Wartburg College vs. Cornerstone University

Comparable Facts

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

Cornerstone University is larger than Wartburg College based on total student enrollment (1,695 students vs. 1,483 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wartburg College is located in Waverly, IA (Distant Town setting); Cornerstone University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Wartburg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wartburg College 13:1; Cornerstone University 15:1.

Wartburg College vs. Cornerstone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wartburg College 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 Wartburg College ($21,335 vs. $24,031).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wartburg College are 7.5% lower than at Cornerstone University ($11,750 vs. $12,700).
• Wartburg College is 14.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $3,250 more per year; $26,250.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.1% higher at Wartburg College than at Cornerstone University (about $3,250 more per year; $26,250.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone University than at Wartburg College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wartburg College students is 97.3% larger than aid received by Cornerstone University students ($40,336 vs. $20,439).

Wartburg College vs. Cornerstone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wartburg College 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 Wartburg College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornerstone University (1100) is 30 points higher than at Wartburg College (1070).
• Incoming Wartburg College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Cornerstone University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wartburg College 930/1200; Cornerstone University 970/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wartburg College 21/27; Cornerstone University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wartburg College - Test optional; Cornerstone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Wartburg College students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Cornerstone University has a higher acceptance rate (77.8%) than Wartburg College (75.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.6% at Wartburg College vs. 18.6% at Cornerstone University.

Wartburg College vs. Cornerstone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wartburg College 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).

• Wartburg College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Wartburg College earn a median of about $9,300 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,100 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Wartburg College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wartburg College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Wartburg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cornerstone University students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.