Get a Head Start on College
You don't have to wait until high school graduation to start building your college future. University of the Cumberlands gives high school students opportunities to experience college-level learning, earn college credit, and get a head start toward a degree.
Through Dual Credit, eligible high school students can take college courses that count toward both their high school and college transcripts. It's an opportunity to experience college coursework early while saving time and money toward a future degree.
Want to go even further? Patriot Pathways provides Early College opportunities for students who want to accelerate their education. Through approved degree pathways, participating students can complete college-level coursework and work toward earning an associate degree while still in high school.
Whether you want to take a course or two, explore a subject you're interested in, or pursue an Early College pathway, Cumberlands can help you start college with experience — and credits — already behind you.
Now You're Getting Somewhere
What's included in your tuition? Everything.
At Cumberlands we empower you to learn on your own terms, at your own pace, with zero fine print or exceptions. One focus: You. One price for everything, all included, even course materials. Why? Because that's Cumberlands' One Price Promise.
ONE PRICE PROMISE
$19,175
or less*
*Without Housing $9,875
ONE PRICE PROMISE
$220
per credit hour
ONE PRICE PROMISE
$355
per credit hour*
*average program cost
ONE PRICE PROMISE
$549
per credit hour*
*doctoral $749/credit hour
Sydney Hurst, ‘26I earned enough college credit through Dual credit to come into Cumberlands as a Sophomore. I had the opportunity to take it, so I did. I'm not a very big school person, so the thought of graduating early is very nice to me. So already having those credits done, it's like a head start.
Barbourville, KY | Marketing
10 Reasons to Choose UC
Student Life
Student Life
UC will allow you to thrive socially. You will be able to make new friendships within our diverse student body and experience fun weekly campus events.
Affordability
Affordability
You shouldn’t have to worry about cost. At UC, you'll have some of the lowest prices for tuition, room, and board in the nation. We also offer many financial benefits, like free textbooks and parking, scholarships, grants, and work-study positions.
Academic Programs
Academic Programs
With more than 40 different majors and minors to choose from, you have plenty of options to discover your passions and develop your strengths. You will learn from highly skilled and experienced professors to ensure that you get the best education possible.
Personalized Approach
Personalized Approach
With our small classes (we have a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio), your learning experience will be much more personalized than at a large school. Our faculty and staff are committed to helping you get your academic needs met, offering resources like free textbooks and free tutoring services.
Commitment to Your Future
Commitment to Your Future
Our Office of Career Services will help you refine your résumé, practice interviewing skills, and find professional connections to ensure you find a steady career after you graduate. Many obtain successful careers fresh out of college, and 66 percent of our alumni have completed or are working on a graduate degree within 5 years after graduation.
Study Abroad
Study Abroad
Cumberlands gives you the opportunity to expand your knowledge of the world through studying abroad. Take a trip to study in places such as Belize, England, Ireland, Costa Rica, France, or Spain – and earn college credit while you’re there!
Location
Location
You can enjoy the best of both worlds at Cumberlands: city life within a 1.5 hour drive, or country life closer to campus. We’re located halfway between Lexington, KY, and Knoxville, TN. Closer to campus, you can enjoy beautiful Appalachian scenery and outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and hanging out at Laurel Lake.
Clubs and Organizations
Clubs and Organizations
You’ll have a variety of clubs and organizations to enjoy: Campus Ministries, Patriot Student Newspaper, Diversity Leadership Council, Campus Activities Board, and many more. Clubs are the perfect chance to learn something new and meet new people.
Athletic Programs
Athletic Programs
If you have a passion for sports, UC is great for you. We have many competitive sports teams you can cheer on in the stands, plus a variety of intramural teams like battleship (in the pool!), 3 v 3 basketball, and sand volleyball.
Housing
Housing
Some residence halls (dorms) are community style, and others are suite style, so you’ll have the chance to live in both styles throughout your time here. Our dorms have free laundry facilities, vending machines, study rooms, and lobbies where you can study or hang out with friends. We also have on-campus apartments, which are offered based on seniority.
Financial Aid Fast Facts
96%
$14.8M
1 in 4
$15,904
Get Ahead of the Curve
Request More Information
Let us know a little more about you and someone from our admissions team can reach out.
The Office of Admissions
Leave no question unanswered. Our admissions and enrollment team can get you ready for college in no time.
Courtnie Kirby
Whitney Baker