IWU vs. Cornerstone University

Comparable Facts

Compare Indiana Wesleyan University Marion in Marion, IN with Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (2,204 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

IWU vs. Cornerstone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU 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 IWU ($21,335 vs. $23,402).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion are 14.4% lower than at Cornerstone University ($10,868 vs. $12,700).
• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is 40.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $9,352 more per year; $32,352.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.7% higher at IWU than at Cornerstone University (about $9,352 more per year; $32,352.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion as at Cornerstone University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Indiana Wesleyan University Marion students is 4.7% larger than aid received by Cornerstone University students ($21,405 vs. $20,439).

IWU vs. Cornerstone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IWU 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 IWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornerstone University (1100) is 30 points higher than at IWU (1070).
• Incoming IWU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Cornerstone University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 960/1180; Cornerstone University 970/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 19/28; Cornerstone University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Cornerstone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• IWU has a higher acceptance rate (88.9%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17% at IWU vs. 18.6% at Cornerstone University.

IWU vs. Cornerstone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU 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).

• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Indiana Wesleyan University Marion earn a median of about $15,500 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Indiana Wesleyan University Marion graduates have a $896 lower median loan debt than Cornerstone University graduates ($24,104 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, IWU graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornerstone University graduates ($249 vs. $258).
• More Cornerstone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IWU students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 55%)

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.