Median Earnings (1yr)
$53,327
77th percentile
60th percentile in Michigan
Median Debt
$28,750
11% above national median

Analysis

Cornerstone University's business program delivers solid early earnings at $53,327, placing it in the 77th percentile nationallyβ€”well 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 commandβ€”you'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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Cornerstone UniversityGrand Rapids$29,100$53,327$55,434$28,7500.54
University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor$17,228$93,674$116,095$19,0000.20
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing$15,988$71,253$79,719$23,2500.33
Oakland UniversityRochester Hills$14,694$62,359$81,070$26,0000.42
Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale$14,628$57,760$70,536$27,0000.47
University of Michigan-DearbornDearborn$14,944$57,102$69,612$31,0000.54
National Medianβ€”$45,703β€”$26,0000.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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.