Cumberland University vs Union University: which has better ROI?
Cumberland University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $75,036 in 8 years versus 19.3 years at Union University, on median earnings of $57,687 vs $53,990 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Cumberland University | Union University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,759 | $27,171 |
| Total net cost | $75,036 | $108,684 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $57,687 | $53,990 |
| Median debt | $17,952 | $20,714 |
| Payback | 8 yrs | 19.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $111,504 | $3,916 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Cumberland University or Union University?
Cumberland University, at $18,759 a year after aid versus $27,171 — a gap of $8,412 a year, or $33,648 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 Union University graduates earn more?
Cumberland University graduates report a median $57,687 ten years after entry, $3,697 more than the $53,990 at Union 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 Union University?
Cumberland University: its completers carry a median $17,952 in federal loans versus $20,714 at Union University, a difference of $2,762. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
66% of students finish at Union 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.