Northwestern vs. Hillsdale College

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern University in Evanston, IL with Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwestern University is larger than Hillsdale College based on total student enrollment (23,856 students vs. 1,792 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL (Small City setting); Hillsdale College is in Hillsdale, Michigan (Distant Town setting).
• Northwestern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hillsdale College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern University 6:1; Hillsdale College 8:1.

Northwestern vs. Hillsdale College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern 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 Northwestern ($23,993 vs. $26,830).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hillsdale College are 35.6% lower than at Northwestern University ($13,600 vs. $21,126).
• Northwestern University is 105.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hillsdale College (about $35,133 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $33,189.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 105.9% higher at Northwestern than at Hillsdale College (about $35,133 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $33,189.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hillsdale College than at Northwestern University (99% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern University students is 164.8% larger than aid received by Hillsdale College students ($64,429 vs. $24,328).

Northwestern vs. Hillsdale College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwestern 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 Northwestern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwestern University (1540) is 130 points higher than at Hillsdale College (1410).
• Incoming Northwestern students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 31 at Hillsdale College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 1510/1570; Hillsdale College 1320/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 33/35; Hillsdale College 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern - Test optional; Hillsdale College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwestern Jan 1, 2027; Hillsdale College Mar 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hillsdale College students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.93) than students at Northwestern (3.92).
• Hillsdale College has a higher acceptance rate (20.7%) than Northwestern (7.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 55.3% at Northwestern vs. 55.5% at Hillsdale College.

Northwestern vs. Hillsdale College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern 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.