Cornerstone University vs. Hope College

Comparable Facts

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

Hope College is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (3,395 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Cornerstone University vs. Hope College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornerstone University or Hope 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 Hope College ($21,335 vs. $30,700).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornerstone University are 1.9% lower than at Hope College ($12,700 vs. $12,950).
• Hope College is 82.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $18,970 more per year; $41,970.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.5% higher at Hope College than at Cornerstone University (about $18,970 more per year; $41,970.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Hope College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hope College students is 22% larger than aid received by Cornerstone University students ($24,945 vs. $20,439).

Cornerstone University vs. Hope College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hope College (1220) is 120 points higher than at Cornerstone University (1100).
• Incoming Hope College students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 22 at Cornerstone University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 970/1220; Hope College 1100/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 20/25; Hope College 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornerstone University - Test-free; Hope College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Hope College students have a 0.55 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Hope College has a higher acceptance rate (79.2%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Cornerstone University vs. 20.1% at Hope College.

Cornerstone University vs. Hope College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornerstone University and Hope 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).

• Hope College's six-year graduation rate (79%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Hope College earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,500 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 Hope College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hope College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Hope College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cornerstone University students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.