About Cornerstone University
The financial picture tells a practical story for families considering Christian higher education. Students pay an average net price of $22,384 after aid, well below the $29,100 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $47,314 ten years after graduation, with typical monthly loan payments of $265. The median debt load of $25,000 remains manageable compared to earnings potential. Financial aid reaches 29.7% of students, with institutional grants averaging $18,502.
The student body reflects regional appeal, with 80.9% coming from Michigan. Women make up 61% of enrollment, while the campus maintains 72% white students in a predominantly Midwest demographic. The 61.6% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish, though 83.8% return for sophomore year.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 61.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 61.6%
- Retention Rate
- 83.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,314
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $64,493 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,924 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $40,574 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $40,485 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $38,289 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $34,704 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,162 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $31,305 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $31,133 |
Campus Life
The Golden Eagles compete in 22 NAIA sports with 483 total athletes, creating visible school spirit throughout campus. Christian chapel services anchor weekly routines, reflecting the interdenominational mission that shapes campus culture. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, fostering close mentoring relationships. Women comprise 61.07% of the student body, creating a female-majority environment. Weekends often revolve around athletic events, music performances, and service projects that connect to the university's faith-based mission. Grand Rapids offers coffee shops, restaurants, and cultural venues within easy reach of campus.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 780 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1941
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–30°F
- July Avg
- 60°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 74.9"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 38.9%
- Women
- 61.1%
- White
- 72.3%
- Black
- 6.6%
- Hispanic
- 5.4%
- Asian
- 2.2%
- In-State Students
- 80.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.7%
Location
- Address
- Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525-5897
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,314
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,262
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 60.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Cornerstone University?
Cornerstone University accepts 81.78% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible for students seeking a Christian liberal arts education. The university draws heavily from Michigan, with 80.92% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Cornerstone University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Cornerstone University is $22,384, lower than the full tuition of $29,100. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $17,129, while the university awards institutional grants averaging $18,502 to 26.46% of students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Cornerstone University?
Cornerstone University maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,387 total students, allowing for personalized attention in its Christian liberal arts programs. The university is particularly known for strong programs in business, education, and music within its interdenominational Christian framework.
What are the employment outcomes for Cornerstone University graduates?
Cornerstone University graduates have a 96.7% employment rate and earn a median salary of $47,314 ten years after graduation. However, the 6-year graduation rate of 61.60% indicates that completing the program can be challenging for some students.
Where do students live at Cornerstone University?
Cornerstone University has housing capacity for 780 students on its Grand Rapids campus, which serves a total enrollment of 1,387. Room and board costs $12,200 annually, and the university maintains an 83.75% retention rate, suggesting students generally find the campus community supportive.
Does Cornerstone University offer athletic scholarships?
Cornerstone University awards $1,789,907 in athletic scholarships across 22 varsity sports competing at the NAIA level. With 483 total athletes, the Golden Eagles provide significant opportunities for student-athletes to combine faith-based education with competitive sports.
