University of the Cumberlands Named a Torch Award Winner for Affordability by SACSCOC

University of the Cumberlands recently received the Torch Award for Affordability from its accreditation body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The newly established recognition program honors member institutions demonstrating leadership in affordability, student success, and post-college outcomes. Rather than ranking schools, the awards highlight institutions with significant strength across multiple indicators in each category. 

The Torch Awards recognize colleges and universities of all sizes and levels among SACSCOC’s more than 780 member institutions. Cumberlands’ recognition reflects an exceptional commitment to access, quality, accountability, and measurable improvement. 

Cumberlands’ strongest performance area, as indicated by the award, lies in expanding access to higher education by offering a high-quality academic experience at an affordable cost. This achievement aligns closely with the university’s mission to provide a quality, affordable education to students from all backgrounds through broad-based academics. 

“At Cumberlands, we’ve always believed that access to a life-changing education shouldn’t come with an overwhelming financial burden,” said Dr. Quentin Young, president of University of the Cumberlands. “The Torch Award is a reflection of our mission, our values, and the hard work of so many who remain committed to putting students first.” 

In recent years, Cumberlands has implemented a number of affordability initiatives: 

• 2019: Launched the Cumberlands Commitment, reducing tuition for on-campus undergraduate students by 57%. 
• 2020: Provided free textbooks to all on-campus undergraduate students. 
• 2023: Introduced the One Price Promise, ensuring all students receive free textbooks and pay no hidden fees. 
• 2024: Began offering new scholarships and forgivable, zero-interest loans to on-campus undergraduates, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket costs to no more than $2,000 per semester for full-time students. 

The university’s focus on affordability and academic quality is not just reflected in its policies—it’s experienced every day by its students. 

“I chose to attend Cumberlands because it was affordable and aligned with my values,” said Shelby Wilson, a senior from Williamsburg, Kentucky. “I knew I wanted to be part of a university that values service, community, and Christian principles as much as I do.” 

Torch Award Recipients 

The inaugural Torch Awards highlight institutions across three major categories—Affordability, Student Support and Completion, and Post-College Success—based on multiple performance indicators. Levels reflect institutional classification and do not represent rankings. 

1. Affordability 

Level I 

• Trident Technical College 

Level II 

• St. Petersburg College 

Level III / IV 

• New College of Florida 

Level V 

• Fayetteville State University 
• Northern Kentucky University 

Level VI 

• Florida Atlantic University 
• University of Florida 
• University of the Cumberlands 

2. Student Support and Completion 

Level I 

• Beaufort County Community College 
• John A. Gupton College 
• Pamlico Community College 

Level II 

• Carolinas College of Health Sciences 
• Centre College 
• Davidson College 
• Wofford College 

Level III / IV 

• Thomas University 

Level V 

• University of Richmond 

Level VI 

• Vanderbilt University 

3. Post-College Success 

Level I 

• Marion Military Institute 
• Northern Virginia Community College 

Level II 

• Virginia Military Institute 

Level III / IV 

• Trinity University 

Level V 

• Washington and Lee University 

Level VI 

• Rice University 
• University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston 

Torch Award honorees will receive a commemorative plaque and be featured across SACSCOC’s website, official communications, and social media platforms.