College Search
Cornerstone University

Cornerstone University

Grand Rapids, MI · City · 1,298 students
WebsiteCommon AppScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$20,301
Average net priceYour net price
2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
62%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
54% typical
$47,314
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$55,177 typical
78%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
82% typical · not scored
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About

Cornerstone University, located on a scenic 130-acre campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a private, Christ-centered institution best known for its unwavering commitment to integrating biblical truth with rigorous academic preparation. The university excels in professional training, particularly through its highly regarded nursing program, the Ron Blue College of Business—which is uniquely distinguished by its focus on biblically based financial decision-making—and robust majors in education and ministry. On campus, students enjoy a tight-knit, supportive community anchored by bi-weekly chapel services, active student-led ministries, and competitive NAIA Golden Eagles athletics. A key differentiator for Cornerstone is its emphasis on personal mentorship, ensuring that students receive individual guidance from faculty who are dedicated to helping them align their career aspirations with their faith.

Wikipedia:Cornerstone University is a private evangelical Christian university in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States.

Location
Grand Rapids, MI, 49525-5897 · City campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
MKE · Milwaukee
116 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$23,000
Housing & food (on campus)$12,700
Books & supplies$560
Cost of attendance$31,800
Average net price$20,301
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$23,000
Housing & food (on campus)$12,700
Books & supplies$560
Cost of attendance$31,800
Average net price$20,301
Source: U.S. College Scorecard · published total: www.cornerstone.edu
How it’s made up · 2026-27
Cornerstone University’s own figures for 2026-2027, newer than the 2024-25 federal figures above, so the amounts differ.
Tuition$22,000
Fees$1,400
Food$5,000
Books & supplies$700
Personal expenses$2,100
Transportation$600
Total of the above$31,800
Net price by family income · 2023-24
$0–30k
$20,177
$30–48k
$17,674
$48–75k
$17,872
$75–110k
$18,489
$110k+
$23,135
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
62%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
56%
Back for yr 2
78%
Transferred
0%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
60% graduated · 13% transferred · 26% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$42,598
10 yrs after entry$47,314
Debt
Median at graduation$25,000
Monthly payment$265
Middle 50% owe$7.5k–$27k
90th percentile$35,656
Green marks a figure above the typical Master's (larger programs): 54% graduate within 6 yrs.
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
78%
Test policy
Not required
Per College Scorecard
ACT midpoint
23

Wondering if Cornerstone University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search
Essay prompts

If Cornerstone University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 41%Women 59%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
15 : 1
Pell grant
33%
First-gen
35%
Family income
$49,808
Independent
42%
Age at entry
26.0
Part-time
21%
Race & ethnicity
White
70%
Hispanic
6%
Black
7%
Asian
2%
Two or more
2%
Non-resident
5%
Unknown
7%
Varsity sports
NAIA Division I · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Cross Country
    Men's · Women's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Other Sports
    Women's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Tennis
    Women's
  • Track and Field (Indoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Outdoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Men's · Women's
  • Wrestling
    Men's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$42,598
After 10 yrs
$47,314
Business Administration, Management and Operations59
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas26
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness20
Marketing20
Psychology, General18
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods15
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries12
Social Work12
Finance and Financial Management Services12
Theological and Ministerial Studies9
Design and Applied Arts7
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs7
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication6
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology6
Communication and Media Studies5
Research and Experimental Psychology5
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$17M
Full-time faculty
100%
Faculty salary
$7,119/mo
Teaching spend
$4,718
per student
Federal loans
52%
Classification
Carnegie type
Master's (larger programs)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, selective admissions

Wondering if Cornerstone University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search