Cornerstone University
Cornerstone University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Cornerstone University at a Glance
Cornerstone University is a private evangelical Christian university in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States.
1941
85 years old
$18M
$17.8 million (2025)
1,735
118
130 acres
Identity
Is Cornerstone University Worth It?
At a value score of 36/100, Cornerstone University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $47,314 — 12% below average — while paying $20,301/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 62% graduation rate means roughly 38% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With median debt of $25,000 representing 53% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Cornerstone University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Cornerstone University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in MI
Ranked #59 of 198 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #2 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #3 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #4 | Goshen College | 56 | $14,493 | $51,943 |
| #5 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #6 | Nebraska Wesleyan University | 52 | $18,327 | $56,405 |
| #59 | Cornerstone University | 36 | $20,301 | $47,314 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Cornerstone University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in MI.
Best Programs at Cornerstone University
The highest-earning program at Cornerstone University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $43,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $28,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Cornerstone University earns $43,900, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $28,400. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $25,449 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $20,301/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $43,900 | $43,900 | $25,449 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $34,100 | $34,100 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $28,400 | $28,400 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in MI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Student Body
- 1,298 students
- Admission Rate
- 78%
- Graduation Rate
- 62%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $20,301
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $47,314
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000