Skip to content

University of Detroit Mercy vs Cornerstone University

University of Detroit Mercy is a private university in Detroit, MI. Cornerstone University is a private university in Grand Rapids, MI. University of Detroit Mercy admits about 75% of applicants and Cornerstone University about 78%, making University of Detroit Mercy the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $15,232 a year at University of Detroit Mercy after aid, and about $20,301 at Cornerstone University. About 68% of students graduate at University of Detroit Mercy, compared with 62% at Cornerstone University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Detroit Mercy alumni earn a median of about $71,030, against $47,314 for Cornerstone University.

University of Detroit Mercy

Detroit, MI · Private

Cornerstone University

Grand Rapids, MI · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Detroit, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,438
1,298
Acceptance rate
75%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–3.91
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
1030–1260
970–1220
ACT (middle 50%)
22–28
20–25
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,232
$20,301
Full cost / yr
$42,211
$42,043
In-state tuition
$32,946
$23,000
Out-of-state tuition
$32,946
$23,000
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,088
$20,177
$30k - $48k
$11,290
$17,674
$48k - $75k
$14,173
$17,872
$75k - $110k
$15,584
$18,489
Over $110k
$21,691
$23,135
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
62%
Freshman retention
83%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$64,534
$42,598
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,030
$47,314
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
26%
33%
First-generation students
29%
35%
International students
8%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
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 University of Detroit Mercy or Cornerstone University harder to get into?
University of Detroit Mercy is harder to get into. It admits about 75% 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, University of Detroit Mercy or Cornerstone University?
University of Detroit Mercy is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,232 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 University of Detroit Mercy and Cornerstone University?
Before aid, Cornerstone University costs about $42,043 a year and University of Detroit Mercy about $42,211. 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, University of Detroit Mercy or Cornerstone University?
University of Detroit Mercy. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,088 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, University of Detroit Mercy or Cornerstone University?
University of Detroit Mercy is the larger of the two, with about 2,438 undergraduates against 1,298 at Cornerstone University.
Does University of Detroit Mercy or Cornerstone University have a better graduation rate?
University of Detroit Mercy has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 62% at Cornerstone University.
Do graduates of University of Detroit Mercy or Cornerstone University earn more?
University of Detroit Mercy alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,030 ten years after enrolling, against about $47,314 for Cornerstone University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Detroit Mercy and Cornerstone University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Detroit Mercy considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Cornerstone University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Detroit Mercy and Cornerstone University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1030–1260 at University of Detroit Mercy and 970–1220 at Cornerstone University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school