CUMBERLANDS GROWTH CONTINUES FOR 2023

University of the Cumberlands closed out 2022, continuing to grow and achieve amazing things for its students. Enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year was 18,053 overall students, with 5,000 undergraduates and over 13,000 graduate students.

Although the school’s growth is outstanding, we have remained focused on our founding mission to provide a high-quality, affordable education to students from Appalachia and beyond. This past fall, 44% of the student body were first-generation college students, and 65% of on-campus undergraduate students hailed from Kentucky.

The university remains not only the largest private university in Kentucky but also one of the most affordable. The total cost to attend University of the Cumberlands is 50% less than the average private university in Kentucky.

This is Cumberlands staying true to its mission of providing a high-quality education at a cost affordable to Appalachia’s young people. Last fall, the school was recognized again by US News & World Report for having the lowest student-loan debt and the highest percentage of social mobility of any university in Kentucky. Social mobility is a measure of how well a university enrolls and graduates students from low-income backgrounds, and Cumberlands consistently ranks as one of the best schools in the nation at reaching these vulnerable, underserved student populations.

Cumberlands has not sacrificed quality for affordability as the school continues to update and develop programs to best prepare students for a 21st-century workforce. This past year Cumberlands launched over 7 new programs, including new Master’s programs in Addiction Studies, Organizational Leadership, and Data Science. The Education Department established Option 9 programs with seven Kentucky school districts. Through Option 9, aspiring Kentucky educators can complete their initial teaching certification and bachelor’s degree in three school years, all while being employed within the participating school district, gaining valuable hands-on teaching experience.

In addition, the school has continued to map industry certifications into the curriculums of departments across campus. For example, all students in teacher education now become Google Classroom certified, business students learn Google Analytics and Growth-Drive Design, and information technology students have up to 35 certifications they can achieve throughout their education. The goal is to prepare students to thrive in the workforce from day one, equipped with the education and skills needed to succeed.

Outside the classroom, the campus is as engaging and vibrant as ever. The growing department of Diversity and Inclusion hosted several events and trips for students and just launched a new Diversity Reading Initiative for students, faculty, and staff. Hundreds of students put their faith in action through Campus Ministries service projects, including Shoes 4 the Soul, donation drives and projects for Eastern Kentucky flood relief, and over 180 Pats Serve community service events.

As we progress toward another school year, Cumberlands stays committed to providing an affordable, world-class education to students at a campus filled with learning, comradery, and service.

University of the Cumberlands introduced new programs for career readiness and outcomes last academic year.

Several new programs have been implemented recently at Cumberlands for an affordable academic variety that fits the needs of any student. Programs include:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy

• Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence

• Master of Science in Cyber-Engineering

• Master of Science in Data Science

• School Safety Endorsement

• Finance Specialty in Business

• Project Management Certificate visit ucumberlands.edu/give2uc