Cornerstone University vs. Lake Superior State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI with Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste Marie, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Cornerstone University is larger than Lake Superior State University based on total student enrollment (1,695 students vs. 1,567 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornerstone University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Lake Superior State University is in Sault Ste Marie, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lake Superior State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornerstone University 15:1; Lake Superior State University 13:1.

Cornerstone University vs. Lake Superior State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornerstone University or Lake Superior State 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 Lake Superior State University than Cornerstone University ($12,339 vs. $21,335).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lake Superior State University are 9.8% lower than at Cornerstone University ($11,459 vs. $12,700).
• Cornerstone University is 54.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lake Superior State University (about $8,110 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.5% higher at Cornerstone University than at Lake Superior State University (about $8,110 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Lake Superior State University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornerstone University students is 39.7% larger than aid received by Lake Superior State University students ($20,439 vs. $14,632).

Cornerstone University vs. Lake Superior State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cornerstone University or Lake Superior State 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 Lake Superior State University and Cornerstone University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lake Superior State University (1110) is 10 points higher than at Cornerstone University (1100).
• Incoming Cornerstone University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Lake Superior State University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 970/1220; Lake Superior State University 1000/1225.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 20/25; Lake Superior State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornerstone University - Test-free; Lake Superior State University - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman Cornerstone University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Lake Superior State University (3.2).

Cornerstone University vs. Lake Superior State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornerstone University and Lake Superior State 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).

• Cornerstone University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Lake Superior State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Lake Superior State University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Cornerstone University graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornerstone University graduates ($240 vs. $258).
• More Cornerstone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lake Superior State University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 57%)

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.