Cornerstone University vs. SAU

Comparable Facts

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

Spring Arbor University is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (2,441 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornerstone University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Spring Arbor University is in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting).
• Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornerstone University 15:1; Spring Arbor University 12:1.

Cornerstone University vs. SAU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornerstone University or SAU? 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 Spring Arbor University than Cornerstone University ($21,067 vs. $21,335).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 9.9% lower than at Cornerstone University ($11,440 vs. $12,700).
• Spring Arbor University is 47.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $11,014 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.9% higher at SAU than at Cornerstone University (about $11,014 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University as at Spring Arbor University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spring Arbor University students is 16.8% larger than aid received by Cornerstone University students ($23,877 vs. $20,439).

Cornerstone University vs. SAU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Spring Arbor University (1130) is 30 points higher than at Cornerstone University (1100).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 970/1220; Spring Arbor University 1010/1240.
• 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; SAU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Cornerstone University has a higher acceptance rate (77.8%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Cornerstone University vs. 16.5% at SAU.

Cornerstone University vs. SAU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornerstone University and SAU? 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).

• Spring Arbor University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Spring Arbor University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spring Arbor University graduates have a $957 lower median loan debt than Cornerstone University graduates ($24,043 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornerstone University graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More Cornerstone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 58%)

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.