Cornerstone University (CU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Cornerstone University
Set in Grand Rapids, Cornerstone University is known for faith-infused academics that blend a liberal-arts core with practical learning. Students build strengths in the arts and sciences, business and communication, supported by a close-knit classroom feel. Campus resources include a bright library, labs and studios, a chapel that anchors community life, residence halls, and an active athletics complex. Students tap tutoring, advising, counseling, and a career-focused center.
Life feels communal and purposeful. Expect regular chapel gatherings, service projects, student-led clubs, arts events, and intramurals, with nearby parks for quick escapes. And the city amplifies it all, with internships across the nonprofit, health, creative, and business scenes, plus mentoring that links coursework to calling. The culture is warm, thoughtful, and grounded, with traditions that weave worship and service into the week.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Cornerstone University (CU) offers 62 degree programs across 20 major academic fields, graduating approximately 466 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (9 programs, 142 graduates), Psychology (3 programs, 72 graduates), Theology (6 programs, 58 graduates), Education (10 programs, 50 graduates) and Kinesiology (2 programs, 27 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (9 programs, 142 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 51 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
52.0201 |
| Business Administration and Management | 32 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0299 |
| Finance, General | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0801 |
| Marketing Management | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1401 |
| Project Management | 11 |
|
Master's
|
52.0211 |
| Nonprofit and Organizational Management | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0206 |
| International Business and Trade | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1101 |
| Management Information Systems | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1201 |
| Accounting | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0301 |
Psychology (3 programs, 72 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counseling Psychology | 39 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
42.2803 |
| General Psychology | 28 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
| Developmental and Child Psychology | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.2703 |
Theology (6 programs, 58 graduates)
Theological Studies, Ministry Preparation and Religious Leadership
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
39.0699 |
| Biblical Studies | 16 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
39.0201 |
| Youth Ministry | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
39.0702 |
| Divinity and Ministry | 7 |
|
Master's
|
39.0602 |
| Missionary Studies | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
39.0301 |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries | 1 |
|
Master's
|
39.0799 |
Education (10 programs, 50 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education | 22 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1202 |
| English Language Arts Teacher Education | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1305 |
| English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching | 5 |
|
Master's
|
13.1401 |
| Educational Leadership and Administration | 4 |
|
Doctorate (R)
|
13.0401 |
| Social Studies Teacher Education | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1318 |
| Science Teacher Education | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1316 |
| Mathematics Teacher Education | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1311 |
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1314 |
| Teaching Students with Specific Learning Disabilities | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1011 |
| Spanish Language Teacher Education | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1330 |
Kinesiology (2 programs, 27 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0505 |
| Sport and Fitness Management | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0504 |
Health (6 programs, 22 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.3801 |
| Pre-Medicine | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.1102 |
| Pre-Occupational Therapy | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.1107 |
| Health and Medical Preparatory Programs | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.1199 |
| Health Administration and Management | 1 |
|
Master's
|
51.0701 |
| Pre-Dentistry Studies | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.1101 |
Communication (4 programs, 17 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0101 |
| Digital Media and Multimedia | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0702 |
| Radio and Television Broadcasting | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0701 |
| Publishing | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.1001 |
Arts (4 programs, 17 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0409 |
| Cinematography and Film Production | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0602 |
| Music Technology | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0913 |
| Music | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0999 |
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 11 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies | 9 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
24.0102 |
| Humanities Studies | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
24.0103 |
Philosophy (3 programs, 11 graduates)
Philosophical Studies, Ethics and Religious Thought
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religious Studies | 7 |
|
Master's
|
38.0201 |
| Christian Studies | 3 |
|
Master's
|
38.0203 |
| Philosophy | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
38.0101 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Cornerstone University (CU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Cornerstone University (CU)
How much does it cost to attend Cornerstone University (CU)?
The annual tuition at Cornerstone University (CU) is $29,100 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $44,470 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $12,200 (on) / $8,900 (off) and books and supplies $840.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Cornerstone University offer?
Cornerstone University (CU) offers 62 academic programs across 20 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate (Research).
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (9 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (3 programs)
- Theological Studies, Ministry Preparation and Religious Leadership (6 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (10 programs)
- Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Cornerstone University?
Cornerstone University (CU) has an 73.2% acceptance rate and a 20.7% yield rate, making it selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 2,011
- Students admitted: 1,472
- Students enrolled: 305
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Cornerstone University?
Cornerstone University (CU) provides financial aid to 20% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $17,372 and average loans of $9,603.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $4,283
- State/Local grants: $3,572
- Institutional grants: $14,230
- Federal loans: $6,740
The university supports 285 students with grants and 159 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Cornerstone University graduates?
Cornerstone University (CU) graduates earn a median salary of $42,598 after 6 years and $47,314 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $28,589 (25th percentile) to $66,987 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $74,200 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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