Financial Resources

An investment in students is an investment in the world's future.

Since our founding in 1888, it's been Cumberlands' mission to serve the underserved and provide the financial resources our students need to the best of our ability. Every family's income is different, and it's our mission to make UC affordable for every situation. We're to help you navigate through the financial aid process and keep your academic goals moving.

Financial Assistance

If you are a prospective or returning student who has completed your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and experienced a situation negatively impacting your ability to fund your education, you can complete the Financial Assistance Form to have your aid offer reevaluated. These circumstances may include a personal or family loss of income, change in employment status, or other situations that have impacted your financial security. Please provide documentation to support your appeal. Each request will be reviewed by the Office of Financial Aid and considered based on individual circumstances.

Financial Assistance Form

If you are needing to complete the Financial Aid Assistance Form for the 2023–2024 academic year, please contact the Student Financial Center at studentfinancial [at] ucumberlands.edu (studentfinancial[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu) for more information.

Additional Resources

External Scholarships and Private Loans
External Scholarships are private funded scholarships given to students by private donors, organizations, foundations and other outside sources. These scholarships are not directly related with the University of the Cumberlands. Scholarship recipients are chosen by the external agency and funds are distributed to the student by the university, once the funds are received from that specific agency.
University of the Cumberlands partners with Great Lakes Educational Loan Services to help students and their families understand private lending and select the plan that best fits their needs. Proceed to FASTChoice for personal loan assistance.

Unemployment Benefits
If you worked another job either part-time or full-time while attending college (excluding work-study), and were laid off, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. If you qualify for those benefits, you could also receive an additional $600 of Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation per week. The benefits could last up to 39 weeks. You will need to contact the state unemployment office where your primary employer is located: KY Office of Unemployment Insurance for Assistance.

Financial Counseling
The Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education is currently offering free financial counseling and coaching with their certified professionals. Click here to visit the AFCPE website to set up an account and request services.

Office of Ombudsman and Administrative Review (OOAR)
The CHFS Ombudsman and Administrative Review (OOAR) is an advocate for citizens and works to ensure those seeking public services are treated fairly. We answer questions about CHFS programs, investigate customer complaints and work with CHFS management to resolve them, advise CHFS management about patterns of complaints and recommend corrective action when appropriate.

Here are some additional resources that could help you during this time: