Cornerstone University vs. Saint Benedict

Comparable Facts

Compare Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI with College of Saint Benedict in Saint Joseph, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Cornerstone University is larger than Saint Benedict based on total student enrollment (1,695 students vs. 1,429 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornerstone University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); College of Saint Benedict is in Saint Joseph, MN (Small Suburban setting).
• Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. College of Saint Benedict is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornerstone University 15:1; College of Saint Benedict 11:1.

Cornerstone University vs. Saint Benedict Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornerstone University or Saint Benedict? 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 Saint Benedict ($21,335 vs. $28,400).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of Saint Benedict are 1.2% lower than at Cornerstone University ($12,550 vs. $12,700).
• College of Saint Benedict is 142.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $32,756 more per year; $55,756.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 142.4% higher at Saint Benedict than at Cornerstone University (about $32,756 more per year; $55,756.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University as at College of Saint Benedict (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of Saint Benedict students is 95.9% larger than aid received by Cornerstone University students ($40,048 vs. $20,439).

Cornerstone University vs. Saint Benedict Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cornerstone University or Saint Benedict? 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 Saint Benedict and Cornerstone University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of Saint Benedict (1140) is 40 points higher than at Cornerstone University (1100).
• Incoming Saint Benedict students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Cornerstone University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 970/1220; College of Saint Benedict 1048/1233.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 20/25; College of Saint Benedict 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornerstone University - Test-free; Saint Benedict - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Saint Benedict students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Saint Benedict has a higher acceptance rate (91.5%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Cornerstone University vs. 21.6% at Saint Benedict.

Cornerstone University vs. Saint Benedict Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornerstone University and Saint Benedict? 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).

• College of Saint Benedict's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from College of Saint Benedict earn a median of about $14,900 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have a $1,343 lower median loan debt than Saint Benedict graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,343).
• Among borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saint Benedict graduates ($258 vs. $272).
• More Saint Benedict graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cornerstone University students, three years after graduation. (92% 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.