University of the Cumberlands recently earned multiple distinctions in Niche’s 2025 rankings, including recognition as one of the best colleges in Kentucky and one of the top-ranked Christian universities in America. Cumberlands also received high marks for student life, campus safety, online learning, food services, and academic programs.
The university was a high performer on both the state and national level, which comes as no surprise to Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Trey Jarboe, who believes such recognition is the natural result of Cumberlands’ unrelenting commitment to student experience and outcomes.
“Cumberlands is a special place. Niche’s rankings reflect what our students, whether online or in person, already know: this is a place that puts you first, supports you every step, and challenges you to be the best version of yourself,” said Jarboe. “We’re honored to be recognized for the very qualities that matter most to students and families.”
In a competitive review of thousands of colleges across the United States, Cumberlands placed among the best colleges in America in multiple categories, including:
• Safety and Student Life – #15 Safest College Campus (out of 1,288), #78 Best College Campuses (out of 1,373), #53 Best College Food (out of 1,344), #63 Best College Dorms (out of 1,353)
• Online and Christian Education – #32 Best Online Colleges (out of 229), #54 Best Christian Colleges (out of 311)
• Academic Excellence – #66 Best Colleges for Public Health (out of 284), #74 Best Colleges for Public Policy (out of 645), #85 Best Colleges for Criminal Justice (out of 683), #102 Best Colleges for Education (out of 957), #158 Best Small Colleges (out of 947)
• Access and Affordability – #115 Best Colleges with No Application Fee (out of 670)
These rankings reflect Cumberlands’ strengthened position as a leading small private college known for its exceptional student experience and strong academic outcomes.
Kentucky rankings
Closer to home, University of the Cumberlands continues to stand out among Kentucky’s top universities, earning leading spots in categories tied directly to student experience and academic quality:
• #1 ranking for Safest College Campus in Kentucky and Best College Food in Kentucky
• #2 ranking for Best College Campuses in Kentucky, Best Colleges for Education in Kentucky and Top Private University in Kentucky
• #3 ranking for Best Colleges for Psychology in Kentucky, Best Small Colleges in Kentucky, Best Colleges for Computer Science in Kentucky, Best Colleges with No Application Fee in Kentucky
• #4 ranking for Best College Dorms in Kentucky and Best Colleges for Accounting and Finance in Kentucky
“Affordability, personalized support, and excellent outcomes are at the heart of what we do here at Cumberlands. These results demonstrate that commitment in action,” said Dr. Jarboe. Niche is a U.S.-based ranking and review platform headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 2002, the company provides comprehensive profiles and rankings for K-12 schools and colleges nationwide.
