BSU vs. Cornerstone University

Comparable Facts

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

Ball State University is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (21,089 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ball State University is located in Muncie, IN (Small City setting); Cornerstone University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Ball State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ball State University 14:1; Cornerstone University 15:1.

BSU vs. Cornerstone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BSU 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 Ball State University than Cornerstone University ($13,599 vs. $21,335).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ball State University are 2.9% lower than at Cornerstone University ($12,334 vs. $12,700).
• Cornerstone University is 107.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSU (about $11,918 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $11,082.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.8% higher at BSU than at Cornerstone University (about $6,630 more per year; $29,630.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Ball State University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornerstone University students is 54.6% larger than aid received by Ball State University students ($20,439 vs. $13,218).

BSU vs. Cornerstone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BSU 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 BSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ball State University (1170) is 70 points higher than at Cornerstone University (1100).
• Incoming BSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Cornerstone University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 1080/1260; Cornerstone University 970/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 20/24; Cornerstone University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BSU - Test optional; Cornerstone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman BSU students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• BSU has a higher acceptance rate (85.5%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at BSU vs. 18.6% at Cornerstone University.

BSU vs. Cornerstone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BSU 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).

• Ball State University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Ball State University earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,500 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornerstone University and BSU graduates have the same median loan debt ($25,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Cornerstone University and BSU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($258 vs. $258).
• More BSU 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.