Heartland Forward Highlights Grand Rapids as a Rising
Talent Hub

A recent report from Heartland Forward, a nonpartisan think tank focused on advancing economic development and improving quality of life in the American Heartland, ranked Grand Rapids among the top emerging cities for talent migration and workforce development.

The report, titled Heartland of Talent: How Heartland Metros Are Winning the Battle for Talent, points to Grand Rapids’ growth in college-educated professionals, STEM fields, and job opportunities as key factors for this momentum.

The report found a continued exodus of top talent from financial and tech hubs on the East and West Coasts in favor of cities in middle America. Grand Rapids was highlighted alongside cities like Indianapolis and Austin as part of this trend.

Among the higher education institutions leading the way in Grand Rapids is Cornerstone University, which recently reported a nearly 10% increase in new degree-seeking students for Spring 2025 compared to the previous year and a 30% rise in deposits for incoming students in Fall 2025.

“Cornerstone is proud to be part of the forward momentum of Grand Rapids,” said Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, president of Cornerstone University. “We are committed to preparing highly skilled graduates who are ready to serve and lead in West Michigan. This report confirms the impact of our academic programs and our commitment to student success.”

Keeping Talent Close to Home

Cornerstone is attracting talent and keeping it nearby. In the university’s most recent graduating student survey, 81% of respondents who are employed reported working for a Michigan-based employer. One hundred percent of Cornerstone students complete an internship before graduation, and 98% of those internships take place in West Michigan, further strengthening the local talent pool and employer relationships.

“Living and studying in Grand Rapids is truly an asset for all area colleges,” said Heidi Cece, vice president for enrollment management at Cornerstone. “Students and parents love the region’s environment, quality of life and access to a strong employer base for internships and jobs.”

The Heartland Forward report notes a 6.1% increase in Grand Rapids’ ability to attract talent since 2019, driven by key sectors like biomedical sciences, professional and financial services, and scientific innovation, many of which are directly supported by Cornerstone’s academic offerings. The report also notes Grand Rapids’ biomedical complex, the Medical Mile, as well as a growth in STEM offerings throughout the area.

Business and Nursing Rank as Highest-Demand Programs

Cornerstone is also making investments in its high-demand academic programs. Since last year, the university has seen enrollment increases in:

• Business Administration (+109%).
• Nursing (+59%).
• Engineering (+55%).
• Elementary Education (+53%).
• Health Sciences (+44%).
• Ministry (+200%).

“The nursing and health sciences programs at Cornerstone are directly addressing the workforce needs of West Michigan,” said Dr. Misty Emmons, DNP, dean of the School of Health, Science & Technology and chief nursing administrator. “Our students are entering the field ready to serve with excellence, compassion, and clinical expertise. We are seeing strong interest from both students and local health care employers who value our commitment to hands-on education.”

Cornerstone University is an accredited non-denominational Christian university offering more than 65 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including Cornerstone Theological Seminary and Asia Biblical Theological Seminary.

Curious about why Cornerstone University was named one of America’s Best Colleges for 2025 by The Wall Street Journal? Discover all of the opportunities waiting for you at cornerstone.edu.

Published on April 28, 2025, in Crain’s Grand Rapids Business