Cornerstone is one of America's Best Colleges according to the Wall Street Journal

Academics

Adult female meeting with female student at a table with a laptop and coffee cups

Admissions

De Witt Center for Science and Technology at Cornerstone University

Tuition & Financial Aid

Students giving high fives after Powderpuff football game

Student Experience

Cornerstone is one of America's best online colleges according to Newsweek

Online

Cornerstone University athletic facility, science building and bell tower located near campus pond Cornerstone University athletic facility, science building and bell tower located near campus pond Cornerstone University athletic facility, science building and bell tower located near campus pond

Tuition & Financial Aid

Affordable Tuition. Career-ready outcomes.

REQUEST INFORMATION

Loading...

Affordable Private Education at Cornerstone University

A Christ-centered private education should prepare students for career and life — without creating unnecessary financial strain, whether you learn on-campus or online. Cornerstone University delivers the value of a private college education while maintaining radically affordable tuition designed for access, not exclusivity. It’s a commitment we make to students and families as part of our mission to influence the world for Jesus Christ.

 

Tuition and Cost by Program Type

Tuition varies by program type and enrollment format. The published rates below reflect standard tuition before scholarships, grants, and other financial aid are applied.

On-Campus Undergraduate

Undergraduate tuition (12–18 credits; fall and spring)
$22,000 per year
Residence hall
$7,670 per year
Meal plan (18 meals)
$4,830 per year
Undergraduate On-Campus Student Services Fee
$700 per term

Online Undergraduate

Associate & Bachelor’s programs
$395 per credit hour
Mobile-Delivered SOAR™: Undergrad Programs
Flat Rate — Details Here
Undergraduate Online Student Services Fee
$500 per term

Graduate & Seminary

Ministry and Education
$515 per credit hour
Professional Counseling
$565 per credit hour
MBA
$610 per credit hour
Ed.D.
$745 per credit hour
Mobile-Delivered SOAR™: Graduate Programs
Flat Rate — Details Here
Graduate & Seminary Student Services Fee
$500 per term

Tuition, Net Price, and Financial Aid

At Cornerstone University, a private Christian college education is often more affordable than students expect, both on-campus and online. Published tuition reflects the standard rate. Net price reflects what students actually pay after scholarships and financial aid are applied — and for many students, that difference is significant.

  • As part of our affordability commitment, on-campus tuition was reset in 2024 and tuition remains “frozen” for two consecutive years.
  • 99.6% of first-time freshmen receive gift aid.
  • Our online tuition remains steady and highly affordable both regionally and nationally.
  • Our Student Financial Services team provides direct guidance on reviewing your aid offer and outlining next steps.

How Financial Aid Works

Financial aid at Cornerstone University includes opportunities for scholarships and grants (gift aid), loans, military education benefits, and payment options. Availability and eligibility vary by program and enrollment status. Let our team help you explore your affordability options.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

To be considered for federal, state, and institutional aid at Cornerstone University, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Cornerstone’s federal school code is 002266.

Quick steps to apply:

  1. Apply for Admission — Submit your application and deposit as required
  2. File the FAFSA — Use Cornerstone’s school code: 002266
  3. Apply for university grants & scholarships

Get detailed instructions and deadlines: Apply for Financial Aid

Personalized Financial Guidance

Financing college can feel complex across different program types. Our Student Financial Services team works directly with students to clarify costs, review aid options, and put together a realistic plan aligned with academic goals and long-term financial responsibility.

Contact Student Financial Services for questions.

Student Financial Services guidance for college financing

Tuition & Aid FAQs

How much does Cornerstone University tuition cost?

Tuition at Cornerstone University varies by program type. View current rates for on-campus undergraduate tuition, online programs, or graduate programs to see detailed costs. 99.6% of first-time freshman students receive scholarships and gift aid that reduce their estimated net cost.

What is net price?

Net price is the estimated amount you pay after scholarships, grants, and other financial aid are applied to published tuition and fees. It reflects what many students actually pay rather than the listed tuition rate. Your net cost depends on your program, enrollment status, and financial aid eligibility.

