Grinnell vs. Hillsdale College

Comparable Facts

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

Hillsdale College is larger than Grinnell based on total student enrollment (1,792 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grinnell College is located in Grinnell, IA (Remote Town setting); Hillsdale College is in Hillsdale, Michigan (Distant Town setting).
• Grinnell College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hillsdale College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grinnell College 9:1; Hillsdale College 8:1.

Grinnell vs. Hillsdale College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Grinnell 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 Grinnell ($23,993 vs. $34,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hillsdale College are 19.2% lower than at Grinnell College ($13,600 vs. $16,842).
• Grinnell College is 105.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hillsdale College (about $34,917 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $33,189.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 105.2% higher at Grinnell than at Hillsdale College (about $34,917 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $33,189.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hillsdale College than at Grinnell College (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grinnell College students is 101.7% larger than aid received by Hillsdale College students ($49,077 vs. $24,328).

Grinnell vs. Hillsdale College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Grinnell 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 Grinnell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grinnell College (1480) is 70 points higher than at Hillsdale College (1410).
• Incoming Grinnell 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: Grinnell College 1410/1540; Hillsdale College 1320/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 31/34; Hillsdale College 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Grinnell - Test optional; Hillsdale College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Grinnell Jan 15, 2027; Hillsdale College Mar 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hillsdale College students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.93) than students at Grinnell (3.89).
• Hillsdale College has a higher acceptance rate (20.7%) than Grinnell (14.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.9% at Grinnell vs. 55.5% at Hillsdale College.

Grinnell vs. Hillsdale College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Grinnell 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.