Cornerstone University vs. W&J

Comparable Facts

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

Cornerstone University is larger than W&J based on total student enrollment (1,695 students vs. 1,309 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornerstone University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Washington & Jefferson College is in Washington, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington & Jefferson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornerstone University 15:1; Washington & Jefferson College 11:1.

Cornerstone University vs. W&J Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornerstone University or W&J? 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 W&J ($21,335 vs. $22,702).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornerstone University are 13.7% lower than at Washington & Jefferson College ($12,700 vs. $14,710).
• Washington & Jefferson College is 27.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $6,392 more per year; $29,392.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.8% higher at W&J than at Cornerstone University (about $6,392 more per year; $29,392.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University as at Washington & Jefferson College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornerstone University students is 1.4% larger than aid received by Washington & Jefferson College students ($20,439 vs. $20,152).

Cornerstone University vs. W&J Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cornerstone University or W&J? 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 W&J and Cornerstone University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington & Jefferson College (1130) is 30 points higher than at Cornerstone University (1100).
• Incoming W&J students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Cornerstone University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 970/1220; Washington & Jefferson College 1010/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 20/25; Washington & Jefferson College 19/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornerstone University - Test-free; W&J - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman W&J students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• W&J has a higher acceptance rate (80.6%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Cornerstone University vs. 12.6% at W&J.

Cornerstone University vs. W&J Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornerstone University and W&J? 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).

• Washington & Jefferson College's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Washington & Jefferson College earn a median of about $18,100 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 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 W&J graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than W&J graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More W&J graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cornerstone University students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.