Hillsdale College Admission Requirements
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- 4 Year
- Hillsdale, Michigan
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Hillsdale College Admission Overview
Hillsdale College admission requirements are very highly competitive, with one of the lowest admission rates in Michigan. Last year Hillsdale College admitted 20.7% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.93 GPA (A) and SAT 1320-1490 / ACT 30-33. Hillsdale College is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Hillsdale College is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT or ACT.
Hillsdale College Acceptance Rate
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance rate Share of applicants offered admission last year.
Admission Standards Measure of enrolled testers' SAT/ACT scores vs. other colleges.
Applicant Competition Measure of this school's acceptance rate vs. other colleges. A low acceptance rate indicates high competition.
Very High
Admission difficulty for Hillsdale College
Acceptance Rate
The Hillsdale College acceptance rate is 20.7%. Last year, only 659 of 3,181 applicants were admitted. That is the 2nd lowest acceptance rate in Michigan and the 75th lowest in the nation.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into Hillsdale College and can you get accepted?
Hillsdale College is a very highly competitive school to get into, admitting fewer than one in four applicants. You have a low chance of acceptance even if you meet last year's profile.
Hillsdale College typically attracts "A" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.93. Of those admitted, 56% enrolled. That suggests Hillsdale College is a top choice for many students who are offered a place.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Hillsdale College GPA
GPA of enrolled freshmen
Avg. High School GPA The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen on a 4.0 scale.
3.93Typical High School Grades Letter grade on a 4.0 scale for last year's average, not a cutoff.
AAverage GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.93
Average GPA
Enrolled freshmen at Hillsdale College typically have around a 3.93 GPA (A) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have exceptionally good grades. Matching last year's 3.93 average does not by itself determine admission. Hillsdale College is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.
65% of enrolled freshmen had a 4.0. The school ranks #1 in Michigan for highest average GPA.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.9 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024
Hillsdale College SAT Scores
SAT scores of enrolled freshmen
SAT Range The middle 50% of enrolled testers who sent SAT. The maximum score is 1600.
1320-1490Freshmen who sent SAT Share of enrolled freshmen who submitted SAT scores. This is enrolled testers, not all applicants.
32%25th Percentile Scores
- Reading 680
- Math 640
- Composite 1320
75th Percentile Scores
- Reading 750
- Math 740
- Composite 1490
Average SAT
Enrolled testers at Hillsdale College typically score around a 1410 SAT (middle 50% 1320–1490) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 96th percentile nationally. Hillsdale College ranks #2 in the state of Michigan and #97 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.
SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 1320 to 1490
Matching last year's 1320–1490 range does not by itself determine admission.
SAT policy
Hillsdale College is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.
View other colleges which accept students in the 1410 SAT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Hillsdale College ACT Scores
ACT scores among enrolled freshmen
ACT Range Mid-50 ACT composite among enrolled testers who sent ACT. The scale tops out at 36.
30-33Freshmen reporting ACT Percent of enrolled freshmen who reported ACT. Counts enrolled testers, not the full applicant pool.
34%25th Percentile Scores
- English 31
- Math 26
- Composite 30
75th Percentile Scores
- English 35
- Math 31
- Composite 33
Average ACT
Incoming testers at Hillsdale College typically have around a 31 ACT (mid-50 30–33) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 95th percentile of ACT takers nationwide. Hillsdale College places #2 among colleges in Michigan and #101 nationwide for highest average ACT composite.
ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 30 to 33
Landing in last year's 30–33 band does not, on its own, decide admission.
ACT policy
You may apply to Hillsdale College without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.
See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 31.0 ACT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Estimate How You Compare
See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.
Open the Hillsdale College chances calculatorApplying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Hillsdale College and what student information is used for admission decisions?
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Fall 2027 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Mar 15, 2027Days left to Apply
196Applicants have 196 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on Mar 15, 2027.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Hillsdale College is $0. The school is free to apply to.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Credits Accepted
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Admission summary
Hillsdale College is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 20.7% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.93 GPA (about an A average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (1320-1490); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=170286.
GPA calculator: Hillsdale College GPA calculator.
Last updated: August 2026