Cornerstone University vs. Michigan State

Comparable Facts

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

Michigan State University is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (52,089 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornerstone University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Michigan State University is in East Lansing, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Michigan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornerstone University 15:1; Michigan State University 17:1.

Cornerstone University vs. Michigan State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornerstone University or Michigan State? 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 Michigan State ($21,335 vs. $23,657).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Michigan State University are 1.1% lower than at Cornerstone University ($12,564 vs. $12,700).
• Cornerstone University is 39.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Michigan State (about $6,542 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $16,458.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 90.6% higher at Michigan State than at Cornerstone University (about $20,842 more per year; $43,842.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Michigan State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornerstone University students is 109.6% larger than aid received by Michigan State University students ($20,439 vs. $9,750).

Cornerstone University vs. Michigan State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Michigan State University (1270) is 170 points higher than at Cornerstone University (1100).
• Incoming Michigan State 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; Michigan State University 1180/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 20/25; Michigan State University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornerstone University - Test-free; Michigan State - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Michigan State students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Michigan State has a higher acceptance rate (84.8%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Cornerstone University vs. 18.3% at Michigan State.

Cornerstone University vs. Michigan State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornerstone University and Michigan State? 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).

• Michigan State University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Michigan State University earn a median of about $21,200 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,000 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have a $484 lower median loan debt than Michigan State graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,484).
• Among borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Michigan State graduates ($258 vs. $263).
• More Michigan State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cornerstone University students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.