Williamsburg, KY · Private University
Is University of the Cumberlands Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$45,036
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$9,875
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$9,875
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$39,500
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
4.56x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
3.9 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
46.2%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$14,911
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$11,286
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of the Cumberlands graduates earn $36 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of the Cumberlands ranked by graduate earnings
67 graduates
88 graduates
17 graduates
47 graduates
25 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of the Cumberlands
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of the Cumberlands, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $81,012) and the lowest (Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions: $21,137) is $59,875/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI(1yr data) | $81,012 | 8.2x |
| Biology, General | $63,243 | 6.4x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $51,203 | 5.2x |
| Accounting and Related Services(1yr data) | $50,102 | 5.1x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $42,340 | 4.3x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General(1yr data) | $40,725 | 4.1x |
| Psychology, General | $35,801 | 3.6x |
| Human Services, General | $35,720 | 3.6x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods(1yr data) | $35,470 | 3.6x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $33,516 | 3.4x |
| Communication and Media Studies(1yr data) | $27,754 | 2.8x |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied ProfessionsLowest(1yr data) | $21,137 | 2.1x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
University of the Cumberlands stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $45,036 10 years after starting, $36 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 3.9 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.