Cumberland University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
Quick answer
USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Cumberland University costs about $111,360 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $52,246 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 6.5 years (20-year ROI: 210%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$111,360
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$17,246/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
6.5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
210%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The average annual tuition at Cumberland University is $27,840. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $45,973. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $52,246, and ten years after graduation, the median salary is $57,687. The median debt for students is $17,952.
The debt-to-income ratio for Cumberland University graduates is favorable. The median debt of $17,952 is significantly less than the one-year post-graduation median salary of $45,973. The cost of tuition is paid off within the first year of employment.
The university has a graduation rate of 47.7% and a retention rate of 62.2%. 25.1% of students receive financial aid. The school has an acceptance rate of 67% and a student population of 2,053.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$27,840
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,952
Median Earnings (5yr)
$52,246
Graduation Rate
48%
Receive Financial Aid
25%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $0 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $79,057 | 691% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $66,878 | 473% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $47,688 | 128% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $47,505 | 125% |
| Education, General | $48,710 | 146% |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics | $0 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.