Cornerstone University vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

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

Northwood University is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (2,409 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornerstone University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Northwood University is in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornerstone University 15:1; Northwood University 14:1.

Cornerstone University vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornerstone University or Northwood 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 Northwood University ($21,335 vs. $25,549).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornerstone University are 3.1% lower than at Northwood University ($12,700 vs. $13,100).
• Northwood University is 49.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $11,400 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.6% higher at Northwood University than at Cornerstone University (about $11,400 more per year; $34,400.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Northwood University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwood University students is 14.2% larger than aid received by Cornerstone University students ($23,349 vs. $20,439).

Cornerstone University vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornerstone University (1100) is 40 points higher than at Northwood University (1060).
• Incoming Cornerstone University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 970/1220; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 20/25; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornerstone University - Test-free; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Northwood University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Cornerstone University has a higher acceptance rate (77.8%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Cornerstone University vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

Cornerstone University vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornerstone University and Northwood 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).

• Northwood University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $11,700 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $3,225 lower median loan debt than Cornerstone University graduates ($21,775 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornerstone University graduates ($225 vs. $258).
• More Cornerstone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 54%)

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.