About

Welcome to the University that puts You First.

Here, we put students first. So much so that we provide every UC 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 University of the Cumberlands' 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.

The University of the Cumberlands address for our two campuses might be in Kentucky, but we serve a world of students online. We bring education to our students where and when they need it—in other words, 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

Graduating seniors walk across the viaduct.

Affordable

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

Cumberlands student watch a presentation during the business forum.

Supported

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

A DPT instructor shows a student proper techniques in the classroom.

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.

Cumberlands Highlights

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

The globe statue on the campus of Cumberlands.

University Mission

Our mission is to provide a quality, affordable education to students from all backgrounds through broad-based academics. The institution is grounded in Christian principles and leadership through service.

University Vision

1. Ensure access to underserved student populations.

2. Pursue excellence in teaching and learning.

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

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

By the Numbers

31%

First-Generation Students

KY

College of Distinction

16:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

1 in 4

Students Debt-Free

Students walk to class on Cumberlands campus

2030 Strategic Plan

Cumberlands 2030 Strategic Plan defines measurable goals that align with the university's mission and vision.

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