Undergraduate Admissions

Cumberland University is a special place. We hope you can see yourself thriving with our Phoenix family. Students like you make us who we are – a university on the rise. We’re excited you’re considering Cumberland University. Our team will do everything we can to answer your questions, guide you through the admission process and share all CU has to offer.

Group of students at graduation

General Admissions Requirements

  • Completed online application
  • Minimum of 21 ACT composite score or SAT equivalent based on ACT/SAT score converter
  • Minimum 3.00 high school grade point average
  • Official academic transcript(s) (including Dual Enrollment Courses)
  • $25 application fee ($50 for International Students)
  • Immunization records

August 1 - CU Application Opens

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. 

Start My Application

November 1 - Admission Decision Day 1

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

Start My Application

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

FAFSA Application

November 1 - Tennessee Promise Application Opens

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

TN Promise Application

January 15 - Admissions Decision Day 2

Apply between October 15 and December 31 and receive a decision by January 15. This admission decision date offers you the chance to be fully informed about scholarships and other financial aid options available to you.

CU Application

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.

Scholarship Application

June 15 - Admission Decision Day 4

Apply between March 15 and May 31 and receive a decision by June 15. This is our last official admission decision day for the upcoming fall semester. By applying in the spring you can still receive a decision in time to prepare for your first day at CU.

July 1 - 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.

Report Community Service

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

**NOTE: We require all students who do not meet minimum admission requirements to complete the Personal Statement and Resilience Questionnaire. This statement and questionnaire will indicate why you would like to attend Cumberland University, how you would help contribute to a diverse student body, and will measure how potentially resilient you will be at CU. The goal is to provide our review team with more information about your ability, training, and motivation to succeed at CU. 

Submit My Personal Statement

Preview CU

The best way to see if CU is the right fit for you is to visit our campus. On a campus visit you’ll have the opportunity to tour the campus, meet current students, see a residence hall, and learn about scholarship opportunities at CU.

Schedule a Visit

Have questions? We have answers.

Check out our Undergraduate Admission 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

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