Each fall, Cumberland University welcomes thousands of students to campus as a new academic year begins. The University’s continual growth and commitment to transforming lives through the power of education was most recently celebrated as the largest graduating class crossed the stage during the 2025 Commencement Ceremonies in May. A total of 615 bachelor’s graduates and 379 master’s graduates joined a community of distinguished alumni as global change makers backed by unwavering community support.
“With our eyes fixed on students’ futures and nurturing a growth mindset, we are proud that Cumberland continues to attract and matriculate impressive, caring students who are eager to make a difference as leaders in their communities,” said Cumberland University President, Paul C. Stumb, Ph.D. “It is certainly an exciting time to be a Phoenix!”
As enrollment numbers continue to grow, so does Cumberland’s commitment to offering accessible, high-quality education that meets the evolving demands of today’s educational landscape. The University’s continued efforts to control costs and expand scholarship offerings were recently recognized by Money Magazine when Cumberland was named one of the best-performing universities in the nation for affordability and value.
Cumberland has also been recognized as the number one private university in Tennessee for enrollment growth by the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA), a distinction that underscores its rising profile and continued appeal to students across the state and beyond.
As the 2025-26 Academic Year rapidly approaches, Cumberland announced new academic offerings from associate's degrees to master's degrees. This fall the University will welcome its first cohort for its new Associate of Science in Health Sciences program as well as its Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program– created in response to the growing demand for mental health providers capable of delivering vital care in diverse settings.
Prospective Cumberland University students are invited to explore academic areas of interest during fall Discovery Days, hosted by the Office of Admissions. These immersive on-campus days allow students to engage directly with esteemed faculty, tour campus facilities and residence halls, and participate in hands-on experiences that reflect the day-to-day life of a Cumberland student.
The following Discover Days are open for registration:
- Nursing & Health Professions: Friday, September 5, 2025
- Criminal Justice, Humanities & Social Sciences, Psychology: Friday, September 12, 2025
- Business, Mathematics, Information Technology, & Science: Friday, September 19, 2025
- History: Friday, September 26, 2025
- Education: Friday, October 10, 2025
- Music & Theater: November, 7, 2025
- English & Creative Writing: Friday, November 14, 2025