Ferris State University vs. Cornerstone University

Comparable Facts

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

Ferris State University is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (9,959 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Ferris State University vs. Cornerstone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferris State 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 Ferris State University than Cornerstone University ($10,825 vs. $21,335).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferris State University are 9.7% lower than at Cornerstone University ($11,462 vs. $12,700).
• Cornerstone University is 55.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferris State University (about $8,222 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.6% higher at Cornerstone University than at Ferris State University (about $8,222 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $14,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Ferris State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornerstone University students is 26.8% larger than aid received by Ferris State University students ($20,439 vs. $16,117).

Ferris State University vs. Cornerstone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ferris State 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 Ferris State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornerstone University (1100) is 90 points higher than at Ferris State University (1010).
• Incoming Ferris State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Cornerstone University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 890/1120; Cornerstone University 970/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferris State University 20/24; Cornerstone University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferris State University - Test optional; Cornerstone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Ferris State University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Ferris State University has a higher acceptance rate (91.4%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Ferris State University vs. 18.6% at Cornerstone University.

Ferris State University vs. Cornerstone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferris State 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).

• Ferris State University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Ferris State University earn a median of about $8,200 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have a $821 lower median loan debt than Cornerstone University graduates ($24,179 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Ferris State University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornerstone University graduates ($250 vs. $258).
• More Cornerstone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferris State University 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.