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 College is highly selective, typically enrolling around 387 students each year. Hillsdale College is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1360–1520, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Hillsdale College 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)

Build your free list to see where your scores land →

ACTScore range: 30 – 34

Build your free list to see where your scores land →

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.
Test Score Strategy
Since Hillsdale is test optional and places heavy weight on your academic and intellectual profile, withhold scores that fall below their middle range and let your transcript, essays, and extracurriculars carry your application instead.

Get a tailored strategy for Hillsdale College. Build your free list to unlock personalized advice on submitting test scores and discover your actual admission odds based on your student profile.

Build My Free List →

Personalize this page

Compare your profile to Hillsdale College's admitted class

SpearMatch builds a tiered college list from your actual grades, scores, and preferences — and shows where you stand at every college. Free, no account, 4 minutes.

Build My Free List →

✓ Free forever  ·  ✓ No account  ·  ✓ 1,300+ four-year US colleges

Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

85%
6-Year Graduation Rate
9:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
1,554
Undergrad Enrollment
Hillsdale College Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch