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Cornerstone University vs Wayne State University

Cornerstone University is a private university in Grand Rapids, MI. Wayne State University is a public university in Detroit, MI. Cornerstone University admits about 78% of applicants and Wayne State University about 81%, making Cornerstone University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,766 a year at Wayne State University after aid, and about $20,301 at Cornerstone University. About 62% of students graduate at Cornerstone University, compared with 58% at Wayne State University. Ten years after enrolling, Wayne State University alumni earn a median of about $53,493, against $47,314 for Cornerstone University.

Cornerstone University

Grand Rapids, MI · Private

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Detroit, MI
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,298
15,587
Acceptance rate
78%
81%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
970–1220
1060–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
20–25
23–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,301
$12,766
Full cost / yr
$42,043
$27,350
In-state tuition
$23,000
$15,190
Out-of-state tuition
$23,000
$32,037
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,177
$11,090
$30k - $48k
$17,674
$10,721
$48k - $75k
$17,872
$12,068
$75k - $110k
$18,489
$14,828
Over $110k
$23,135
$19,862
Outcomes
Graduation rate
62%
58%
Freshman retention
78%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$42,598
$45,207
Median earnings (10 yr)
$47,314
$53,493
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$21,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
33%
46%
First-generation students
35%
38%
International students
5%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Dec 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
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 Wayne State University harder to get into?
Cornerstone University is harder to get into. It admits about 78% of applicants, compared with 81% at Wayne State 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, Cornerstone University or Wayne State University?
Wayne State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,766 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,301 at Cornerstone University. 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 Wayne State University?
Before aid, Wayne State University costs about $27,350 a year and Cornerstone University about $42,043. 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 Wayne State University?
Wayne State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,090 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 Wayne State University?
Wayne State University is the larger of the two, with about 15,587 undergraduates against 1,298 at Cornerstone University.
Does Cornerstone University or Wayne State University have a better graduation rate?
Cornerstone University has the higher graduation rate, at about 62% against 58% at Wayne State University.
Do graduates of Cornerstone University or Wayne State University earn more?
Wayne State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $53,493 ten years after enrolling, against about $47,314 for Cornerstone University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Cornerstone University and Wayne State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Cornerstone University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Wayne State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Cornerstone University and Wayne State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 970–1220 at Cornerstone University and 1060–1270 at Wayne State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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