Cornerstone University
Grand Rapids, Michigan
BUILD A LIFE THAT MATTERS.
At Cornerstone University, students are more. More than a major. More than a degree. Each student is a story. At Cornerstone, students are encouraged to discover their unique gifts and abilities, pushed to think outside their comfort zones, and equipped to graduate with the skills needed to make an impact on the world for Christ.
With over 70 majors to study, a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and an average class size of 21, students can be certain that they will find their place at CU and be supported in their journey.
Cornerstone University is a four-year, Christian, liberal arts university accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
Get to know Cornerstone University
Benefits
Student Activities
- Campus Ministries
- Choral groups
- Concert band
- Drama/theatre
- International Student Organization
- Music ensembles
- Radio station
- Student government
High-Impact Practices
- First-Year Seminars and Experiences
- Writing-Intensive Courses
- Collaborative Assignments and Projects
- Undergraduate Research
- Diversity/Global Learning
- Service-Learning, Community-Based Learning
- Internships/Coops/Practica
- Capstone Courses and Projects/Senior Experience
College Highlights
IMPACT MATTERS.
Cornerstone believes in influencing the world for Christ. That’s why CU provides opportunities for students to broaden their educational experience, deepen their cultural knowledge, and strengthen their Christian faith.
GO STUDY
CU students pursue their passions as they spend a semester in the beautiful landscapes of Ireland. They trek through the rugged terrain of Hawaii throughout a two-week J-term course. They hone in on their Spanish-speaking skills while studying in Ecuador. With over 30 study abroad programs in places like Australia, China, Oxford, and Dubai, Cornerstone students have a variety of opportunities to add new context to their studies, all while earning college credit. A few of CU’s study abroad options include:
- Australia
- China
- Dubai
- France
- India
- Ireland
- Israel
- Latin America: Costa Rica/Nicaragua
- Oxford, England
- Uganda
- United States: Los Angeles, Tennessee, Washington, D.C.
GO SERVE
Cornerstone sees the value in serving brothers and sisters around the globe by returning to the same towns and villages year after year. On an annual basis, students have the opportunity to serve abroad by witnessing to the homeless in Chicago, mentoring and caring for abused and needy children in Guatemala, and sharing the love and compassion of Christ with other hurting families. CU students seek to make an impact in this world for Christ.
“The GO Trip with Cornerstone to the Dominican Republic truly empowered me, as I was able to serve within my passions and vocational setting. It emphasized that being missional doesn’t just mean globally, but it equipped me with tools and opportunities to make missions a posture of my heart no matter where I am at. I was able to create meaningful relationships with our group, the missionaries from the organization, and the community I was serving in. This trip led to an opportunity for me to return to the same organization and intern with them for three months this past summer.” – Jon Stewart ‘18
A few of Cornerstone’s Global Opportunities partners include:
- Chicago, IL – Sunshine Gospel Ministries
- Dominican Republic – Students International
- France – Greater Europe Mission
- Guatemala – Kids Alive
- Haiti – Haiti Foundation Against Poverty
- Kosovo – English Language Camp
- Zambia – Jubilee Ministries
Learn more about these opportunities at CU Global Opportunities.
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 5%
Hispanic/Latinx: 7%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 10%
White, non-Hispanic: 74%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 2%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 3%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 0%
MENTORSHIP MATTERS.
At Cornerstone, every professor is actively involved in the lives of their students. They are more than happy to share a meal with their students in the dining commons or chat on the phone on Sunday evenings to discuss projects and papers. With a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Cornerstone is led by mentors who desire to watch their students grow and succeed.
CALLING MATTERS.
Cornerstone believes in helping students discover their calling. CU’s LIFEPATH program provides purpose-guided academic and career planning to help students discover how God has gifted and equipped each of them with unique skills, abilities, and passions. Elements of the LIFEPATH program include:
- Center for Career & Life Calling: Staff members help students make meaning of their talents, interests, and values, providing such additional services as networking, résumé development, graduate school preparation, and internship and job search strategies.
- Center for Academic Success: Academic advisors assist first-year students with planning their schedules as well as tutoring, academic coaching, and services for students with disabilities. After their first year, students will have completed an individualized 4-year plan to keep them on track toward graduation.
Learn more about the services available at Career & Life Calling.
“The Center for Career & Life Calling works so hard to provide opportunities for students that helped me in my professional development.” – India Tellkamp ‘17
SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Accelerated program
Cooperative education program
Cross-registration
Distance learning
Double major
Dual enrollment
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Honors Program
Independent study
Internships
Student-designed major
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
COMMUNITY MATTERS.
With 1,200 students from around the globe, Cornerstone fosters a campus community that is vibrant and thriving. Exciting campus traditions include:
- Dancing with the Sections
- Late Night Breakfast
- Powder Puff
- Golden Eagle Madness
- Night of Nets
- Quincer SMASH
- Slopfest
- Thriftmas
- And More!
