Cumberland University accepts more Tennessee Promise students than any other four-year institution in the state. With the Tennessee Promise, we’re able to offer you more than a degree. At CU, you’ll enjoy the full college experience on a traditional, historic campus full of exciting moments that make your college experience fun and memorable. 

You’ll make lifelong friends and become part of a family of some of the brightest and kindest people we know. With a variety of student organizations and clubs, a vibrant greek life community, intramural sports, and a sweet southern city, you’ll be right where you belong.

Tennessee Promise is both a scholarship and mentoring program focused on increasing the number of students that attend college in our state. It provides students a last-dollar scholarship, meaning the scholarship will cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees not covered by the Pell grant, the HOPE scholarship, or the Tennessee Student Assistance Award. Students may use the scholarship at any of the state’s 13 community colleges, 27 colleges of applied technology, or other eligible institution offering an associate degree program.

While removing the financial burden is key, a critical component of Tennessee Promise is the individual guidance each participant will receive from a mentor who will assist the student as he or she navigates the college admission process. This is accomplished primarily via mandatory meetings that students must attend in order to remain eligible for the program. In addition, Tennessee Promise participants must complete and submit eight (8) hours of community service per term enrolled, as well as maintain satisfactory academic progress (2.0 GPA) at their respective institution.

Any high school senior who graduates from a Tennessee eligible high school or completes a Tennessee home school program can apply for the Promise Scholarship. While the Tennessee Promise is available to all students regardless of socioeconomic status, partnering organizations will work with high school guidance counselors to target at-risk students who would otherwise not pursue any education beyond high school.

Our application opens August 1. We send decisions out four times a year after your application is complete. 

• Apply between August 1 and October 15 and receive a decision by November 1
• Apply between October 15 and December 31 and receive a decision by January 15
• Apply between January 1 and March 15 and receive a decision by April 1
• Apply between March 15 and May 31 and receive a decision by June 15

Our recommended deadline is January 1. Applying by this date will guarantee you receive a decision before spring which gives you a chance to be fully informed about scholarships and other financial aid options available to you.

Before your academic journey can begin, you must take the first step and apply. We have enrollment specialists ready to guide you through the entire admissions process and answer all of your questions so you feel confident and ready for your first day at CU.

If you have any questions or need any help through your next steps, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help guide you through this process and discuss your future at Cumberland University. 

The Admissions Office is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm CST. Please contact the Admissions Office at 615-547-1246 locally or 800-467-0562 to speak with our Transfer Enrollment Specialist or email admissions@cumberland.edu.

Check out our Tennessee Promise FAQs.

If you’ve already been admitted to CU, then you’re ready to officially become part of our Phoenix Family. We can’t wait to add your enthusiasm and new ideas to our campus experience. There are a few more steps left to complete before your first day. You can find all the information you need about confirming your decision, applying for financial aid, living on campus, registering for classes, and attending orientation here.