Cumberland University is chartered by the State of Tennessee and is accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia  30033-4097, telephone 404.679.4500, website www.sacscoc.org)  to award the associate, the baccalaureate, and the master's degrees.

• The undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation program is approved by the Department of Education of the State of Tennessee.
• The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program has Full Approval from the Board of Nursing of the State of Tennessee and is accredited to offer the baccalaureate degree by the National League for Nursing.
• CU is authorized to offer professional continuing education for accountants by the Board of Accountancy of the State of Tennessee.