Valpo vs. Cornerstone University

Comparable Facts

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

Valparaiso University is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (2,579 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Valpo vs. Cornerstone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Valpo 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 Valpo ($21,335 vs. $21,766).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornerstone University are 6.7% lower than at Valparaiso University ($12,700 vs. $13,618).
• Valparaiso University is 110.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $25,450 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 110.7% higher at Valpo than at Cornerstone University (about $25,450 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Valparaiso University as at Cornerstone University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valparaiso University students is 83.7% larger than aid received by Cornerstone University students ($37,548 vs. $20,439).

Valpo vs. Cornerstone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Valpo 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 Valpo.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Valparaiso University (1170) is 70 points higher than at Cornerstone University (1100).
• Incoming Valpo students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at Cornerstone University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valparaiso University 1060/1280; Cornerstone University 970/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valparaiso University 23/31; Cornerstone University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Valpo - Test optional; Cornerstone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Valpo students have a 0.48 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Valpo has a higher acceptance rate (89.4%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Valpo vs. 18.6% at Cornerstone University.

Valpo vs. Cornerstone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Valpo 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).

• Valparaiso University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Valparaiso University earn a median of about $15,200 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,000 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 Valpo graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Valpo graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Valpo 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.