Cornerstone University vs. Liberty University

Comparable Facts

Compare Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI with Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Liberty University is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornerstone University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Liberty University is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornerstone University 15:1; Liberty University 18:1.

Cornerstone University vs. Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornerstone University or Liberty 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 Cornerstone University than Liberty University ($21,335 vs. $29,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornerstone University are 8.2% lower than at Liberty University ($12,700 vs. $13,835).
• Cornerstone University is 2.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Liberty University (about $535 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.4% higher at Cornerstone University than at Liberty University (about $535 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Liberty University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornerstone University students is 63.7% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($20,439 vs. $12,489).

Cornerstone University vs. Liberty University Admissions comparison

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

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Liberty University (1150) is 50 points higher than at Cornerstone University (1100).
• Incoming Liberty University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Cornerstone University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 970/1220; Liberty University 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 20/25; Liberty University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornerstone University - Test-free; Liberty University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Liberty University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Cornerstone University vs. 24.4% at Liberty University.

Cornerstone University vs. Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornerstone University and Liberty 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).

• Liberty University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Liberty University earn a median of about $300 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,100 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Liberty University graduates have a $834 lower median loan debt than Cornerstone University graduates ($24,166 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Liberty University graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornerstone University graduates ($249 vs. $258).
• More Cornerstone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 36%)

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.