Cornell College vs. Cornerstone University

Comparable Facts

Compare Cornell College in Mount Vernon, IA 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 Cornell College based on total student enrollment (1,695 students vs. 1,094 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornell College is located in Mount Vernon, IA (Distant Town setting); Cornerstone University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Cornell College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornell College 14:1; Cornerstone University 15:1.

Cornell College vs. Cornerstone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornell College 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 Cornerstone University than Cornell College ($21,335 vs. $25,220).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornell College are 6.7% lower than at Cornerstone University ($11,850 vs. $12,700).
• Cornell College is 129% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $29,660 more per year; $52,660.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 129% higher at Cornell College than at Cornerstone University (about $29,660 more per year; $52,660.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Cornell College as at Cornerstone University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell College students is 101% larger than aid received by Cornerstone University students ($41,092 vs. $20,439).

Cornell College vs. Cornerstone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cornell College 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 Cornell College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornell College (1200) is 100 points higher than at Cornerstone University (1100).
• Incoming Cornell College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Cornerstone University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell College 1120/1285; Cornerstone University 970/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell College 23/30; Cornerstone University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornell College - Test optional; Cornerstone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Cornell College students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Cornell College has a higher acceptance rate (79.9%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Cornell College vs. 18.6% at Cornerstone University.

Cornell College vs. Cornerstone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornell College 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).

• Cornell College's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Cornell College earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,400 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Cornell College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornell College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Cornell College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cornerstone University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 62%)

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.