Cumberland University, founded in 1842 in Lebanon, Tennessee, is a private university ranked #71 in Regional Universities South by U.S. News. Offering programs in nursing, business, and education, it features a historic 150-acre campus with modern amenities like the Labry School of Science. Its small-town setting near Nashville combines tradition with professional opportunities.
Cumberland University Acceptance Rate
Cumberland University (CU) is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 67%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Cumberland University Admission Requirements
CU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at CU is 3.3. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 3 and 3.3, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
CU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at CU utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.3, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.30 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.10 – 3.29 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 2.90 – 3.09 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 2.89 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At CU, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Cumberland University (CU) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
CU Profile
Name: Cumberland University (CU)
City: Lebanon
URL: www.cumberland.edu/
State: Tennessee
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 37087
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
How much does a degree from CU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Cumberland University is USD: 41657. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Cumberland University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
32.54% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 25.14 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to CU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Cumberland University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist CU as your choice in the form.
How much a CU Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 57687. An average CU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Applied Mathematics
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Commerce, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Frequently Asked Questions About Cumberland University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $57687 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $41657 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Cumberland University is 67 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.3. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.9 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Cumberland University if my GPA is below 2.9
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.3, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Cumberland University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.