Bates vs. Hillsdale College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bates College in Lewiston, ME with Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Hillsdale College is larger than Bates based on total student enrollment (1,792 students vs. 1,760 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bates College is located in Lewiston, ME (Small City setting); Hillsdale College is in Hillsdale, Michigan (Distant Town setting).
• Bates College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hillsdale College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bates College 9:1; Hillsdale College 8:1.

Bates vs. Hillsdale College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bates or Hillsdale College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Hillsdale College than Bates ($23,993 vs. $24,723).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hillsdale College are 27.6% lower than at Bates College ($13,600 vs. $18,780).
• Bates College is 100.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hillsdale College (about $33,401 more per year; $66,590.00 vs. $33,189.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 100.6% higher at Bates than at Hillsdale College (about $33,401 more per year; $66,590.00 vs. $33,189.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hillsdale College than at Bates College (99% vs. 40%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bates College students is 141.7% larger than aid received by Hillsdale College students ($58,809 vs. $24,328).

Bates vs. Hillsdale College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bates or Hillsdale College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Hillsdale College and Bates.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bates College (1480) is 70 points higher than at Hillsdale College (1410).
• Incoming Bates students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 31 at Hillsdale College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bates College 1420/1530; Hillsdale College 1320/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bates College 31/34; Hillsdale College 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bates - Test optional; Hillsdale College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bates Jan 1, 2027; Hillsdale College Mar 15, 2027.
• Hillsdale College has a higher acceptance rate (20.7%) than Bates (13.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.5% at Bates vs. 55.5% at Hillsdale College.

Bates vs. Hillsdale College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bates and Hillsdale College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.