Scholarships at Cumberlands

Presidential scholarships are available for first-time freshmen based on college entrance exam scores and high school GPA. To qualify, a student must have at least a 2.5 or higher GPA when applying at the university. Presidential scholarship awards range in amounts and are renewable each year as long as a student maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress. There is no application and scholarships will automatically be awarded once the student has been accepted and completed the FAFSA. 

Transfer scholarships are available for students transferring to University of the Cumberlands from another college or university who will be enrolled in the on-campus undergraduate program. Eligibility and amounts are based on the student’s current college GPA. A student must have a college GPA of 2.5 or higher to qualify. There is a no application and the scholarship will automatically be awarded once the student has been accepted and completed the FAFSA. 

Check out our Raise Me website, create your profile, and learn how on-campus transfer students can maximize scholarship amounts! 

Our new ARMY ROTC scholarship program will offer Cumberlands cadets a $750 annual scholarship for participation. All main campus students also receive free textbooks through our textbook loan program. 

Cumberlands ROTC builds a foundation of respect, integrity and duty through a focused leadership program. Character, fitness and skills are strengthened as you move forward through the program to fulfill the Army’s ROTC motto – Leadership Excellence.  

Above all, you are the future. You are Leadership Excellence. Go Forward. 

Learn more about Cumberlands ROTC program.

Learn more about national Army ROTC Scholarships. These scholarships have a priority deadline of February 4, 2021. 

Contact Russell Carr for more information. 

Athletic Scholarships are offered in both men's and women's intercollegiate athletics in accordance with the regulations of the NAIA and the Mid-South Conference. These scholarships are based on athletic potential and are awarded by an appropriate member of the athletic staff in coordination with the Financial Aid Office. These scholarships are limited in number by regulation and institutional policy. Interested students should contact the coach of the sport in which competition is desired.

As a private Christian university, the University of the Cumberlands (UC) places significant value on the contributions of individuals through active participation in leadership positions within their local church or Christian organizations in their school or community.  The Christian Leadership Scholarship Program seeks to acknowledge the leadership contributions of deserving students by providing scholarship funds and leadership opportunities while attending UC.

Scholarship recipients are automatically enrolled in the Freshmen Leadership Development Program sponsored by UC Campus Ministries, which is used to strengthen one’s Christian faith while also further developing leadership qualities.  After completion of the program, students will be placed into leadership positions in one of the university’s affiliated ministries for the remainder of their tenure at UC.  The scholarship is renewed annually based upon consistent and meaningful leadership contributions within the assigned ministry area.  Extracurricular commitment for the scholarship will be equivalent to that of serving as a player on a university athletic team.

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must: 

• Be actively involved in a leadership position within a local church, school sponsored Christian organization, or other Christian organizations or activities within their community.
   
• Plan to be a new first-year student at UC. Though this scholarship is intended for first-time freshmen, transfer students who are new to the university may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
   
• Complete the scholarship application, including submission of two letters of recommendation, by February 1st. Qualified candidates will then be asked to participate in a virtual interview with campus ministry staff to assess their fit for the scholarship program.
   
• Complete the admission process and be admitted to the university by February 1st.
   
• Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1st.
   
• Enroll in the MSMN 330 – Religious Topics course during their first semester at UC.
   
• Be actively involved in required campus ministry events held every Thursday each semester.  

Apply

The Cumberlands Scholars program is Cumberlands’ most prestigious scholarship. This is an invitation-only scholarship. Outstanding students will be invited by our Scholarship Committee to attend Cumberlands Scholars Interview Day. On February 11th, invited students will participate in interviews, informative sessions, and optional campus tours as part of Cumberlands Scholars Interview Day. 

The selected recipients will be awarded a $4,000 scholarship per year for up to eight full-time (12 credits or more) semesters. Submit applications and nominations by January 15th.

The Scholarship Committee is looking for students who meet the following qualifications:

• Minimum 3.6 cumulative high school GPA
• Minimum 29 ACT or 1330 SAT (super score accepted)

Strong candidates will demonstrate:

• Concern for their community and the world
• Integrity and discipline in and outside of the classroom
• Initiative to create positive change
• Intellectual curiosity and ambition
• Self-motivation to achieve goals
• Creative problem-solving and innovation

Those who wish to submit a nomination for a student may do so here. 

Students who would like to be considered for the scholarship may fill out an application with their information and a list of involvements here. 

All nominations and applications will be reviewed by the Scholarship Committee.

The Lewis Appalachian Scholarship has been established by an alumnus to recognize two incoming Freshmen from eastern Kentucky who demonstrates academic promise and a genuine desire to give back to their community. This scholarship is a $1,000 non-renewable scholarship and has an application deadline of December 31st.  Any application submitted after December 31st, may be given consideration on case by case basis.

Students from the following list of schools in eastern Kentucky will be eligible to apply for this scholarship:  

• Bell County 
• Belfry
• Betsy Lane 
• Breathitt County 
• Buckhorn 
• Clay County
• Cordia 
• East Ridge 
• Estill County 
• Harlan 
• Harlan County 
• Hazard 
• Jackson City 
• Jenkins
• Johnson Central 
• Knott County Central 
• Lawrence County 
• Lee County 
• Leslie County 
• Letcher County 
• Magoffin County 
• Middlesboro 
• North Laurel
• Owsley County
• Paintsville 
• Perry County Central 
• Phelps
• Piarist School 
• Pikeville 
• Pike County Central 
• Pineville
• Powell County 
• Prestonsburg 
• Red Bird Christian
• Riverside Christian 
• Shelby Valley 
• Sheldon Clark 
• South Floyd 
• South Laurel
• Wolfe County 

Apply

Music Scholarships are available to students who plan to participate in music ensembles at UC. Scholarship amounts vary and are based upon the successful completion of an audition.  Scholarships are awarded annually. For more information about the audition process, contact us by phone or email:

Apply

Phone: 606.539.4332
Email: music@ucumberlands.edu

The Patriot Scholars program offers scholarships to qualified students who exhibit strong leadership, academic potential, and seek to better their community. University of the Cumberlands offers new students the opportunity to receive a scholarship worth up to $2,000 per year. Award recipients will enjoy the benefits of the scholarship for up to eight full-time (12 credits or more) semesters.  
 
Applicants must submit their application by the February 1st priority deadline.  
 
In order to apply, students must meet the following qualifications: 

• Minimum 3.4 cumulative high school GPA and a 24 ACT or 1190 SAT. 
   
• Display characteristics of servant leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to community service.  

 
The application process will include the submission of an essay and two letters of recommendation. Scholarship recipients will be notified after the priority deadline has passed.  

You can begin the application here.