Cornerstone University vs. Cedar Crest College

Comparable Facts

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

Cornerstone University is larger than Cedar Crest College based on total student enrollment (1,695 students vs. 1,290 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornerstone University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Cedar Crest College is in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cedar Crest College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornerstone University 15:1; Cedar Crest College 9:1.

Cornerstone University vs. Cedar Crest College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornerstone University or Cedar Crest College? 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 Cornerstone University than Cedar Crest College ($21,335 vs. $23,691).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornerstone University are 5.3% lower than at Cedar Crest College ($12,700 vs. $13,406).
• Cedar Crest College is 101.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $23,314 more per year; $46,314.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 101.4% higher at Cedar Crest College than at Cornerstone University (about $23,314 more per year; $46,314.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Cedar Crest College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cedar Crest College students is 63% larger than aid received by Cornerstone University students ($33,323 vs. $20,439).

Cornerstone University vs. Cedar Crest College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cornerstone University or Cedar Crest College? 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 Cedar Crest College and Cornerstone University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cedar Crest College (1120) is 20 points higher than at Cornerstone University (1100).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 970/1220; Cedar Crest College 1000/1230.
• 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; Cedar Crest College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Cedar Crest College students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Cedar Crest College has a higher acceptance rate (84.1%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Cornerstone University vs. 13.5% at Cedar Crest College.

Cornerstone University vs. Cedar Crest College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornerstone University and Cedar Crest College? 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).

• Cedar Crest College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Cedar Crest College earn a median of about $9,000 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Cedar Crest College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,750).
• Among borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cedar Crest College graduates ($258 vs. $286).
• More Cornerstone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cedar Crest College 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.