Northern Illinois vs. Cornerstone University

Comparable Facts

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

Northern Illinois University is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Northern Illinois vs. Cornerstone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois 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 Northern Illinois University than Cornerstone University ($14,243 vs. $21,335).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornerstone University are 10.3% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($12,700 vs. $14,160).
• Cornerstone University is 73.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $9,752 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 73.6% higher at Cornerstone University than at Northern Illinois University (about $9,752 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Northern Illinois University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornerstone University students is 42.1% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($20,439 vs. $14,387).

Northern Illinois vs. Cornerstone University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornerstone University (1100) is 40 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming Northern Illinois 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: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Cornerstone University 970/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Cornerstone University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Cornerstone University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northern Illinois students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Cornerstone University has a higher acceptance rate (77.8%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 18.6% at Cornerstone University.

Northern Illinois vs. Cornerstone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois 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).

• Northern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $8,800 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $1,141 lower median loan debt than Cornerstone University graduates ($23,859 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornerstone University graduates ($246 vs. $258).
• More Cornerstone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 61%)

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.