Cornerstone University vs. WLC

Comparable Facts

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

Cornerstone University is larger than WLC based on total student enrollment (1,695 students vs. 1,027 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornerstone University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Wisconsin Lutheran College is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornerstone University 15:1; Wisconsin Lutheran College 11:1.

Cornerstone University vs. WLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornerstone University or WLC? 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 WLC ($21,335 vs. $24,095).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wisconsin Lutheran College are 3.5% lower than at Cornerstone University ($12,250 vs. $12,700).
• Wisconsin Lutheran College is 57% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $13,110 more per year; $36,110.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57% higher at WLC than at Cornerstone University (about $13,110 more per year; $36,110.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University as at Wisconsin Lutheran College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wisconsin Lutheran College students is 20.5% larger than aid received by Cornerstone University students ($24,624 vs. $20,439).

Cornerstone University vs. WLC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cornerstone University or WLC? 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 WLC and Cornerstone University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornerstone University (1100) is the same as at WLC (1100).
• Incoming WLC 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: Cornerstone University 970/1220; Wisconsin Lutheran College 970/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 20/25; Wisconsin Lutheran College 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornerstone University - Test-free; WLC - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman WLC students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• WLC has a higher acceptance rate (78.2%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Cornerstone University vs. 20.2% at WLC.

Cornerstone University vs. WLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornerstone University and WLC? 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).

• Wisconsin Lutheran College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Wisconsin Lutheran College earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,000 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wisconsin Lutheran College and Cornerstone University graduates have the same median loan debt ($25,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Wisconsin Lutheran College and Cornerstone University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($258 vs. $258).
• More WLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cornerstone University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.