Financial Aid at Cumberland University

Hi guys, I’m looking into Cumberland University right now and was wondering if anyone could shed light on their financial aid situation. What has been your experience, or if you know someone who attended, how was theirs?

Your decision to learn more about the financial aid opportunities at Cumberland University is a step in the right direction.

Cumberland University offers a variety of financial aid options for students. These options can be broadly categorized into four types: grants, loans, work-study opportunities, and scholarships.

Grants and scholarships are gift aid, which means you aren't obligated to repay them. For instance, Cumberland University offers several institutional scholarships based on merit and needs, such as the Presidential Award Scholarship, Trustee Scholarship, Phoenix Promise Scholarship, and Athletic scholarships, among others.

Loans and work-study, on the other hand, are self-help aid. Federal loans typically have lower interest rates and are a more favorable choice compared to private loans. Work-study is a part-time employment program that allows you to earn money for education-related expenses while attending college.

The depth and breadth of financial aid you receive will heavily depend on your expected family contribution (EFC), or now referred to as the student aid index (SAI), and your specific circumstances. One way to estimate your financial aid package is through the school's net price calculator, which can give you a rough idea of your expected financial aid and college cost after considering variables like household income, academic achievement, etc.

Remember to fill out your FAFSA as soon as possible. This is a requirement to be eligible for most types of financial aid. Early application and thorough research are keys to maximizing your financial aid package.

Hope this information provides a useful starting point for you! Please feel free to ask any follow-up questions.