Cornerstone University is an independent, non-denominational Christian liberal arts and professional studies institution teaching the trinitarian belief in the triune God and the literal interpretation of the Bible. It is located in 119 acres (0.48 km2) of grounds in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The university states that its mission is "to empower men and women to excel as influencers in our world for Christ by offering a student-focused learning community where Jesus Christ is central."

Cornerstone University has a traditional age undergraduate, adult, and graduate program, two seminaries (Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and Asia Baptist Theological Seminary based in Chiang Mai, Thailand) and a radio division called Cornerstone University Radio (WCSG, WAYG, WAYK, HisKids.net, Mission Network News). It offers programs in the humanities, sciences, business, religion, education, and fine arts. The school colors are navy and "old gold." The mascot is The Golden Eagles.

In the 1990s and early 2000s Cornerstone University expanded and transformed, changing its name, becoming a university, increasing enrollment, adding facilities and improving the campus, introducing an adult program including the MBA and a leadership development experience, adding an Honors Program and "Civitas" Core Curriculum, changing its mascot, colors, and logo, and winning a men's national basketball championship. From 2008 new staff are offered a contract of up to five years rather than tenure, although faculty members with tenure will maintain it.

Students are required to abide by a "Lifestyle Statement" intended to reflect trinitarianism and the literal interpretation of the Bible. The university offers 60 academic programs in the arts, sciences, humanities, Bible, teacher education, computers and business and journalism.

Cornerstone University is nationally accredited by both the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada and the National Association of Schools of Music. In sports, it is a member of the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Cornerstone's social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

As of 2006[update] Cornerstone had an enrollment of 1,400 undergraduate students, and 2,750 total students including professional and graduate studies and both seminaries. The 2008–2009 cost for an incoming student, taking 12–17 credit hours per semester and living on campus at Cornerstone University is $26,030 — $19,190 for tuition and fees (includes laptop computer); $6,500 for room and board; and $340 for technical fees.