Military Students

Earn credit for your service at a regionally accredited school.

An Accredited Military Friendly® University

If you’re looking for an education at a school that prioritizes YOU, know this: Cumberlands is an accredited Military Friendly® university, and we charge no application fee for veterans, reserves, or active-duty military. You can enroll in a 100% online associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree program at one of the fastest-growing colleges in Kentucky.  

Military Friendly Logo 2024
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, exceptions, or funny business. One focus: You. One price for everything, all included, even books. Why? Because that's Cumberlands' One Price Promise.

Explore Our Programs

Application Process

University of the Cumberlands values our Armed Forces and strives to provide a quality education and support to our active-duty service members, reserves, veterans, and families. Our online programs are flexible and allow you to study anywhere and anytime. No matter if this is your first time enrolling in college coursework or if you already have previous college experience, we are here to help you every step of the way.  

At Cumberlands, you may also have past military work or college work applied directly to your degree. You can elevate your credit by getting a personalized transcript evaluation based on your joint-services transcript and/or college transcript. Our university is a transfer-friendly university and will review your military experience (joint service transcript/ccaf), training, prior on-the-job learning, DANTES, POST, ACE-evaluate credits, and training based on exam.  

4-Step Process

Request Official Transcripts be emailed to admissions [at] ucumberlands.edu (admissions[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu) or mailed to: 

Graduate & Online Admissions 
649 S. 10th Street Suite C 
Williamsburg KY 40769 

OR 

Undergraduate Admissions (On-Campus Students) 
6178 College Station Drive 
Williamsburg KY 40769 

Joint service transcripts can be requested by visiting:  
https://jst.doded.mil/official.html 

To discuss how to use your tuition benefits and begin the process of applying them at UC, email militarybenefits [at] ucumberlands.edu (militarybenefits[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu).

You will be able to discuss your degree completion plan once the Registrar evaluates your transcripts. This is a plan to help ensure you get on the right track with your classes so that you can complete your degree efficiently.

We accept all VA benefits at Cumberlands.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty

Current active-duty members and veterans with at least 2 years of active duty.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment

Veterans with disabilities and approved IDES rating of at least 20% from VA.

Post 9/11 GI Bill®

Active duty and veterans who served after September 10, 2001.

Dependents Educational Assistance

Dependents and/or spouses of service members may be eligible for this benefit.

Montgomery GI Bill® Selective Reserve (MGIB-SR)

Reservists in Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard, Army National Guard, or Air National Guard. Eligible during or after 6-year service obligation.

Tuition Assistance varies by branch of service, but service members may be eligible for funding assistance for educational expenses each year. The funds are typically paid directly to the institution to cover tuition expenses.  

If the cost of tuition exceeds the cap for TA, service members may be eligible to use VA education benefits for out-of-pocket costs. 

Military.com explains each service's TA program and provides links to each service's TA websites: 

PLEASE NOTE: Students are advised to contact their Educational Service Officer (ESO) or counselor within their respective military service branch before enrolling in courses. Questions about your tuition assistance at University of the Cumberlands can be directed to militarybenefits [at] ucumberlands.edu (militarybenefits[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu).

Undergraduate: TA benefits will cover 100% of tuition for online undergraduate programs. (Original price is $220 an hour, TA benefit is $250 an hour.)

Graduate: TA benefits will cover 90% of tuition for online graduate programs. (Reduced Military Rate is $315 an hour, TA benefit is $250 an hour.) 

Disclaimer:  Master's programs in Physician Assistant Studies, Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner, Addiction Counseling, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling are not applicable for reduced military tuition rates. 

We are committed in assisting UC’s Military and Veteran Students and Alumni along with the career services platforms and resources on to help further or guide your career beyond your service. Our goal is to help you prepare and transition to your civilian career. Learn what to expect when you enter the job market and how to reflect your military and educational skills on your résumé, and then search for positions.

