Cornerstone University vs. SWU

Comparable Facts

Compare Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI with Southern Wesleyan University in Central, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Cornerstone University is larger than SWU based on total student enrollment (1,695 students vs. 980 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornerstone University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Southern Wesleyan University is in Central, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornerstone University 15:1; Southern Wesleyan University 10:1.

Cornerstone University vs. SWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornerstone University or SWU? 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 Southern Wesleyan University than Cornerstone University ($20,134 vs. $21,335).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Wesleyan University are 20.3% lower than at Cornerstone University ($10,126 vs. $12,700).
• Southern Wesleyan University is 29.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $6,800 more per year; $29,800.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.6% higher at SWU than at Cornerstone University (about $6,800 more per year; $29,800.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University as at Southern Wesleyan University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornerstone University students is 4.8% larger than aid received by Southern Wesleyan University students ($20,439 vs. $19,498).

Cornerstone University vs. SWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cornerstone University or SWU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between SWU and Cornerstone University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Southern Wesleyan University (1130) is 30 points higher than at Cornerstone University (1100).
• Incoming SWU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Cornerstone University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Cornerstone University 970/1220; Southern Wesleyan University 1040/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Cornerstone University 20/25; Southern Wesleyan University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornerstone University - Test-free; SWU - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman SWU students have a 0.72 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• SWU has a higher acceptance rate (99.5%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Cornerstone University vs. 33.4% at SWU.

Cornerstone University vs. SWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornerstone University and SWU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Cornerstone University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Southern Wesleyan University's (42%).
• Graduates from Southern Wesleyan University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 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 SWU graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SWU graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Cornerstone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SWU students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 50%)

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.