A Degree Beyond Yourself
We believe your college experience should be intensely personal, intellectually challenging, and full of meaningful moments. Join a community that will help you rise and reach your greatest potential.
It's time to rise.
Students like you make us who we are – a university on the rise. Join a class of leaders who have an inexhaustible drive for excellence, a passion for people, and a sincere desire to make a difference in the world.
Admissions
Rise and Begin
CU blends traditional liberal arts values with modern practical approaches through traditional undergraduate programs, graduate studies, and online offerings. No matter where you are in your academic journey, we’re here to help you through the admissions process.
Academics
Rise and Succeed
Whether you want to impact the next generation as a teacher, care with confidence in healthcare, or be a pioneer in tomorrow’s top industries, we can help you rise academically, and prepare for a lifetime of success.
Student Life
Rise and Connect
Customize your campus life with 55 student organizations, honor societies, and interest groups to keep you connected to your friends, and to the fun.
Athletics
Rise and Compete
We are Phoenix! Cumberland rallies behind 31 men’s and women’s athletic teams that rise and compete for conference and national championships. In the game or in the stands, you become part of the winning team.
Residence Life
Rise and Shine
Over 500 students call CU’s campus home. Our campus features five residence halls that offer a variety of living options and experiences to support you throughout your academic career. Choosing to live on campus offers you a traditional college experience that is all-inclusive, convenient, and fun.
About CU
Cumberland University was founded in 1842 and holds a unique place in American history as one of the oldest, private, liberal art universities in the South. Now recognized as one of the fastest-growing liberal arts universities in Tennessee, CU focuses on helping students prepare to launch meaningful careers, pursue their passions, and make the most of their college experience. Located 25 miles east of Nashville in Lebanon, Tennessee, CU blends traditional liberal arts values with modern practical approaches through traditional undergraduate programs, graduate studies, and online offerings. With students from 39 states and 48 countries, CU continues to evolve to meet the needs of a diverse and thriving student body.
Community Outreach
Rise and Impact
We rise by lifting others. Our students share a sincere passion for people and regularly put their hearts into action. CU students volunteer nearly 5,000 hours each school year in their communities. Whether you want to build new homes with Habitat for Humanity or become a Big Brother or Big Sister, we’ll provide you with the resources and support you need so you can serve others and leave your mark on the world.
What is new at CU
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Published:
CUMBERLAND UNIVERSITY TO HOST BOOK LAUNCH EVENT ADDRESSING GENERATIONAL TENSION IN TODAY’S WORKPLACE
Generational experts Jessica Stollings and Dr. Karah Sprouse celebrate the launch of their new book, ReGenerate, with a campus event on January 14. Cumberland University will host a Book Launch Event on January 14th at
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Published:
Cumberland University Expands Historic Papers Collection with Addition of Honorable Diane Black’s Congressional and Legislative Papers
On Friday, November 7, Cumberland University announced the expansion of its collection of prestigious historical papers with the addition of the congressional and legislative papers of the Honorable Diane Black. This exciting project, known as
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Published:
Cumberland University Unveils the Palla Center for International Programs
Cumberland University celebrated a significant milestone in its global expansion efforts with the official unveiling of the Palla Center for International Programs on the first day of the fall 2025 Executive Program Residency. The new
Visit Virtually
Rise and Explore
We invite you to explore our growing campus. We can’t wait to connect with you, meet your family, and share all Cumberland University has to offer.