Alma College vs Cornerstone University
Alma College is a private college in Alma, MI, and Cornerstone University is a private university in Grand Rapids, MI. Alma College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 57% of applicants against 78% at Cornerstone University. Cornerstone University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $20,301 a year against $20,694 at Alma College. About 63% of students graduate at Alma College, compared with 62% at Cornerstone University. Ten years after enrolling, Alma College alumni earn a median of about $54,742, against $47,314 for Cornerstone University.
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Alma College or Cornerstone University harder to get into?
- Alma College is harder to get into. It admits about 57% of applicants, compared with 78% at Cornerstone University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Alma College or Cornerstone University?
- Cornerstone University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,301 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,694 at Alma College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Alma College and Cornerstone University?
- Before aid, Cornerstone University costs about $42,043 a year and Alma College about $63,650. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Alma College or Cornerstone University?
- Alma College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,162 there, against about $20,177 at Cornerstone University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Alma College or Cornerstone University?
- Cornerstone University is the larger of the two, with about 1,298 undergraduates against 1,148 at Alma College.
- Does Alma College or Cornerstone University have a better graduation rate?
- Alma College has the higher graduation rate, at about 63% against 62% at Cornerstone University.
- Do graduates of Alma College or Cornerstone University earn more?
- Alma College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,742 ten years after enrolling, against about $47,314 for Cornerstone University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Alma College and Cornerstone University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Alma College requires SAT or ACT scores. Cornerstone University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Alma College and Cornerstone University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1030–1230 at Alma College and 970–1220 at Cornerstone University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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