Cornerstone University vs. Southwest Baptist University

Comparable Facts

Compare Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI with Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southwest Baptist University is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (2,199 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Cornerstone University vs. Southwest Baptist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornerstone University or Southwest Baptist 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 Southwest Baptist University ($21,335 vs. $21,336).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwest Baptist University are 23% lower than at Cornerstone University ($9,776 vs. $12,700).
• Southwest Baptist University is 32.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $7,566 more per year; $30,566.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.9% higher at Southwest Baptist University than at Cornerstone University (about $7,566 more per year; $30,566.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Southwest Baptist University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornerstone University students is 7.3% larger than aid received by Southwest Baptist University students ($20,439 vs. $19,043).

Cornerstone University vs. Southwest Baptist University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cornerstone University or Southwest Baptist 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 Southwest Baptist University and Cornerstone University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornerstone University (1100) is 90 points higher than at Southwest Baptist University (1010).
• Incoming Cornerstone University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Southwest Baptist University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 970/1220; Southwest Baptist University 810/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 20/25; Southwest Baptist University 17/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornerstone University - Test-free; Southwest Baptist University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Southwest Baptist University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.55) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Cornerstone University has a higher acceptance rate (77.8%) than Southwest Baptist University (68.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Cornerstone University vs. 34.3% at Southwest Baptist University.

Cornerstone University vs. Southwest Baptist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornerstone University and Southwest Baptist 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).

• Southwest Baptist University's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Cornerstone University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Southwest Baptist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,800 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwest Baptist University graduates have a $3,913 lower median loan debt than Cornerstone University graduates ($21,087 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Southwest Baptist University graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornerstone University graduates ($218 vs. $258).
• More Southwest Baptist University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cornerstone University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.