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

Patriot Pete on the football field.
What's included in your tuition? Everything.

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.

I 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.

Sydney Hurst, ‘26
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%

Receive Financial Aid

$14.8M

UC Aid Given

1 in 4

Students are Debt Free

$15,904 

Average Financial Aid

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. 

University of the Cumberlands student pose on campus with a UC sign.

The Office of Admissions

Leave no question unanswered. Our admissions and enrollment team can get you ready for college in no time.

Courtnie Kirby

Courtnie Kirby

Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Undergraduate Admissions

Courtnie Kirby

Contact Information

courtnie.kirby [at] ucumberlands.edu
Norman Perkins House
Whitney Baker

Whitney Baker

Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Undergraduate Admissions

Whitney Baker

Contact Information

whitney.baker [at] ucumberlands.edu
Norman Perkins House
Shelby Neal

Shelby Swann

Assistant Director
Undergraduate Admissions

Shelby Swann

Contact Information

shelby.swann [at] ucumberlands.edu
Norman Perkins House