Southern Adventist University vs Cumberland 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 18.2 years at Southern Adventist University, on median earnings of $57,687 vs $53,723 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Southern Adventist University | Cumberland University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $24,345 | $18,759 |
| Total net cost | $97,380 | $75,036 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,723 | $57,687 |
| Median debt | $24,500 | $17,952 |
| Payback | 18.2 yrs | 8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $9,880 | $111,504 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Southern Adventist University or Cumberland University?
Cumberland University, at $18,759 a year after aid versus $24,345 — a gap of $5,586 a year, or $22,344 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Southern Adventist University or Cumberland University graduates earn more?
Cumberland University graduates report a median $57,687 ten years after entry, $3,964 more than the $53,723 at Southern Adventist 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, Southern Adventist University or Cumberland University?
Cumberland University: its completers carry a median $17,952 in federal loans versus $24,500 at Southern Adventist University, a difference of $6,548. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
49% of students finish at Southern Adventist 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.