Median Earnings (1yr)
$53,327
77th percentile (60th in MI)
Median Debt
$28,750
11% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.54
Manageable
Sample Size
183
Adequate data

Analysis

Cornerstone University's business program delivers solid early earnings at $53,327, placing it in the 77th percentile nationally—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 command—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

Cornerstone UniversityOther business administration, management and operations programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Cornerstone University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Cornerstone University graduates earn $53k, placing them in the 77th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (40 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Cornerstone University$53,327$55,434$28,7500.54
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor$93,674$116,095$19,0000.20
Michigan State University$71,253$79,719$23,2500.33
Oakland University$62,359$81,070$26,0000.42
Grand Valley State University$57,760$70,536$27,0000.47
University of Michigan-Dearborn$57,102$69,612$31,0000.54
National Median$45,703—$26,0000.57

Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Michigan

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor
$17,228$93,674$19,000
Michigan State University
East Lansing
$15,988$71,253$23,250
Oakland University
Rochester Hills
$14,694$62,359$26,000
Grand Valley State University
Allendale
$14,628$57,760$27,000
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Dearborn
$14,944$57,102$31,000

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.