Hillsdale College
Hillsdale, Michigan · Private
Hillsdale College admitted 21% of 2,773 applicants (IPEDS, fall 2023). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1340–1510 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 85% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Hillsdale College
Enter a score to see whether Hillsdale College is a reach, target or likely school for you.
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A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Hillsdale College’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- November 1, 2026
- Regular decision
- March 15, 2027
The application is free. Hillsdale College asks for the Common App personal essay. For financial aid it uses the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Hillsdale College’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $48,472 a year. After grants, students paid $26,030 on average.
Quick answers
What is Hillsdale College’s acceptance rate?
Hillsdale College admitted 21% of applicants: 571 of 2,773 (IPEDS, fall 2023).
When is Hillsdale College’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due November 1, 2026 and regular decision is due March 15, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for Hillsdale College?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1340 to 1510, with a median around 1425. A score at or above 1425 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Hillsdale College’s application fee?
The application is free for 2026–27.
What does Hillsdale College require?
Besides the application and transcript, Hillsdale College asks for the Common App personal essay.
Does Hillsdale College have supplemental essays?
Yes. For 2026–27, Hillsdale College asks 3 questions of its own on top of the main essay (three short answers, up to 250 words each). Its supplemental essays page lists each one word for word with the word limit.
Can you use AI on Hillsdale College’s essays?
Hillsdale says AI tools may not be used in your answers to these questions.
Does Hillsdale College require the CSS Profile?
Yes. Hillsdale College uses the CSS Profile for financial aid, along with the FAFSA, and it may ask a noncustodial parent to fill one out too.
Not sure which colleges fit?
A Clarity Prep mentor builds a balanced list with your student and checks in every week until it’s done.
Writing your essays? See Hillsdale College’s supplemental essays and its rule on AI.