NKU vs. Cornerstone University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY with Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Cornerstone University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Cornerstone University 15:1.

NKU vs. Cornerstone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU 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 Kentucky University than Cornerstone University ($9,211 vs. $21,335).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornerstone University are 0.1% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($12,700 vs. $12,712).
• Cornerstone University is 107.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $11,912 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5% higher at Cornerstone University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $1,088 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornerstone University students is 97.8% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($20,439 vs. $10,332).

NKU vs. Cornerstone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NKU 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 NKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornerstone University (1100) is 50 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming Cornerstone University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at NKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Cornerstone University 970/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Cornerstone University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Cornerstone University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Cornerstone University has a higher acceptance rate (77.8%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 18.6% at Cornerstone University.

NKU vs. Cornerstone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU 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).

• Cornerstone University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $50 lower median loan debt than Cornerstone University graduates ($24,950 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornerstone University graduates ($257 vs. $258).
• More Cornerstone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 53%)

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.