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.
Diversity and Inclusion
Rise and Belong
Phoenix value diversity. We embrace individuals and the range of ideas, backgrounds, and experiences they bring to CU. It makes our community strong and promotes a culture of acceptance and belonging.
What is new at CU
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Published:
Join Cumberland University for a Reading With Dr. Annette Sisson From Winter Sharp With Apples
Cumberland University is excited to welcome poet and professor Dr. Annette Sisson to campus on November 7 to read from her new book, Winter Sharp With Apples, published by Terrapin Books. The special event will
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Dr. Chelsea Sterne Receives Bone Grant for Research on Military and PTSD
Cumberland University Assistant Professor of Psychology and Army veteran, Dr. Chelsea Sterne, was recently awarded the prestigious Bone Grant to support her independent research on chronic pain and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in military members.
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Leaving a Legacy: The Inspiring Gift of Virginia Neely
Eighty years ago, this fall, a young and hopeful Virginia Lois Neely from Columbia, Tennessee, came to Cumberland University. During her time at CU, Ms. Neely was an active member of the student body, she sang in the choir, served as a staff writer on the newspaper and established the Cynthian Social Society for young women. Though her fondest memory of her time at Cumberland was playing in the snow (pictured above) one cold winter’s day. January 16, 1948, Lebanon saw 7’’ of snow in one day! Ms. Virginia and fellow student, Ray Smith, are seen above playing in the snow with little June Richardson in front of Bone Hall. Along with other students and faculty, they built a huge snowman in front of Memorial Hall. Maybe you have a memory like this from your time at CU!
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.
