AQ vs. Cornerstone University

Comparable Facts

Compare Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI with Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Cornerstone University is larger than AQ based on total student enrollment (1,695 students vs. 1,157 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aquinas College is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Cornerstone University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aquinas College 10:1; Cornerstone University 15:1.

AQ vs. Cornerstone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AQ or Cornerstone University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Aquinas College than Cornerstone University ($18,018 vs. $21,335).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Aquinas College are 8% lower than at Cornerstone University ($11,680 vs. $12,700).
• Aquinas College is 74.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $17,218 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 74.9% higher at AQ than at Cornerstone University (about $17,218 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Aquinas College as at Cornerstone University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aquinas College students is 64.1% larger than aid received by Cornerstone University students ($33,535 vs. $20,439).

AQ vs. Cornerstone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AQ or Cornerstone University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Cornerstone University and AQ.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornerstone University (1100) is 70 points higher than at AQ (1030).
• Incoming AQ students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Cornerstone University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 910/1140; Cornerstone University 970/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 20/26; Cornerstone University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AQ - Test optional; Cornerstone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman AQ students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• AQ has a higher acceptance rate (89.9%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at AQ vs. 18.6% at Cornerstone University.

AQ vs. Cornerstone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AQ and Cornerstone University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Aquinas College's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Aquinas College earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,000 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than AQ graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AQ graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More Cornerstone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AQ students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 60%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.