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About

About Hillsdale College

classical liberal artsfederally independentconservative missiongreat books curriculum

Hillsdale College is a private liberal arts college in Hillsdale, MI, known for its classical liberal arts, federally independent, and conservative mission. With an acceptance rate of 21%, Hillsdale is highly selective, typically enrolling around 387 students each year. Hillsdale is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1360–1520, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Hillsdale has a sticker price of around $45,382; actual cost varies significantly by family income and aid eligibility.

Admissions

Hillsdale College acceptance rate and admitted student profile

highly selective

21%
Overall Accept Rate
1440
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1360 – 1520 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 30 – 34

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Hillsdale College

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Hillsdale's application essays are where admissions officers look for genuine engagement with Western civilization, the American founding, and classical liberal arts. Reference specific thinkers, texts, or ideas that have shaped your thinking rather than speaking in vague terms about loving learning.
Extracurriculars
Hillsdale looks for students who pursue ideas outside the classroom. Highlight activities like debate, Socratic discussion groups, classical language study, writing for a publication, or leadership in civic or faith-based organizations because these align directly with the college's character and mission.

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

85%
6-Year Graduation Rate
9:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
1,554
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

100%Unknown / Unreported
Gender49% Men · 51% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status100% Citizens and Immigrants · 0% International
Hillsdale, Hillsdale Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch