Elmhurst University vs. Cornerstone University

Comparable Facts

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

Elmhurst University is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (3,997 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Elmhurst University vs. Cornerstone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst University or Cornerstone 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 Cornerstone University than Elmhurst University ($21,335 vs. $24,629).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornerstone University are 12.6% lower than at Elmhurst University ($12,700 vs. $14,528).
• Elmhurst University is 86.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $19,955 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 86.8% higher at Elmhurst University than at Cornerstone University (about $19,955 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University as at Cornerstone University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 47.2% larger than aid received by Cornerstone University students ($30,079 vs. $20,439).

Elmhurst University vs. Cornerstone University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elmhurst University (1130) is 30 points higher than at Cornerstone University (1100).
• Incoming Elmhurst University 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: Elmhurst University 990/1260; Cornerstone University 970/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; Cornerstone University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; Cornerstone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Elmhurst University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Cornerstone University has a higher acceptance rate (77.8%) than Elmhurst University (73.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 18.6% at Cornerstone University.

Elmhurst University vs. Cornerstone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst University and Cornerstone 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).

• Elmhurst University's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Elmhurst University earn a median of about $11,400 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,200 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Cornerstone University graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornerstone University graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More Elmhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cornerstone University students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.