Cornerstone University vs. WSU

Comparable Facts

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

Wayne State University is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornerstone University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Wayne State University is in Detroit, MI (Large City setting).
• Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wayne State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornerstone University 15:1; Wayne State University 14:1.

Cornerstone University vs. WSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornerstone University or WSU? 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 Wayne State University than Cornerstone University ($14,416 vs. $21,335).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornerstone University are 10.9% lower than at Wayne State University ($12,700 vs. $14,252).
• Cornerstone University is 51.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $7,810 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $15,190.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.3% higher at WSU than at Cornerstone University (about $9,037 more per year; $32,037.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Wayne State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornerstone University students is 57.8% larger than aid received by Wayne State University students ($20,439 vs. $12,953).

Cornerstone University vs. WSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wayne State University (1170) is 70 points higher than at Cornerstone University (1100).
• Incoming WSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Cornerstone University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 970/1220; Wayne State University 1060/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornerstone University 20/25; Wayne State University 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornerstone University - Test-free; WSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WSU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Cornerstone University vs. 22.4% at WSU.

Cornerstone University vs. WSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornerstone University and WSU? 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 Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Wayne State University earn a median of about $12,200 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State University graduates have a $2,742 lower median loan debt than Cornerstone University graduates ($22,258 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornerstone University graduates ($230 vs. $258).
• More Cornerstone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 38%)

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.