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Cumberland University vs The University of the South: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Lebanon TN · vs · Private nonprofit, Sewanee TN

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

The University of the South has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $111,488 in 6.7 years versus 8 years at Cumberland University, on median earnings of $64,911 vs $57,687 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureCumberland UniversityThe University of the South
Net price / yr$18,759$27,872
Total net cost$75,036$111,488
Median earnings, 10 yrs$57,687$64,911
Median debt$17,952$22,855
Payback8 yrs6.7 yrs
20-year net return$111,504$219,532

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

Which is cheaper, Cumberland University or The University of the South?

Cumberland University, at $18,759 a year after aid versus $27,872 — a gap of $9,113 a year, or $36,452 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Cumberland University or The University of the South graduates earn more?

The University of the South graduates report a median $64,911 ten years after entry, $7,224 more than the $57,687 at Cumberland 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, Cumberland University or The University of the South?

Cumberland University: its completers carry a median $17,952 in federal loans versus $22,855 at The University of the South, a difference of $4,903. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

80% of students finish at The University of the South, 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.

Cumberland University vs The University of the South: frequently asked questions

Is Cumberland University or The University of the South a better value?
The University of the South. It clears its $111,488 net cost in about 6.7 years versus 8 years at Cumberland University, on median earnings of $64,911 vs $57,687 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Cumberland University or The University of the South?
Cumberland University: $18,759/yr net price after aid versus $27,872/yr at The University of the South — a difference of $9,113 a year, or about $36,452 over four years.
Do Cumberland University or The University of the South graduates earn more?
The University of the South graduates earn a median $64,911 ten years after entry, versus $57,687 at Cumberland University — a $7,224 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.