Cornerstone University vs. Michigan Tech

Comparable Facts

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

Michigan Technological University is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (7,403 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Cornerstone University vs. Michigan Tech Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornerstone University or Michigan Tech? 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 Michigan Technological University than Cornerstone University ($16,879 vs. $21,335).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornerstone University are 2.7% lower than at Michigan Technological University ($12,700 vs. $13,050).
• Cornerstone University is 20.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Michigan Tech (about $3,877 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $19,123.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 86.9% higher at Michigan Tech than at Cornerstone University (about $19,988 more per year; $42,988.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Michigan Technological University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornerstone University students is 2.7% larger than aid received by Michigan Technological University students ($20,439 vs. $19,898).

Cornerstone University vs. Michigan Tech Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Michigan Technological University (1240) is 140 points higher than at Cornerstone University (1100).
• Incoming Michigan Tech 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 Technological University 1130/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 20/25; Michigan Technological University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornerstone University - Test-free; Michigan Tech - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Michigan Tech students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.78) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Michigan Tech has a higher acceptance rate (92.4%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Cornerstone University vs. 12.9% at Michigan Tech.

Cornerstone University vs. Michigan Tech Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornerstone University and Michigan Tech? 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 Technological University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Michigan Technological University earn a median of about $27,200 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,000 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have a $1,900 lower median loan debt than Michigan Tech graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,900).
• Among borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Michigan Tech graduates ($258 vs. $278).
• More Michigan Tech graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cornerstone University students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.