Cornerstone University
Cornerstone University is a private nonprofit university in Grand Rapids, MI ranked #789 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 1,298 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 77.8%. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, 78.3% first-year retention, and 61.9% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $20,301, about $3,303 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -47.5%, roughly 132.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $42,598. That's about $1,090 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Cornerstone University has an acceptance rate of 77.8%, annual tuition of $23,000, average net price of $20,301, and a national rank of #789 (Grade B), with a 61.9% six-year graduation rate, about 1,298 undergraduates, and median earnings of $42,598 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Cornerstone University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Cornerstone University graduates 61.9% of students within six years and keeps 78.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Cornerstone University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $23,000 |
| Books and Supplies | $560 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,700 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,700 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $42,043 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 32.8% of Cornerstone University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $20,177 to $23,135 depending on family income. Use Cornerstone University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $18,489/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $23,135/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $42,598
- 10-Year Median Earnings $42,598
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $18,634
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 60.2%
- Employment Rate 87.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Cornerstone University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Cornerstone University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Cornerstone University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Cornerstone University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Cornerstone University graduates earn $42,598 median, the -47.5% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,298
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 78.3%
- Graduation Rate 61.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into Cornerstone University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Cornerstone University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 77.8%, Cornerstone University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 77.8% acceptance rate, Cornerstone University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Cornerstone University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Psychology, General, and Theological and Ministerial Studies draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 35.9%
- Psychology, General 13.5%
- Theological and Ministerial Studies 4.2%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 3.7%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 3.4%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 3.2%
See more majors
- Social Work 3.2%
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs 3.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations $70,107
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $58,693
- 3. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $47,695
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $45,753
- 5. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $44,505
- 6. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $43,478
- 7. Marketing $42,627
- 8. Theological and Ministerial Studies $40,873
- 9. Psychology, General $35,883
- 10. Communication and Media Studies $30,615
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $82,174
- 2. Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language (Master's Degree) $59,070
- 3. Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degree) $52,039
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $38,622
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations grads earn $70,107—129% more than Communication and Media Studies ($30,615). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $82,174 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Cornerstone University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 51 graduates)
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language (Master's Degree, 22 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 14 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degree, 13 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 12 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (31 programs)â–¼
- Psychology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Social Work
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Communication and Media Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Marketing
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Accounting and Related Services
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Biology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Music
- Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
- Design and Applied Arts
- International Business
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Publishing
- Engineering, General
Online Master's Degrees (3 programs)â–¼
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Religious Education
- Religion/Religious Studies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,298
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 41.4%
- Female Students 58.6%
- Caucasian 70.3%
- Asian 1.6%
- Hispanic 6.2%
- Black 6.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 32.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Cornerstone University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Cornerstone University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Cornerstone University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Cornerstone University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 70.3% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Cornerstone University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Cornerstone University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Cornerstone University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -47.5% ROI. Ranked #789 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $20,301 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $42,598 median earnings. With 61.9% graduating within six years and 78.3% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Cornerstone University's Positioning
With a B grade and #789 ranking, Cornerstone University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $20,301 annually, Cornerstone University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 78.3% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $14,211 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -47.5% ROI and $42,598 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $10,301+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Cornerstone University ranks #789 of 6101 institutions, with 956 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 61.9% six-year graduation rate sits 0.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 78.3% first-year retention is 1.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -47.5% return on investment is 132.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $42,598 run about 2% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $20,301 is roughly $2,904 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 78.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 87.9% employment rate within three years sits 19.7 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $20,301 is about $2,904 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 32.8% trails the national share by 6.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Cornerstone University is a private nonprofit university based in Grand Rapids, MI and earns a B overall grade. It appears at #789 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support B, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
78.3% of learners come back after year one while 61.9% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -47.5%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $20,301 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $42,043.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $21,742 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $18,634 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 32.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $42,598 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 2% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 87.9% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -47.5%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
77.8% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Cornerstone University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cornerstone University's acceptance rate?
Cornerstone University's acceptance rate is 77.8%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Cornerstone University cost?
At Cornerstone University, listed tuition and fees are $23,000 per year, and the average net price after aid is $20,301. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Cornerstone University's ranking?
Cornerstone University ranks #789 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Cornerstone University's graduation rate?
At Cornerstone University, the six-year graduation rate is 61.9%, and first-year retention is 78.3%.
What are Cornerstone University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Cornerstone University report median earnings of $42,598 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Cornerstone University's student population?
Cornerstone University enrolls about 1,298 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Grand Rapids, MI 49525-5897
- Website www.cornerstone.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$16.5M