Cornerstone University vs. GVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI with Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand Valley State University is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornerstone University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Grand Valley State University is in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornerstone University 15:1; Grand Valley State University 15:1.

Cornerstone University vs. GVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornerstone University or GVSU? 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 Grand Valley State University than Cornerstone University ($17,198 vs. $21,335).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 9.1% lower than at Cornerstone University ($11,550 vs. $12,700).
• Cornerstone University is 51.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $7,860 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.7% higher at Cornerstone University than at Grand Valley State University (about $1,452 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Grand Valley State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornerstone University students is 82.7% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($20,439 vs. $11,188).

Cornerstone University vs. GVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornerstone University (1100) is 30 points higher than at GVSU (1070).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Cornerstone University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 970/1220; Grand Valley State University 940/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 20/25; Grand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornerstone University - Test-free; GVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• GVSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Cornerstone University vs. 18.6% at GVSU.

Cornerstone University vs. GVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornerstone University and GVSU? 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).

• Grand Valley State University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Valley State University and Cornerstone University graduates have the same median loan debt ($25,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Grand Valley State University and Cornerstone University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($258 vs. $258).
• More Cornerstone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GVSU students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.