History of Cornerstone University

What began as an evening Bible seminar blossomed into Cornerstone University as we know it over the course of eight decades. Our commitment to thorough Biblical training for each student, well-rounded education, and uncompromising values began when 221 students enrolled in the Baptist Bible Institute of Grand Rapids. Here, laypersons could study and strive to become effective ministry leaders. What began as an evening Bible study became two- to three-year programs designed to cultivate these leaders further.

In 1963, the Bible Institute became a four-year Bible college and seminary. This included pre-seminary courses with 15- to 20-hour concentrations in the liberal arts. In 1964, Grand Rapids Baptist Bible College and Seminary moved to a 64-acre campus which has since expanded to 132 acres. In 1972, the college was approved by the State of Michigan as a degree-granting college of arts and sciences.

Over its rich history, Cornerstone has influenced students and graduates of all walks of life to be the light in a chaotic world. By doing so, we have cultivated generations of Christ followers who have laid foundations for churches, ministries, families and more. Not only that, but our graduates have reached the ends of the earth through their missions and careers.

A Global, Influential Christian University

Today, Cornerstone University is now reaching thousands of students worldwide through online degree programs, extending its rigorous campus-based Christian education beyond Grand Rapids, Michigan. Students and graduates in Michigan and beyond benefit from Cornerstone’s distinctive education and wide array of degrees, which incorporate an approach that advances a sophisticated Christian worldview to anchor the foundations of their unwaveringly Biblically grounded Christian education, as well as provide an academically and spiritually challenging experience that prepares them to boldly influence industry, ministry, and society for Jesus Christ.