Does Cornerstone University offer financial aid?

Yes. Students who submit the FAFSA may qualify for scholarships and grants. Additionally, loans, military benefits, and payment options are available to help reduce the total cost of attendance. Financial aid eligibility varies by program and student status. Most students will qualify for some form of financial assistance.

How do I apply for aid?

Do I need to complete the FAFSA to receive financial aid?

Most students seeking federal, state, or institutional financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA allows Cornerstone to determine eligibility for grants, loans, and certain scholarships. Requirements may vary by program.

Is a private Christian college more expensive than a public university?

At Cornerstone University, published tuition reflects the value of a Christ-centered private education. However, most students receive scholarships and/or financial aid that significantly reduce their estimated net cost. For on-campus students, the final cost is often comparable to regional private and public universities. For online and graduate programs, tuition is structured to remain competitive and accessible for working professionals across the country. Comparing net price — not just published tuition — provides the most accurate measure of affordability.

How does Cornerstone University’s tuition compare to other Christian colleges in West Michigan?

Cornerstone University offers one of the most affordable tuition rates among Christian colleges in West Michigan, helping students receive a Christ-centered education and vibrant college experience without the higher cost often associated with private universities. And for many families, scholarships and financial aid make the actual cost significantly lower.

Are scholarships available for online and graduate programs?

Scholarships and financial aid options are available for online and graduate programs at Cornerstone University. Eligibility and award structures vary by program. Students should review program-specific tuition pages for detailed information. Explore our online bachelor’s degree scholarships. View the full range of graduate degree scholarships available.

What payment plan or loan options are available?

Cornerstone University offers payment plan and loan options that allow families to distribute tuition costs over time. These plans can help manage out-of-pocket expenses not covered by financial aid. Details are available through Student Financial Services.

2025-2026 Federal Cost of Attendance Components

Federal Cost of Attendance Components are required to be disclosed per federal regulation. These figures are used to calculate eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid. Some figures are averages and may not represent actual charges and costs. All figures assume enrollment for two semesters.

Tuition Full Time 3/4 Time 1/2 Time
Undergraduate Residential $22,000 $18,300 $10,980
Undergraduate Online $9,480 $7,110 $4,740
EdD $11,920 $5,960
MBA $8,540 $3,660
Graduate Counseling and Leadership $7,910 $3,390
Graduate Ministry and Education $7,210 $3,090
Books and Supplies Full Time 3/4 Time 1/2 Time
Undergraduate Residential $700 $500 $340
Undergraduate Online $1,300 $1,000 $700
Graduate Programs $940 $460
Student Services Fee Full Time 3/4 Time 1/2 Time
Undergraduate Residential $1,400 $1,400 $1,400
Undergraduate Online $1,000 $1,000 $1,000
Graduate Programs $1,000 $1,000 $1,000
Loan Fees (Est.) Full Time 3/4 Time 1/2 Time
Undergraduate Residential $130 $130 $130
Undergraduate Online $90 $90 $90
Graduate Programs $200 $200 $200
Food and Housing Full Time 3/4 Time 1/2 Time
Campus Apartment with dependents $8,600 $8,600 $8,600
Campus Apartment without dependents $8,600 $8,600 $8,600
Residence Hall $13,300 $13,300 $13,300
Off Campus $9,800 $9,800 $9,800
Living with Parents $2,900 $2,900 $2,900
In Military Housing or receiving BAH $2,900 $2,900 $2,900
Other $9,800 $9,800 $9,800
Other—All Students Full Time 3/4 Time 1/2 Time
Transportation (estimated) $600 $600 $600
Personal (estimated) $2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Other—Specific Programs Full Time 3/4 Time 1/2 Time
Teacher Ed Seniors – Certification expenses $257 $257 $257
Counseling Seniors – Licensing expenses $125 $125

Cornerstone University

Hours

MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed

Want To Learn More About CU?

Connect With CU