online) Master of Arts in Sports Management (Online) Master of Science in Forensic Psychology Master of Science in Information Technology Management Master of Science in Engineering Management Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Educator (Online) Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Executive Leadership & Administration (Online) Master of Science in Athletic Training (Hybrid)
Areas of Study
Bachelor Programs:
Freshmen
We want to
CU SOON! Discovery Days
Apply today at cumberland.edu/apply-now Our application opens on August 1 with a recommended deadline of January 1. Applying by this date will guarantee you receive a decision before spring.
To register, visit www.cumberland.edu/visit.
Campus Tours The best way to see if CU is the right fit for you is to visit our campus. We offer in-person tours every weekday as well as virtual opportunities to learn more about CU. Schedule your at www.cumberland.edu/visit.
Complete the FAFSA application at fafsa.gov Starting in October of your senior year, you will be able to file your FAFSA. You should apply by February 1. Make certain to have your FAFSA sent to Cumberland University. School code: 003485
Hablamos Español: Si usted o su familia prefieren hablar con un representante de la universidad en español, llame al (615) 444-2562 o envíe un correo electrónico a admissions@cumberland.edu.
Sign up to live on campus To apply visit cumberland.edu/residence-life. Residential students enjoy walking to class, academic support services, dining, and athletics facilities. CU requires freshmen students to live on campus unless they receive a documented exemption from the Office of Residence Life.
Apply for scholarships At cumberland.edu/scholarships. Our scholarship application deadline is April 1. To apply for CU scholarships, complete the scholarship application found on our website.
Transfers Apply today at cumberland.edu/apply-now Submit official college transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Complete the FAFSA application at fafsa.gov Starting in October you will be able to file your FAFSA. You should apply by February 1. Make certain to have your FAFSA sent to Cumberland University. School code: 003485 Sign up to live on campus To apply visit cumberland.edu/residence-life. Apply for scholarships Community college graduates and transfers are automatically eligible for a $6,000 grant, depending on GPA and program of study, you could be eligible for up to $16,000 in scholarship dollars. Apply at cumberland.edu/scholarships. Our scholarship application deadline is April 1.
Recognized By Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Two Years in a Row For TransferFriendly Practices and Pathway Development One of only six transfer-friendly institutions in Tennessee. Cumberland University is an equal opportunity education institution, and as such, does not discriminate in the admission policy on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.
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