Cornerstone University vs. Ripon College

Comparable Facts

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

Cornerstone University is larger than Ripon College based on total student enrollment (1,695 students vs. 709 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornerstone University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Ripon College is in Ripon, WI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ripon College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornerstone University 15:1; Ripon College 12:1.

Cornerstone University vs. Ripon College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornerstone University or Ripon College? 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 Ripon College ($21,335 vs. $23,772).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ripon College are 15% lower than at Cornerstone University ($10,800 vs. $12,700).
• Ripon College is 125.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $28,900 more per year; $51,900.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 125.7% higher at Ripon College than at Cornerstone University (about $28,900 more per year; $51,900.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University as at Ripon College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ripon College students is 94.3% larger than aid received by Cornerstone University students ($39,716 vs. $20,439).

Cornerstone University vs. Ripon College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cornerstone University or Ripon College? 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 Ripon College and Cornerstone University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ripon College (1130) is 30 points higher than at Cornerstone University (1100).
• Incoming Ripon College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Cornerstone University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 970/1220; Ripon College 980/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 20/25; Ripon College 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornerstone University - Test-free; Ripon College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Ripon College students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Ripon College has a higher acceptance rate (79.8%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Cornerstone University vs. 10.9% at Ripon College.

Cornerstone University vs. Ripon College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornerstone University and Ripon College? 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).

• Ripon College's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Ripon College earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Ripon College graduates ($25,000 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ripon College graduates ($258 vs. $289).
• More Ripon College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cornerstone University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.