Hillsdale College now holds the distinction of having the second-lowest acceptance rate in Michigan, trailing only the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, according to a recent report by the Detroit News.
The Collegian reported last semester that Hillsdale admitted 20.74% of applicants to its current freshman class. This rate has also been maintained for spring semester transfer students, as stated by Zachary Miller, the college’s senior director of admissions.
Overview: Hillsdale College
In 2023, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor reported an 18% acceptance rate, ranking it as the fifth-most competitive public university in the United States, based on federal data cited by the Detroit News. Historical data from the University of Michigan’s Office of Budgeting and Planning shows its acceptance rates were 26% in 2020, 20% in 2021, and 17.6% in 2022. However, the acceptance rate for transfer students was slightly higher at 23% in 2023.
Miller expressed confidence in the admissions team’s understanding of the competitive landscape in Michigan. He noted that Hillsdale is not aiming to expand enrollment but continues to admit a consistent number of students each year.
Admission Rate: Hillsdale College
“Our admission rate saw a sharp decline between 2020 and 2021 as applications surged,” Miller said. “In 2020, we admitted 36% of applicants, but by 2021, this figure dropped to 23%. Since then, our acceptance rate has consistently remained in the low 20s, ranging between 20% and 23%. Every student currently on campus is part of a class admitted under these rates.”
Miller attributes Hillsdale college’s growing popularity to its national reputation and its decision to continue in-person classes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our goal is to provide an excellent traditional liberal arts education aligned with the college’s mission,” Miller said. “Not many schools offer this while staying true to their principles, and I believe we’re among the best at doing so.”
Cameron Moore, a Visiting Assistant Professor of English and former lecturer in technical communications at the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering, highlighted the cultural differences between the two institutions.
“Both Hillsdale college and U-M attract excellent students, but their scales and cultures are vastly different,” Moore noted in an email. “U-M is a large research university, while Hillsdale College is a small liberal arts college. These differences shape the student experience in distinct ways.”
Moore explained that at U-M, he taught project-based engineering courses focused on technical communication, while at Hillsdale College, he now teaches Great Books courses.
“Comparing the two might be like comparing apples to oranges,” Moore said. “But in both cases, the goal is to guide students in solving problems, whether it’s about effectively communicating design choices or understanding why Dante chose Virgil as a guide.”
Hillsdale freshman Fara Newell said the college’s reputation and values made it her top choice.
“I appreciate that Hillsdale doesn’t accept state funding, giving it the independence and freedom I was looking for in a college,” Newell said.
Similarly, senior Abby Davis chose Hillsdale after attending Scholar’s Weekend, where she was impressed by the students she met.
“The students I met were very impressive, and I wanted to be like them,” Davis said. “Spending a weekend here made it real for me and helped me envision myself as part of this community.”
Miller also noted an increase in Hillsdale’s yield rate — the percentage of accepted students who choose to enroll.
“Before the 2021 class, our yield rates ranged from the low to mid-40% range. Starting in 2021, we saw an increase to 56%, peaking at 62%. Currently, our yield rates hover between the mid-50s and below 60%,” Miller explained.
Hillsdale College plans to maintain an enrollment of 380–400 students per year, which contributes to its selective admissions rate.
“The current campus size supports an excellent educational experience, and we aim to continue delivering that,” Miller said.
Moore said Hillsdale’s small size fosters stronger connections within the community.
“Here, I frequently see current and former students on campus, at lunch, or even while sitting on a bench. It’s easier to build and sustain relationships beyond the classroom,” Moore shared.
The admissions team evaluates applicants based on their academic profiles, involvement in their high school communities, and personal qualities, Miller said.
“We’re looking for students who are ready to meet the high standards Hillsdale sets. We evaluate how they respond to principles like honor, honesty, duty, and respect,” he explained.
Despite Hillsdale’s selectivity, Miller acknowledged the difficulty of turning away many excellent candidates.
“It’s a challenging part of the job. People see our selectivity and think it’s impressive, but saying no to great students is not easy,” Miller said.
Newell, who applied to several schools, said Hillsdale had the most competitive admission rate among her choices.
“I wasn’t entirely confident, but getting in was an incredible honor. It’s more rewarding knowing how selective the process was,” Newell said.
Hillsdale’s interview process allows applicants to bring their applications to life, according to Miller.
“It’s an opportunity for applicants to share their passions and explain important parts of their applications,” he said.
Newell recalled feeling nervous about her interview but described it as enjoyable and constructive.
“It didn’t feel like an interrogation; it was more of a meaningful conversation. I’ve heard the same from many other students,” Newell said.
Davis emphasized that the interview process helps Hillsdale maintain its unique student culture.
“The interview allows the admissions team to find students with drive and character. It’s a big part of what shapes the student body here,” she said.
While Miller is unsure how acceptance rates may evolve, he noted that application numbers have remained steady in recent years.
“We’re in a new phase with a consistent number of applications. There’s a good chance the number may increase in the future, but time will tell,” Miller said.
