Hope College vs. Lake Superior State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Hope College in Holland, MI with Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste Marie, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Hope College is larger than Lake Superior State University based on total student enrollment (3,395 students vs. 1,567 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hope College is located in Holland, MI (Small City setting); Lake Superior State University is in Sault Ste Marie, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Hope College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lake Superior State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hope College 9:1; Lake Superior State University 13:1.

Hope College vs. Lake Superior State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hope College or Lake Superior State University? 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 Lake Superior State University than Hope College ($12,339 vs. $30,700).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lake Superior State University are 11.5% lower than at Hope College ($11,459 vs. $12,950).
• Hope College is 181.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lake Superior State University (about $27,080 more per year; $41,970.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 181.9% higher at Hope College than at Lake Superior State University (about $27,080 more per year; $41,970.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hope College than at Lake Superior State University (97% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hope College students is 70.5% larger than aid received by Lake Superior State University students ($24,945 vs. $14,632).

Hope College vs. Lake Superior State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hope College or Lake Superior State University? 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 Lake Superior State University and Hope College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hope College (1220) is 110 points higher than at Lake Superior State University (1110).
• Incoming Hope College students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 22 at Lake Superior State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hope College 1100/1340; Lake Superior State University 1000/1225.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hope College 25/31; Lake Superior State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hope College - Test optional; Lake Superior State University - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman Hope College students have a 0.63 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Lake Superior State University (3.2).

Hope College vs. Lake Superior State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hope College and Lake Superior State University? 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).

• Hope College's six-year graduation rate (79%) is higher than Lake Superior State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Hope College earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than Lake Superior State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,500 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Hope College graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hope College graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Hope College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lake Superior State University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 57%)

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.