Concordia University Chicago vs. Cornerstone University

Comparable Facts

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

Concordia University Chicago is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (4,770 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, IL (Large Suburban setting); Cornerstone University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Concordia University Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Concordia University Chicago 13:1; Cornerstone University 15:1.

Concordia University Chicago vs. Cornerstone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Concordia University Chicago 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 Concordia University Chicago than Cornerstone University ($19,073 vs. $21,335).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Concordia University Chicago are 9.4% lower than at Cornerstone University ($11,510 vs. $12,700).
• Concordia University Chicago is 63% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $14,488 more per year; $37,488.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63% higher at Concordia University Chicago than at Cornerstone University (about $14,488 more per year; $37,488.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Concordia University Chicago (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Concordia University Chicago students is 29% larger than aid received by Cornerstone University students ($26,361 vs. $20,439).

Concordia University Chicago vs. Cornerstone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Concordia University Chicago 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 Concordia University Chicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornerstone University (1100) is 10 points higher than at Concordia University Chicago (1090).
• Incoming Concordia University Chicago 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: Concordia University Chicago 990/1180; Cornerstone University 970/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Concordia University Chicago 19/25; Cornerstone University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Concordia University Chicago - Test-free; Cornerstone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Cornerstone University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Concordia University Chicago (3.18).
• Concordia University Chicago has a higher acceptance rate (92.8%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.7% at Concordia University Chicago vs. 18.6% at Cornerstone University.

Concordia University Chicago vs. Cornerstone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Concordia University Chicago 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).

• Concordia University Chicago's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Concordia University Chicago earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,300 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Concordia University Chicago graduates have a $49 lower median loan debt than Cornerstone University graduates ($24,951 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Concordia University Chicago graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornerstone University graduates ($257 vs. $258).
• More Cornerstone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Concordia University Chicago students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 57%)

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.