University of Dubuque vs. Cornerstone University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA with Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Dubuque is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (1,757 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Dubuque is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Cornerstone University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• University of Dubuque is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dubuque 10:1; Cornerstone University 15:1.

University of Dubuque vs. Cornerstone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dubuque 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 University of Dubuque ($21,335 vs. $26,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Dubuque are 4.3% lower than at Cornerstone University ($12,150 vs. $12,700).
• University of Dubuque is 83% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $19,095 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 83% higher at University of Dubuque than at Cornerstone University (about $19,095 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque as at Cornerstone University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dubuque students is 35.8% larger than aid received by Cornerstone University students ($27,758 vs. $20,439).

University of Dubuque vs. Cornerstone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Dubuque 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 University of Dubuque.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dubuque (1100) is the same as at Cornerstone University (1100).
• Incoming Cornerstone University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at University of Dubuque).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 980/1220; Cornerstone University 970/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 18/24; Cornerstone University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dubuque - Test optional; Cornerstone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Cornerstone University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• University of Dubuque has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.3% at University of Dubuque vs. 18.6% at Cornerstone University.

University of Dubuque vs. Cornerstone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Dubuque 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 University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from University of Dubuque earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have a $674 lower median loan debt than University of Dubuque graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,674).
• Among borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dubuque graduates ($258 vs. $265).
• More University of Dubuque graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cornerstone University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.