Cumberland University
CU
Lebanon, Tennessee 37087
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
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.
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
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Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
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
Programs (54)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
62%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
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).
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
Plan Your Visit
Days out near Lebanon
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