Aurora University vs. Cornerstone University

Comparable Facts

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

Aurora University is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (5,923 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aurora University is located in Aurora, IL (Large Suburban setting); Cornerstone University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Aurora University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aurora University 18:1; Cornerstone University 15:1.

Aurora University vs. Cornerstone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Aurora University 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 Aurora University than Cornerstone University ($19,053 vs. $21,335).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornerstone University are 6.5% lower than at Aurora University ($12,700 vs. $13,580).
• Aurora University is 26.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $6,170 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.8% higher at Aurora University than at Cornerstone University (about $6,170 more per year; $29,170.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Aurora University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aurora University students is 5.3% larger than aid received by Cornerstone University students ($21,513 vs. $20,439).

Aurora University vs. Cornerstone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Aurora University 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 Aurora University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornerstone University (1100) is 70 points higher than at Aurora University (1030).
• Incoming Aurora University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Cornerstone University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 900/1150; Cornerstone University 970/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aurora University 21/29; Cornerstone University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Aurora University - Test optional; Cornerstone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Aurora University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Aurora University has a higher acceptance rate (80.9%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Aurora University vs. 18.6% at Cornerstone University.

Aurora University vs. Cornerstone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Aurora University 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).

• Aurora University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Aurora University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,900 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aurora University graduates have a $2,663 lower median loan debt than Cornerstone University graduates ($22,337 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Aurora University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornerstone University graduates ($230 vs. $258).
• More Aurora 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.