CMU vs. Cornerstone University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI with Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Michigan University is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Michigan University is located in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting); Cornerstone University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Michigan University 16:1; Cornerstone University 15:1.

CMU vs. Cornerstone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMU 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 Central Michigan University than Cornerstone University ($17,575 vs. $21,335).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Michigan University are 1.1% lower than at Cornerstone University ($12,564 vs. $12,700).
• Cornerstone University is 55.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $8,240 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.8% higher at Cornerstone University than at Central Michigan University (about $8,240 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Central Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornerstone University students is 56.7% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($20,439 vs. $13,042).

CMU vs. Cornerstone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CMU 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 CMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornerstone University (1100) is 20 points higher than at CMU (1080).
• Incoming CMU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Cornerstone University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 960/1200; Cornerstone University 970/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 21/27; Cornerstone University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMU - Test optional; Cornerstone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at CMU vs. 18.6% at Cornerstone University.

CMU vs. Cornerstone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMU 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).

• Central Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Central Michigan University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 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 CMU graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Cornerstone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 54%)

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.