Cornerstone University vs. Carson-Newman University

Comparable Facts

Compare Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI with Carson Newman University in Jefferson City, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Carson Newman University is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (2,669 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornerstone University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Carson Newman University is in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting).
• Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornerstone University 15:1; Carson Newman University 12:1.

Cornerstone University vs. Carson-Newman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornerstone University or Carson-Newman 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 Carson Newman University than Cornerstone University ($20,895 vs. $21,335).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carson Newman University are 7.1% lower than at Cornerstone University ($11,800 vs. $12,700).
• Carson Newman University is 50.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $11,700 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.9% higher at Carson-Newman University than at Cornerstone University (about $11,700 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University as at Carson Newman University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 37.4% larger than aid received by Cornerstone University students ($28,090 vs. $20,439).

Cornerstone University vs. Carson-Newman University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cornerstone University or Carson-Newman 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 Carson-Newman University and Cornerstone University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornerstone University (1100) is 10 points higher than at Carson-Newman University (1090).
• Incoming Cornerstone University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Carson-Newman University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 970/1220; Carson Newman University 955/1215.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 20/25; Carson Newman University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornerstone University - Test-free; Carson-Newman University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Carson-Newman University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Cornerstone University vs. 16.8% at Carson-Newman University.

Cornerstone University vs. Carson-Newman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornerstone University and Carson-Newman 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).

• Carson Newman University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Carson Newman University earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,700 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carson Newman University graduates have a $1,120 lower median loan debt than Cornerstone University graduates ($23,880 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Carson-Newman University graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornerstone University graduates ($246 vs. $258).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cornerstone University students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.