Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Cumberland University

Cumberland's nursing program lands squarely in the middle of Tennessee's competitive landscape—at the state median of $67,094—but trails most major nursing schools and sits well below the national median of nearly $75,000. While the 60th percentile ranking sounds respectable, the reality is that graduates earn about $10,000 less annually than their peers at University of Memphis or UT-Martin, and nearly $15,000 less than those from top Tennessee programs. The debt load of $29,250 is manageable at 0.44 times first-year earnings, though slightly above the state median.

The flat earnings trajectory raises questions about career advancement. Most nursing graduates see steady salary growth as they gain experience and potentially move into specialized roles or leadership positions, but Cumberland graduates show essentially no income increase between years one and four. This suggests they may face limitations in accessing higher-paying specialties or advancement opportunities that elevate earning potential over time.

For Tennessee families, this program represents a safe but unremarkable choice. You'll pay slightly more in debt than the state average to earn exactly the state average, without the upward trajectory that typically justifies investing in a bachelor's degree. If keeping costs down matters most and your child plans to stay in Tennessee, this works. But families should seriously consider whether programs like University of Memphis—with $6,500 higher earnings and room for growth—offer better long-term value, even if the initial investment is comparable.