Cornerstone University vs. Northern Michigan University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Michigan University is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (7,409 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornerstone University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Northern Michigan University is in Marquette, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornerstone University 15:1; Northern Michigan University 18:1.

Cornerstone University vs. Northern Michigan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornerstone University or Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan University than Cornerstone University ($15,707 vs. $21,335).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornerstone University are 4.3% lower than at Northern Michigan University ($12,700 vs. $13,274).
• Cornerstone University is 61.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Michigan University (about $8,723 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $14,277.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.3% higher at Cornerstone University than at Northern Michigan University (about $3,227 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $19,773.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Northern Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornerstone University students is 70.2% larger than aid received by Northern Michigan University students ($20,439 vs. $12,012).

Cornerstone University vs. Northern Michigan University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 970/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornerstone University - Test-free; Northern Michigan University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Northern Michigan University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Northern Michigan University has a higher acceptance rate (84%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Cornerstone University vs. 15.3% at Northern Michigan University.

Cornerstone University vs. Northern Michigan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornerstone University and Northern Michigan 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).

• Northern Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Cornerstone University earn a median of about $400 more per year than Northern Michigan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,800 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Michigan University graduates have a $2,708 lower median loan debt than Cornerstone University graduates ($22,292 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Michigan University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornerstone University graduates ($230 vs. $258).
• More Cornerstone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Michigan University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 56%)

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.