ISU vs. Cornerstone University

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Cornerstone University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Cornerstone University 15:1.

ISU vs. Cornerstone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU 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 ISU ($21,335 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 7.4% lower than at Cornerstone University ($11,754 vs. $12,700).
• Cornerstone University is 42.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $6,856 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.7% higher at ISU than at Cornerstone University (about $5,210 more per year; $28,210.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Illinois State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornerstone University students is 57.5% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($20,439 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Cornerstone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU 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 ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is the same as at Cornerstone University (1100).
• Incoming ISU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Cornerstone University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Cornerstone University 970/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Cornerstone University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Cornerstone University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 18.6% at Cornerstone University.

ISU vs. Cornerstone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU 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 State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $10,200 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Cornerstone University graduates ($22,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornerstone University graduates ($227 vs. $258).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cornerstone University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.