Hillsdale College vs. Macalester College

Comparable Facts

Compare Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan with Macalester College in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Macalester College is larger than Hillsdale College based on total student enrollment (2,138 students vs. 1,792 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hillsdale College is located in Hillsdale, Michigan (Distant Town setting); Macalester College is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Hillsdale College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Macalester College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hillsdale College 8:1; Macalester College 10:1.

Hillsdale College vs. Macalester College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hillsdale College or Macalester 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 Macalester College ($23,993 vs. $40,225).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hillsdale College are 13.7% lower than at Macalester College ($13,600 vs. $15,760).
• Macalester College is 105.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hillsdale College (about $34,915 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $33,189.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 105.2% higher at Macalester College than at Hillsdale College (about $34,915 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $33,189.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hillsdale College than at Macalester College (99% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Macalester College students is 75.8% larger than aid received by Hillsdale College students ($42,766 vs. $24,328).

Hillsdale College vs. Macalester College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hillsdale College or Macalester 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 Macalester College and Hillsdale College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Macalester College (1430) is 20 points higher than at Hillsdale College (1410).
• Incoming Macalester College 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: Hillsdale College 1320/1490; Macalester College 1350/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hillsdale College 30/33; Macalester College 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hillsdale College - Test optional; Macalester College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hillsdale College Mar 15, 2027; Macalester College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hillsdale College students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.93) than students at Macalester College (3.81).
• Macalester College has a higher acceptance rate (28.5%) than Hillsdale College (20.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 55.5% at Hillsdale College vs. 21.9% at Macalester College.

Hillsdale College vs. Macalester College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hillsdale College and Macalester 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.