Cornerstone University vs. Carlow University

Comparable Facts

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

Carlow University is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (2,416 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornerstone University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Carlow University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carlow University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornerstone University 15:1; Carlow University 12:1.

Cornerstone University vs. Carlow University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornerstone University or Carlow 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 Carlow University than Cornerstone University ($21,002 vs. $21,335).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornerstone University are 8% lower than at Carlow University ($12,700 vs. $13,808).
• Carlow University is 56% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $12,874 more per year; $35,874.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56% higher at Carlow University than at Cornerstone University (about $12,874 more per year; $35,874.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Carlow University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carlow University students is 38.1% larger than aid received by Cornerstone University students ($28,233 vs. $20,439).

Cornerstone University vs. Carlow University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cornerstone University or Carlow 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 Carlow University and Cornerstone University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornerstone University (1100) is 40 points higher than at Carlow University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 970/1220; Carlow University 960/1168.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornerstone University - Test-free; Carlow University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Carlow University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Carlow University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Cornerstone University vs. 15.7% at Carlow University.

Cornerstone University vs. Carlow University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornerstone University and Carlow 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).

• Carlow University's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Carlow University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 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 Carlow University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carlow University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Cornerstone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Carlow University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 59%)

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.