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University of the Cumberlands vs Asbury University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Williamsburg KY · vs · Private nonprofit, Wilmore KY

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but University of the Cumberlands comes closer — median earnings $45,036 against a $56,428 total, vs $42,368 at Asbury University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of the CumberlandsAsbury University
Net price / yr$14,107$21,401
Total net cost$56,428$85,604
Median earnings, 10 yrs$45,036$42,368
Median debt$14,911$24,028
Payback
20-year net return-$122,908-$205,444

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

Which is cheaper, University of the Cumberlands or Asbury University?

University of the Cumberlands, at $14,107 a year after aid versus $21,401 — a gap of $7,294 a year, or $29,176 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of the Cumberlands or Asbury University graduates earn more?

University of the Cumberlands graduates report a median $45,036 ten years after entry, $2,668 more than the $42,368 at Asbury 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, University of the Cumberlands or Asbury University?

University of the Cumberlands: its completers carry a median $14,911 in federal loans versus $24,028 at Asbury University, a difference of $9,117. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

65% of students finish at Asbury University, against 50% at University of the Cumberlands. 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.

University of the Cumberlands vs Asbury University: frequently asked questions

Is University of the Cumberlands or Asbury University a better value?
University of the Cumberlands comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, University of the Cumberlands or Asbury University?
University of the Cumberlands: $14,107/yr net price after aid versus $21,401/yr at Asbury University — a difference of $7,294 a year, or about $29,176 over four years.
Do University of the Cumberlands or Asbury University graduates earn more?
University of the Cumberlands graduates earn a median $45,036 ten years after entry, versus $42,368 at Asbury University — a $2,668 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.