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Belmont University vs Cumberland University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Nashville TN · vs · Private nonprofit, Lebanon TN

The verdict

Cumberland University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $75,036 in 8 years versus 17.5 years at Belmont University, on median earnings of $57,687 vs $55,930 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureBelmont UniversityCumberland University
Net price / yr$33,147$18,759
Total net cost$132,588$75,036
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,930$57,687
Median debt$20,500$17,952
Payback17.5 yrs8 yrs
20-year net return$18,812$111,504

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Belmont University or Cumberland University?

Cumberland University, at $18,759 a year after aid versus $33,147 — a gap of $14,388 a year, or $57,552 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Belmont University or Cumberland University graduates earn more?

Cumberland University graduates report a median $57,687 ten years after entry, $1,757 more than the $55,930 at Belmont University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Belmont University or Cumberland University?

Cumberland University: its completers carry a median $17,952 in federal loans versus $20,500 at Belmont University, a difference of $2,548. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at Belmont University, against 46% at Cumberland University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Belmont University vs Cumberland University: frequently asked questions

Is Belmont University or Cumberland University a better value?
Cumberland University. It clears its $75,036 net cost in about 8 years versus 17.5 years at Belmont University, on median earnings of $57,687 vs $55,930 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Belmont University or Cumberland University?
Cumberland University: $18,759/yr net price after aid versus $33,147/yr at Belmont University — a difference of $14,388 a year, or about $57,552 over four years.
Do Belmont University or Cumberland University graduates earn more?
Cumberland University graduates earn a median $57,687 ten years after entry, versus $55,930 at Belmont University — a $1,757 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.