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Your first two years tuition free

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.

Start My Application

What is Tennessee Promise?

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.

Start My TN Promise Application

Who is eligible?

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.

Steps to Apply

Important Dates and Deadlines

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.

  • August 1 - CU Application Opens

    Sometimes when you know, you know. Applying between August 1 and October 15 allows you to receive an admissions decision early so you can concentrate on high school senior year activities without having to spend so much time on college admissions.

    Apply Now
  • October 1 - FAFSA Application Opens

    Completing the FAFSA is one of the most important things to check off your to-do list when applying for college.

    The FAFSA, Free Application for Student Aid, is used to determine if you are eligible for federal, state, school or even private financial aid. By completing the FAFSA, you’ll be able to apply for federal and state grants, loans and work studies, as well as school and private scholarships. Basically, the FAFSA is your first step for receiving monetary assistance for your entire college career. Make certain you have your FAFSA sent to Cumberland University. School code: 003485

    File FAFSA
  • November 1 - Tennessee Promise Application Closes

    Seniors who are Tennessee residents may apply for the Tennessee Promise scholarship, which will provide two years of tuition-free attendance at CU.

    Learn More
  • March 1 - FAFSA Application Deadline

    This is the last day for you to file your 2023-2024 FAFSA. Make certain to have your FAFSA sent to Cumberland University. School code: 003485.

    File FAFSA
  • April 1 - CU Scholarships Deadline

    There are a variety of ways you can pay for your college education and receive financial assistance. We award over $300,000 in private and endowed scholarships every year. Be sure to apply.

    Scholarships Application
  • July 5 - Complete and report your first 8 hours of TN Promise community service

    For you to maintain TN Promise scholarship eligibility, you are required to perform 8 hours of community service prior to each term the award is received.

    Submit Hours
  • July 18 - Last day to take the ACT

    Last day to take the ACT. Make certain your student has their scores sent to Cumberland University. School code: 3954  

    *UPDATE: In response to the reduced number of national and state testing dates for ACT and SAT caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Cumberland University is suspending the requirement for standardized test scores for students seeking admission as first time freshmen for the Spring 2021 semester. In lieu of standardized testing scores, all students with a high school GPA below 3.0 must complete the Personal Statement and Resilience Questionnaire.

     

    Complete Personal Statement

It all starts with the application.

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.

Start My Application
Staff helping student

Contact Us. We’re Here to Help

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.

Have questions? We have answers.

Check out our Tennessee Promise FAQs.

View FAQs

Already Admitted?

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.

Admitted Students

What is new at CU

Read More
  • Published:  March 22, 2023

    Cumberland University Dedicates Welcome Center to Philanthropic Lebanon Family, The Bryants

    On March 20, Cumberland University dedicated the campus Welcome Center to the Dr. Joe and Pat Bryant Family, unveiling new signage and a portrait of the couple for all guests of the university to admire. 

  • Published:  March 20, 2023

    Cumberland University Celebrates National Athletic Training Month

    Throughout the month of March, Cumberland University has been celebrating National Athletic Training Month. This unique month was established in 2000 and is sponsored by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) to spread awareness about

  • Published:  March 15, 2023

    Cumberland Announces New Nursing Program Designed For Licensed Practical Nurses

    Cumberland University’s Jeanette C. Rudy School of Nursing and Health Professions announced a new program designed to increase educational opportunities for working healthcare professionals, specifically Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Read More

Start your CU journey today. Take the first step.

Apply Now

Get In Touch

615-444-2562

800-467-0562

615-444-2569 (fax)

1 Cumberland Square

Lebanon, TN 37087-3408

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