Business Administration, Management and Operations at Cornerstone University
Bachelor's Degree
cornerstone.eduAnalysis
Cornerstone University's business program delivers solid early earnings at $53,327, placing it in the 77th percentile nationallyβwell above the $45,703 national median. Among Michigan's 40 business programs, it ranks in the 60th percentile, trailing the state's flagship universities but outperforming many regional competitors. The debt load of $28,750 is reasonable, resulting in a healthy 0.54 debt-to-earnings ratio that suggests graduates can manage repayment without excessive strain.
The modest 4% earnings growth over four years is the main caution here. While graduates start strong, they're not seeing the rapid salary progression that characterizes business programs at Michigan's top-tier universities like MSU ($71,253 by year four) or U-M Ann Arbor ($93,674). This could reflect differences in alumni networks, employer recruitment patterns, or the types of business roles graduates pursue. Still, for families prioritizing Christian education and reasonable debt, Cornerstone offers a viable path to business careers.
For a student who values Cornerstone's mission and campus culture, the financial fundamentals work. Your child will likely graduate with manageable debt and earnings that comfortably exceed the national average for business majors. Just understand that you're not buying access to the elite corporate recruiting pipelines that Michigan's flagship programs commandβyou're investing in solid preparation for middle-market business roles with a faith-based foundation.
Where Cornerstone University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Cornerstone University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cornerstone University | $53,327 | $55,434 | +4% |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $93,674 | $116,095 | +24% |
| Oakland University | $62,359 | $81,070 | +30% |
| Michigan State University | $71,253 | $79,719 | +12% |
| Cleary University | $50,573 | $71,725 | +42% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (40 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $29,100 | $53,327 | $55,434 | $28,750 | 0.54 | |
| $17,228 | $93,674 | $116,095 | $19,000 | 0.20 | |
| $15,988 | $71,253 | $79,719 | $23,250 | 0.33 | |
| $14,694 | $62,359 | $81,070 | $26,000 | 0.42 | |
| $14,628 | $57,760 | $70,536 | $27,000 | 0.47 | |
| $14,944 | $57,102 | $69,612 | $31,000 | 0.54 | |
| National Median | β | $45,703 | β | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Sales Managers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Cornerstone University, approximately 30% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 183 graduates with reported earnings and 192 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.