About

Welcome to the University that puts You First.

Here, we put students first. So much so that we provide every student with their own success coordinator to ensure a personalized and rewarding experience. We foster leadership through service. We innovate. Quickly and constantly. If we see a way to better serve our students, we do it. Even if it means cutting tuition by 57% to make an excellent undergraduate education more accessible; Or expanding our online, graduate and executive offerings to meet the growing need. At the University of the Cumberlands, what you see is what you get – no hidden fees, no secret handshake, no fine print.

When it comes to providing the best education we possibly can, we’re not afraid to revamp. To reinvent. To rethink. To always put you first.

We are Committed

Affordable

With Cumberlands’ One Price Promise, everything you need to succeed is included in your tuition. No hidden fees. No extra costs.

Supported

We invest in our students’ success and ensure you get the most out of your education.

Distinctive

We’re laser-focused on preparing our students for their next steps after graduation.

Welcome from the President

Our approach to education is personal. We value and are committed to the success of each and every student. We strive to meet the unique needs of each individual so they can achieve their goals.

If you enroll at Cumberlands, you will pay a tuition rate that we consider to be among the most affordable rates in higher education, and you will pay absolutely nothing else. No hassles. No extra fees. None of that. And when you are ready to start classes, our team will ensure you have the books and course materials needed and ready for you to use.

Dr. Larry L. Cockrum
University President

University Mission

University Vision

Our vision is to be a university of distinction that encourages professional and intellectual growth in a student-focused community.

2. Pursue excellence in teaching and learning.

1. Ensure access to underserved student populations.

3. Foster faith in action through a student-focused community.

4. Innovate to improve student learning outcomes and career preparedness.

Students walk to class on Cumberlands campus

2025 Strategic Plan

Cumberlands 2025 Strategic Plan defines measurable goals that align with the university's mission and vision.

By the Numbers

44%

First-Generation Students

6x

College of Distinction

16:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

1 in 5

Students Debt-Free

University History

In 1888, a group of Baptist Ministers founded a small college in Kentucky known as the Williamsburg Institute, for the purpose of preparing young adults for lives as servant leaders. In 1913, following the acquisition of Highland College, Cumberland College was born. The school officially became University of the Cumberlands in 2005..

Undaunted by wars, economic depressions, social unrest and natural disasters, University of the Cumberlands has continuously served students primarily, but not exclusively, from the beautiful Appalachian mountain regions of Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Alabama. Now, thanks to the welcome addition of online learning, the University’s doors are open to students from all over the world.

The school’s vision for providing higher education in an underserved area caught the eye of men like John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie, both of whom supported the institution. Cumberlands has produced two governors, five military generals, an admiral, five college and university presidents, a Congressman, ministers, missionaries, legislators, judges and more.

Ten presidents have served Cumberlands, including William James Johnson, E. E. Wood, John Newton Prestridge, Gorman Jones, A. R. Evans, Charles William Elsey, James Lloyd Creech, J. M. Boswell, James H. Taylor and Larry L. Cockrum, current President