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Cornerstone University vs Hope College

Cornerstone University is a private university in Grand Rapids, MI, and Hope College is a private college in Holland, MI. Cornerstone University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 78% of applicants against 79% at Hope College. Cornerstone University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $20,301 a year against $27,182 at Hope College. About 81% of students graduate at Hope College, compared with 62% at Cornerstone University. Ten years after enrolling, Hope College alumni earn a median of about $58,427, against $47,314 for Cornerstone University.

Cornerstone University

Grand Rapids, MI · Private

Hope College

Holland, MI · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Holland, MI
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,298
3,288
Acceptance rate
78%
79%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.44–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
970–1220
1100–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
20–25
25–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,301
$27,182
Full cost / yr
$42,043
$55,646
In-state tuition
$23,000
$41,970
Out-of-state tuition
$23,000
$41,970
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,177
$17,606
$30k - $48k
$17,674
$16,590
$48k - $75k
$17,872
$18,206
$75k - $110k
$18,489
$25,017
Over $110k
$23,135
$32,754
Outcomes
Graduation rate
62%
81%
Freshman retention
78%
88%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$42,598
$49,727
Median earnings (10 yr)
$47,314
$58,427
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$26,800
Student body
Pell grant recipients
33%
16%
First-generation students
35%
15%
International students
5%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Cornerstone University or Hope College harder to get into?
Cornerstone University is harder to get into. It admits about 78% of applicants, compared with 79% at Hope College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Cornerstone University or Hope College?
Cornerstone University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,301 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,182 at Hope 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 Cornerstone University and Hope College?
Before aid, Cornerstone University costs about $42,043 a year and Hope College about $55,646. 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, Cornerstone University or Hope College?
Hope College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,606 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, Cornerstone University or Hope College?
Hope College is the larger of the two, with about 3,288 undergraduates against 1,298 at Cornerstone University.
Does Cornerstone University or Hope College have a better graduation rate?
Hope College has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 62% at Cornerstone University.
Do graduates of Cornerstone University or Hope College earn more?
Hope College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,427 ten years after enrolling, against about $47,314 for Cornerstone University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Cornerstone University and Hope College require SAT or ACT scores?
Cornerstone University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Hope College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Cornerstone University and Hope College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 970–1220 at Cornerstone University and 1100–1340 at Hope College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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