WORSHIP MATTERS.
At CU, students are supported and encouraged to grow in their faith. Cornerstone provides chapel services four times throughout the week for students to gather together in worship and learn from pastors and speakers from around the globe.
TERRA FIRMA
Meaning “firm foundation” in Latin, Cornerstone’s year-long Terra Firma orientation program provides new students a strong foundation for both academic and spiritual growth. Right when students move to campus, they are immediately connected with a small group of peers who walk alongside them throughout their entire first year at CU. Together, they enjoy off-campus outings, take part in a service-learning project in the Grand Rapids community, and learn about what it means to thrive in college.
DORM LIFE
With both suite- and community-style halls, Cornerstone’s seven residences are outfitted for comfort; kitchens, student lounges, and laundry facilities make it easy for students to feel at home.
EXPERIENCE MORE
Over 20 student clubs and organizations guarantee students more memories than they can count.
- 737 – Open Mic Nights
- Swingtime – Student-led swing dancing
- Mu Kappa – Society for “Missionary Kids”
- Multicultural Organization
- English Society
- Student Government
- Enactus
- Theatre
For a full list of student organizations, visit CU Student Organizations.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Cornerstone University calls Grand Rapids, MI, home. Grand Rapids, located just ten minutes from campus, is rated as one of the top mid-sized cities in America. Downtown GR is a major artistic and cultural hub, providing CU students with prime internships, networking, and career opportunities. With over 700 churches, 90 restaurants, theaters, and museums, there are endless opportunities to explore.
ATHLETICS
NAIA, WHAC Conference
Men’s (JV/Varsity): Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Track & Field, Tennis
Women’s (JV/Varsity): Basketball, Bowling, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball
Intramural Sports: Basketball, Dodgeball, Flag Football, Indoor Soccer, Slow-pitch Softball, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball
Mascot: Golden Eagles
Colors: Navy Blue and Gold
RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 84%
Undergraduates: 63%
Campus housing options.
Men’s dorms
Women’s dorms
Apartments for married students
Apartments for single students
Special housing for disabled students
Special housing for international students
Theme housing
“Being a student at Cornerstone was an extremely influential time due to the Christian role models I met there who took time to make a difference. I wouldn’t change a thing if I could go back, because I felt I received a top-notch education paired with valuable relationships with professors, staff and other students who influenced me to be more Christ-like. I am ready to enter the next chapter of life.” – Rex Pickar CU ’16
SUCCESS MATTERS.
Cornerstone University graduates are highly sought after in all areas of employment. CU grads are smart, confident, and strongly educated.
A 2018 graduate survey reports that, of respondents, 94% obtained employment within six months of graduation or started a graduate program.
Graduates seeking further education enrolled in such programs as Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Master of Biomedical Science, Master of Social Work, and Master of Counseling.
“CU prepared me well. My professors poured into me and really prepared me for medical school [at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine]. The academics were challenging. I would love to be on the frontlines, helping those who are hurting. I would love to do overseas medical missions, serving those in underserved areas and share the love of Christ with them and see the world. It’s hard for people to hear the gospel if they are hurting physically.” – Ian Drobish CU ’14 (Doctor of Medicine student at Michigan State University)
INTERNSHIPS
Cornerstone believes that hands-on internship experiences not only bolster one’s résumé, but also greatly prepares them for their career-field. With a campus located just minutes from downtown Grand Rapids—the second-largest city in Michigan—students are equipped to find an internship that fits their passions.
CU students have obtained internships in such businesses and organizations as:
- American Red Cross
- Crossroads Bible Church
- Ford Motor Company
- Kellogg Company
- Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
- Meijer Corporation
- Metro Health
- Department of Natural Resources
- Samaritan’s Purse
- Spectrum Health
- Steelcase, Inc.
- Universal Forest Products
- WOOD TV8
- YMCA
Admission
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Academic GPA | Standardized test scores
Application Essay | Religious affiliation/commitment
Considered
Class rank | Recommendation(s)
TEST SCORES
Required
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 580 | 75th Percentile: 590
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 460 | 75th Percentile: 470
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 19 | 75th Percentile: 26
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 18 | 75th Percentile: 26
ACT English
25th Percentile: 18 | 75th Percentile: 25
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $26,250
Room & Board: $9,960
Aid
PARTNERSHIP MATTERS.
Cornerstone believes in partnering with students to make their college education affordable. That’s why, in 2017, CU restructured its tuition to $24,500/year. In addition, with nearly $15 million in scholarships and grants awarded to students, first-time freshmen receive an average financial aid package of over $22,000.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
GPA: 2.5
ACT: 19
SAT: 1000
To see a full list of the scholarships and grants available to students, visit CU Scholarships & Grants.
What Others are Saying
Contact Cornerstone University
Contact Admissions
cornerstone.edu/admissions
(616) 222-1426
admissions@cornerstone.edu
Campus Location
1001 East Beltline Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(616) 949-5300