Cornerstone University vs. Saginaw Valley State University

Comparable Facts

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

Saginaw Valley State University is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (6,822 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornerstone University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Saginaw Valley State University is in University Center, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saginaw Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornerstone University 15:1; Saginaw Valley State University 16:1.

Cornerstone University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornerstone University or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University than Cornerstone University ($11,546 vs. $21,335).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saginaw Valley State University are 2.8% lower than at Cornerstone University ($12,340 vs. $12,700).
• Cornerstone University is 77.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saginaw Valley State University (about $10,070 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $12,930.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.4% higher at Saginaw Valley State University than at Cornerstone University (about $7,450 more per year; $30,450.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Saginaw Valley State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornerstone University students is 51.3% larger than aid received by Saginaw Valley State University students ($20,439 vs. $13,512).

Cornerstone University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cornerstone University or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University and Cornerstone University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornerstone University (1100) is 50 points higher than at Saginaw Valley State University (1050).
• Incoming Cornerstone University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Saginaw Valley State University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 970/1220; Saginaw Valley State University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 20/25; Saginaw Valley State University 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornerstone University - Test-free; Saginaw Valley State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Saginaw Valley State University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Cornerstone University has a higher acceptance rate (77.8%) than Saginaw Valley State University (72.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Cornerstone University vs. 16% at Saginaw Valley State University.

Cornerstone University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornerstone University and Saginaw Valley State 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).

• Cornerstone University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Saginaw Valley State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Saginaw Valley State University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,000 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Cornerstone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saginaw Valley State University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 48%)

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.