Career Services

If you have a service-connected disability that makes it difficult for you to work, the VA offers counseling, training, education, job placement, and other services to help you launch a new career. Find out if you are eligible and apply online at www.eBenefits.VA.gov.

The new law:

Modernizes the current claims and appeals process
Includes three review options for disagreements with decisions
Requires improved notification of VA decisions
Provides earlier claim resolution
Ensures you receive the earliest effective date possible

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

An aerial view of the Rollins quadrangle.

One Price Promise

At Cumberlands, you can learn on your own terms, at your own pace, with zero fine print, exceptions, or funny business. One focus: You. One price for everything, all included, even books. Everything you need to succeed is right here at UC.

Policy on the Return of Military Tuition Assistance

At University of the Cumberlands, Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. If a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of TA funds originally awarded. In compliance with Department of Defense policy, University of the Cumberlands will return any unearned TA funds on a prorated basis through at least the 60% portion of the period for which the funds were provided. TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending. 

Withdrawal and Refund by Week and Session

Subtext: For additional questions, please contact: registrar [at] ucumberlands.edu (registrar[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu) or studentfinancial [at] ucumberlands.edu (studentfinancial[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu)

Before or During Week 1

100% Return 

During Week 2

 75% Return 

During Weeks 3-4

50% Return
During Week 540% Return (60% of Course is Completed) 
During Weeks 6-80% Return 

Before or During Weeks 1-2

100% Return 

During Weeks 3-4

 75% Return 

During Weeks 5-8

50% Return
During Weeks 9-1040% Return (60% of Course is Completed) 
During Weeks 11-160% Return 
  1. Apply to the University of the Cumberlands:
    APPLY
  2. Register for courses with your Student Success Coordinator:
    You will receive correspondence from your SSC to discuss your courses.
  3. Benefit Information
  1. Submit Veteran Benefits Request Form

Veteran Benefits Request Form

All users: 

  • You must be logged into OneLogin with your UC credentials to access this form. 

First time users at UC:

  • All VA benefits except CH 31: You will need your Certificate of Eligibility
  • CH 31: Please include the email address of your VA Counselor

If you have any questions, please email militarybenefits [at] ucumberlands.edu (militarybenefits[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu) 

  • You must submit a request form (Veteran Benefits Request Form) each semester you want to use your VA Benefits.
  • Our office will review your COE and certify your enrollment.
  • If you are currently serving, please reach out to your Educational Services Officer (ESO) to ensure procedures are followed for tuition benefits.
  • You must report any changes to your enrollment to militarybenefits [at] ucumberlands.edu (militarybenefits[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu) 

Prioritizing Military Families

Military service does not stop with active duty, reservists, and veterans. As a spouse of a military service member, you understand the many obstacles of continuing your education. That is why we’re here: to provide you with a flexible and affordable path to a degree. The life of a military spouse has its challenges, but paying for a quality college education shouldn't be one them. You have supported your spouse, now let UC support you!

From Saving Our Country to Serving Our Schools

Troops to Teachers is a program at UC established with the aim of helping those who have served this country transition into full-time teaching careers. Pending availability of funds, financial assistance may be provided to eligible individuals as stipends up to $5,000 to help pay for teacher certification costs or bonuses up of $10,000 to teach in schools serving a high percentage of students from low-income families. Through the Troops to Teachers program, individuals may be able to enroll in Cumberlands' online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program if they meet the qualifications of having graduated from an accredited higher learning institute with a GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale but do not have initial teaching certification or licensure.

Young man in Camo crouched outside.

ROTC

You could be what the U.S. Army needs. Cumberlands cadets will receive an ROTC scholarship and free books each semester through our book loan program.
Young woman in military uniform sitting and reading a book.

National Guard

ROTC cadets at Cumberlands who join the National Guard receive additional scholarships through the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) after one year. Interested? Contact a National Guard representative.
Military cadet speaking with fellow students

Financial Aid

Life in the military has its own challenges. At UC, affording an education isn't one of them.