Founded in 1842, Cumberland University once ran one of the South's best-known law schools, and Cordell Hull, later US Secretary of State, studied there. Today it is a small private university in Lebanon, Tennessee, about 30 miles east of Nashville. Students take business, nursing, education and the sciences. International students mostly come for the MBA or on athletic scholarships.
Lebanon, Tennessee, United States
Official website: cumberland.edu
1842
Private university
Lebanon, near Nashville
$24,000 – $28,000
International students, undergraduate and MBA
$11,000 – $14,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on cumberland.edu before you apply.
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
Master of Arts in Teaching
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
BBA Business Administration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Nursing
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
Small classes at a historic private university.
An MBA within reach of Nashville's job market.
Active college sports with international athletes.
Business graduates work in Nashville's healthcare, logistics and music businesses.
Nursing graduates join hospitals across middle Tennessee after licensure.
Education graduates teach in Tennessee schools.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Lebanon is a county seat with a traditional town square, antique shops and a few restaurants. Cedars of Lebanon State Park, with its cedar forests, is a short drive south.
Nashville is about 40 minutes west by car, for music, sport and airport flights. Living costs are low, but you will need a car.
Form I-20 issued by Cumberland University
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Cumberland admits students on a rolling basis. International applicants should apply by about June for fall and October for spring to leave time for the I-20.
Students start in fall (August) or spring (January). Some graduate courses run on shorter terms with extra start dates.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, Cumberland University issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
The MBA, education master's, business and nursing are the main options. Undergraduates need secondary school records and IELTS 6.0. Graduate programmes need a bachelor's degree.
Cumberland offers academic and athletic scholarships, and international students are eligible for both. Athletic awards depend on the sport and coach.
