UNI vs. Cornerstone University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Northern Iowa is larger than Cornerstone University based on total student enrollment (9,278 students vs. 1,695 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Northern Iowa is located in Cedar Falls, IA (Small City setting); Cornerstone University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• University of Northern Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Northern Iowa 18:1; Cornerstone University 15:1.

UNI vs. Cornerstone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UNI 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 University of Northern Iowa than Cornerstone University ($16,437 vs. $21,335).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Northern Iowa are 21.4% lower than at Cornerstone University ($9,986 vs. $12,700).
• Cornerstone University is 131.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNI (about $13,064 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $9,936.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.9% higher at Cornerstone University than at University of Northern Iowa (about $1,288 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $21,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at University of Northern Iowa (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornerstone University students is 248.5% larger than aid received by University of Northern Iowa students ($20,439 vs. $5,865).

UNI vs. Cornerstone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UNI 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 UNI.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Northern Iowa (1150) is 50 points higher than at Cornerstone University (1100).
• Incoming UNI 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: University of Northern Iowa 1020/1280; Cornerstone University 970/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Iowa 19/26; Cornerstone University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UNI - Test optional; Cornerstone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman UNI students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• UNI has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than Cornerstone University (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.1% at UNI vs. 18.6% at Cornerstone University.

UNI vs. Cornerstone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UNI 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).

• University of Northern Iowa's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from University of Northern Iowa earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Northern Iowa graduates have a $4,375 lower median loan debt than Cornerstone University graduates ($20,625 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, UNI graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornerstone University graduates ($213 vs. $258).
• More UNI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cornerstone University students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.