Nichols vs. Cornerstone University

Comparable Facts

Compare Nichols College in Dudley, MA 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 Nichols based on total student enrollment (1,695 students vs. 1,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Nichols vs. Cornerstone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nichols 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 Nichols ($21,335 vs. $32,337).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornerstone University are 19.6% lower than at Nichols College ($12,700 vs. $15,800).
• Nichols College is 85.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $19,705 more per year; $42,705.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 85.7% higher at Nichols than at Cornerstone University (about $19,705 more per year; $42,705.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Nichols College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nichols College students is 26.3% larger than aid received by Cornerstone University students ($25,809 vs. $20,439).

Nichols vs. Cornerstone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Nichols 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 Nichols.

• Nichols College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nichols College (1130) is 30 points higher than at Cornerstone University (1100).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nichols College 1028/1236; Cornerstone University 970/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCornerstone University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nichols - Open admission; Cornerstone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Cornerstone University students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Nichols (2.9).
• Nichols has a higher acceptance rate (80.8%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at Nichols vs. 18.6% at Cornerstone University.

Nichols vs. Cornerstone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nichols 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).

• The graduation rate at Nichols is the same as at Cornerstone University (43% vs. 43%).
• Graduates from Nichols College earn a median of about $13,000 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 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 Nichols graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nichols graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Nichols graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cornerstone University students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.