Campus Vibe
Highly selective — known for biology
Hillsdale College is a private institution in Hillsdale with particular strength in biology and business. With an average SAT of 1433, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.
A small campus of 1.6K undergraduates with a 8:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
85% of students graduate within four years.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Hillsdale College Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1433
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
100.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
9
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (32)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
96%
- •96% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •Its first president was Daniel McBride Graham, who held the office from 1844 to 1848.
- •Edmund Burke Fairfield assumed the school's presidency in 1848, and in 1850, the college was chartered to confer degrees.
- •Outgrowing its space by 1853, the school moved to Hillsdale, Michigan, in part to have access to the railroad that served the city.
- •Construction was completed and the school reopened as Hillsdale College in 1855.
- •Fairfield led Hillsdale for 25 years, from 1848 to 1869.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average