Cumberland University

Founded in 1842, Cumberland University has long been a prominent institution in Tennessee's educational landscape. Relocating to its current site by 1892, Cumberland added iconic structures like Memorial Hall in 1896. In 1942, during its centennial celebration, the university served as a key training center for the U.S. Army during World War II. After coming under the Tennessee Baptist Convention in 1946, Cumberland transitioned to a private, independent institution in 1956 and later returned to offering four-year degrees in 1982 after a period as a junior college. Today, Cumberland continues to uphold a tradition of excellence, particularly through its Jeanette C. Rudy School of Nursing, which is committed to preparing professionals who embody scholarship, integrity, and dedication.

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Lebanon, Tennessee

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Cumberland University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of on-campus, and online programs—including LPN to BSN, BSN, and MSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Student Demographics

  • 23 Average Age
  • 42% Men
  • 58% Women
  • 0% Veterans
  • 86% White
  • 4% Hispanic
  • 10% Black
  • 1% Asian

College Data provided by the U.S. Department of Education and complemented with additional insights from our analysts. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology.

Founded in 1842, Cumberland University has long been a prominent institution in Tennessee's educational landscape. Relocating to its current site by 1892, Cumberland added iconic structures like Memorial Hall in 1896. In 1942, during its centennial celebration, the university served as a key training center for the U.S. Army during World War II. After coming under the Tennessee Baptist Convention in 1946, Cumberland transitioned to a private, independent institution in 1956 and later returned to offering four-year degrees in 1982 after a period as a junior college. Today, Cumberland continues to uphold a tradition of excellence, particularly through its Jeanette C. Rudy School of Nursing, which is committed to preparing professionals who embody scholarship, integrity, and dedication.

Nursing Program at Cumberland University

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 
  • LPN to BSN 
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Online
    • MSN: Nurse Educator 
    • MSN: Nurse Executive Leadership and Administration

Hands-On Learning Experience 

Cumberland University's nursing programs have a proven record of success, particularly the BSN programs, which have surpassed state and national NCLEX pass rates for two consecutive years. The programs provide access to advanced technology, human simulators, small class sizes, and boasts a 100% job placement rate.

The nursing facilities are housed in McFarland Hall, a former wing and ICU of McFarland Hospital, leased from Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital. This facility, located about a mile from the main campus, has been converted into teaching spaces, including faculty offices, classrooms, clinical practice labs, and a simulation laboratory. BSN students receive hands-on clinical training at healthcare facilities within a 65-mile radius of McFarland Hall.

Mode of Learning 

The undergraduate programs at Cumberland University are offered in person. The LPN to BSN pathway is designed specifically for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to earn a BSN in as little as four semesters, but the length of the program depends on the number of prerequisites already completed. 

The MSN Nurse Educator or Nurse Executive programs allow students to earn their master's degree in five semesters with two start dates per year: Fall and Spring semesters. Classes are online and asynchronous, allowing students to work when it is most convenient. The online program only requires students to log in at least three times a week.

NCLEX Pass Rate

In a remarkable achievement, nursing students from Cumberland University achieved an unprecedented 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in 2021. This remarkable milestone highlights the exceptional quality of Cumberland's nursing program and the dedication of both its faculty and students. 

Admissions at Cumberland University

Admission to the Nursing School is easy. Freshmen who meet the qualifications for "Guaranteed Nursing Admissions" will be guaranteed a seat in the Rudy School's Nursing program entering their junior year if they continue to meet the requirements for admission. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1.

Accreditation

The baccalaureate and master's programs at Cumberland University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

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