Economics at Cornerstone University

Based on comparable economics programs in Michigan, graduates typically earn around $49,000 in their first year—right at the state median but below the national benchmark of $51,722. For an economics degree from a private Christian university, these projected earnings land squarely in the middle of Michigan's range, though well behind flagship programs like U-M Ann Arbor ($68,416) and Michigan State ($54,013).

The estimated $27,000 debt load aligns closely with what other Michigan economics programs report and produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55. That's better than the national average for bachelor's degrees overall, suggesting graduates could reasonably handle their loan payments while building careers in business, finance, or policy work. The concern is whether Cornerstone's career network can match the placement power of larger state schools that command similar starting salaries but often provide stronger alumni connections in Michigan's job market.

The bottom line: If your student values Cornerstone's mission and campus culture, the economics program appears financially viable based on peer outcomes. However, you're likely paying similar money for potentially less robust career support than you'd find at Grand Valley State or Wayne State, both of which show comparable earnings with established business school pipelines. Ask hard questions about internship placement and which Michigan employers actively recruit from this program—the answer matters when you're investing private-school tuition for state-school earnings.