Return on Investment Analysis

University of the Cumberlands ROI Analysis

Q: How long does it take to break even on a University of the Cumberlands degree?

The estimated break-even point for a degree from University of the Cumberlands is 9.8 years after graduation, based on the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

Q: What is the total cost of attending University of the Cumberlands?

The estimated 4-year in-state tuition cost at University of the Cumberlands is $39,500 ($9,875 per year). 69% of students receive financial aid.

Q: What do University of the Cumberlands graduates earn?

The median earnings for University of the Cumberlands graduates 5 years after enrollment is $39,046. This is $4,046 above the national average for high school diploma holders.

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 University of the Cumberlands costs about $39,500 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $39,046 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 9.8 years (20-year ROI: 105%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$39,500

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$4,046/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

9.8 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

105%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

The University of the Cumberlands has a relatively low in-state tuition of $9,875. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $45,499. Five years after graduation, earnings decrease to $39,046, but increase again to $45,036 ten years after graduation. The median debt for graduates is $14,911, and 69.2% of students receive financial aid.

Given the tuition and earnings data, the return on investment appears favorable. The one-year earnings are significantly higher than the tuition cost. The five-year earnings are lower than the one-year earnings, but still significantly higher than the tuition cost. The ten-year earnings are similar to the one-year earnings.

With a median debt of $14,911 and an average starting salary of $45,499, the debt-to-income ratio is relatively low. The break-even timeline, considering the tuition cost and potential earnings, is likely to be short, with graduates potentially recouping their tuition investment within the first year of employment.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$9,875

Median Debt at Graduation

$14,911

Median Earnings (5yr)

$39,046

Graduation Rate

45%

Receive Financial Aid

69%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program	4yr Cost	Median Earnings (5yr)	Est. 20yr ROI
Computer and Information Sciences, General	$39,500	$0	N/A
Educational Administration and Supervision	$39,500	$70,651	1705%
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$39,500	$67,719	1557%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	$39,500	$42,102	260%
Curriculum and Instruction	$39,500	$45,331	423%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas	$39,500	$44,897	401%
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology	$39,500	$48,399	578%
Student Counseling and Personnel Services	$39,500	$51,098	715%
Special Education and Teaching	$39,500	$45,139	413%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing	$39,500	$0	N/A
Business/Commerce, General	$39,500	$51,203	720%
Criminal Justice and Corrections	$39,500	$42,340	272%
Human Services, General	$39,500	$35,720	-64%
Psychology, General	$39,500	$35,801	-59%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness	$39,500	$33,516	N/A
Biology, General	$39,500	$0	N/A
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions	$39,500	$0	N/A
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions	$39,500	$0	N/A
Accounting and Related Services	$39,500	$0	N/A
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General	$39,500	$0	N/A
Communication and Media Studies	$39,500	$0	N/A

Peer Comparison

University of the Cumberlands Current

105%

20yr ROI

Mary Baldwin University

-39%

20yr ROI

Crown College

-34%

20yr ROI

Missouri Baptist University

-40%

20yr ROI

Bethel University

10%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$39,500

Median Debt$14,911

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0

Net 4-Year Cost$39,500

Frequently Asked Questions

Is University of the Cumberlands worth the cost?

Based on government data, University of the Cumberlands has an estimated 20-year ROI of 105%. The total 4-year cost is $39,500 and graduates earn a median of $39,046 within 5 years.

How long does it take to break even on a University of the Cumberlands degree?

What is the total cost of attending University of the Cumberlands?

What do University of the Cumberlands graduates earn?

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.

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