Hillsdale College vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan with Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Michigan University is larger than Hillsdale College based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 1,792 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hillsdale College is located in Hillsdale, Michigan (Distant Town setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Hillsdale College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hillsdale College 8:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

Hillsdale College vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hillsdale College or WMU? 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 Western Michigan University than Hillsdale College ($17,331 vs. $23,993).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Michigan University are 10.5% lower than at Hillsdale College ($12,174 vs. $13,600).
• Hillsdale College is 117.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $17,937 more per year; $33,189.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 74.4% higher at Hillsdale College than at Western Michigan University (about $14,155 more per year; $33,189.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hillsdale College than at Western Michigan University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hillsdale College students is 120.2% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($24,328 vs. $11,048).

Hillsdale College vs. WMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hillsdale College (1410) is 300 points higher than at WMU (1110).
• Incoming Hillsdale College students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 23 at WMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hillsdale College 1320/1490; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hillsdale College 30/33; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hillsdale College - Test optional; WMU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hillsdale College Mar 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hillsdale College students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.93) than students at WMU (3.5).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Hillsdale College (20.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 55.5% at Hillsdale College vs. 13.5% at WMU.

Hillsdale College vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hillsdale College and WMU? 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.