Illinois College vs. Cornerstone University

Comparable Facts

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

Cornerstone University is larger than Illinois College based on total student enrollment (1,695 students vs. 942 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois College is located in Jacksonville, IL (Distant Town setting); Cornerstone University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Illinois College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois College 12:1; Cornerstone University 15:1.

Illinois College vs. Cornerstone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Illinois College 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 Illinois College than Cornerstone University ($17,375 vs. $21,335).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois College are 5.3% lower than at Cornerstone University ($12,026 vs. $12,700).
• Illinois College is 68.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $15,676 more per year; $38,676.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.2% higher at Illinois College than at Cornerstone University (about $15,676 more per year; $38,676.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Illinois College as at Cornerstone University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois College students is 54.7% larger than aid received by Cornerstone University students ($31,609 vs. $20,439).

Illinois College vs. Cornerstone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Illinois College 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 Illinois College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornerstone University (1100) is 70 points higher than at Illinois College (1030).
• Incoming Illinois College 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: Illinois College 883/1180; Cornerstone University 970/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois College 19/26; Cornerstone University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Illinois College - Test optional; Cornerstone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Illinois College students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Illinois College has a higher acceptance rate (78.2%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.2% at Illinois College vs. 18.6% at Cornerstone University.

Illinois College vs. Cornerstone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Illinois College 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).

• Illinois College's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Illinois College earn a median of about $6,500 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 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 Illinois College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Illinois College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Illinois College 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.