Hillsdale College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Hillsdale College
Unusual among colleges, Hillsdale is known for declining federal and state funds, a choice that shapes a culture of independence and personal responsibility. Academically it leans into the liberal arts with a strong core across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, plus serious attention to writing and argument. Small, discussion-heavy classes and accessible faculty set a supportive but exacting tone. Students tap well-equipped labs, a quiet library, arts studios and performance spaces, a chapel, fitness facilities, and services like tutoring, advising, and counseling.
Student life feels active and grounded, with campus publications, debate and forum-style discussions, music and theater, service clubs, and plenty of intramurals and outdoor time once the weather cooperates. A long-running lecture tradition brings big conversations to town, and the honor code has real weight day to day. Career prep centers on close mentoring, internships, and a network that reaches into law, policy, business, education, and the arts. The surrounding town is small and friendly, with coffee shops, parks, and community groups where students find part-time work and ways to pitch in.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Hillsdale College offers 34 degree programs across 15 major academic fields, graduating approximately 442 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Social Sciences (3 programs, 104 graduates), Business (4 programs, 51 graduates), History (1 programs, 51 graduates), Mathematics (2 programs, 39 graduates) and Biological Sciences (2 programs, 37 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Social Sciences (3 programs, 104 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government | 54 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
45.1001 |
| Economics | 41 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0601 |
| Political Economy | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1004 |
Business (4 programs, 51 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finance, General | 32 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0801 |
| Accounting | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0301 |
| Marketing Management | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1401 |
| International Business and Trade | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1101 |
History (1 programs, 51 graduates)
Historical Studies, Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History | 51 |
|
Bachelor's
|
54.0101 |
Mathematics (2 programs, 39 graduates)
Mathematical Sciences, Statistics and Computational Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Mathematics | 31 |
|
Bachelor's
|
27.0301 |
| Mathematics | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
27.0101 |
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 37 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 25 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Biochemistry | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0202 |
English (1 programs, 34 graduates)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature | 34 |
|
Bachelor's
|
23.0101 |
Philosophy (3 programs, 23 graduates)
Philosophical Studies, Ethics and Religious Thought
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
38.0101 |
| Religious Studies | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
38.0201 |
| Philosophy and Religious Studies | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
38.0001 |
Kinesiology (4 programs, 21 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0505 |
| Sport and Fitness Management | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0504 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0501 |
| Sports Studies | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0508 |
Languages (5 programs, 20 graduates)
Foreign Languages, Literature and Linguistic Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French Language and Literature | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0901 |
| Spanish Language and Literature | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0905 |
| Latin Language and Literature | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.1203 |
| German Language and Literature | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0501 |
| Classics and Classical Languages | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.1200 |
Arts (3 programs, 20 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art Studies | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0701 |
| Theatre Arts | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0501 |
| Music | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Hillsdale College.
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Hillsdale College
How much does it cost to attend Hillsdale College?
The annual tuition at Hillsdale College is $32,092 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $48,472 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $13,180 and books and supplies $1,200.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Hillsdale College offer?
Hillsdale College offers 34 academic programs across 15 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate (Research).
Most popular program areas include:
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (3 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (4 programs)
- Historical Studies, Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Research (1 programs)
- Mathematical Sciences, Statistics and Computational Analysis (2 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Hillsdale College?
Hillsdale College has an 20.6% acceptance rate and a 61.8% yield rate, making it highly selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 2,773
- Students admitted: 571
- Students enrolled: 353
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Hillsdale College?
Hillsdale College provides financial aid to 24% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $20,505 and average loans of $11,258.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Institutional grants: $20,505
The university supports 373 students with grants and 127 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
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