Academic Comparison between UTC and CU

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and Cumberland University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. UTC is a four-year, public school located in Chattanooga, TN and CU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Lebanon, TN.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • UTC is a public and CU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • CU has more expensive tuition & fees ($27,840) than UTC ($18,512).
  • It is harder to admit to CU than UTC.
  • UTC has more students with 11,775 students while CU has 3,457 students.
  • UTC has a lower number of students per faculty with 18 to 1 while CU's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • UTC has more full-time faculties with 522 faculties while CU has 85 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

The University of Tennessee-Chattanoogavs.Cumberland University
Chattanooga, TennesseeLocationLebanon, Tennessee
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$10,448
Out-Of-State$18,512
2025 Tuition & Fees$27,840
81%% Receiving Financial Aid100%
$9,999Average Amount of Financial Aid$17,894
81.09 %Acceptance Rates67.33 %
29.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)40.54 %
1,100SAT Score-
23ACT Score-
50 %Graduation Rate46 %
-Transfer-out Rate14 %
73 %Retention Rate59 %
11,775Student Population3,457
522Number of Faculties85
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services