Enrollment: 1326
Average SAT: 620
Average ACT: 28
Most Popular Majors: Biology/Biological Sciences, General,Business Administration and Management, General,Education, General,
Regular Application Deadline: 02/15
Student Faculty Ratio: 10:1

Undergraduate Receiving Need-Based Financial Aid: 14
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid: $6,200.00

2009 Best Value Colleges – Private
Alternative Lifestyles Not an Alternative
Don't Inhale
Future Rotarians and Daughters of the American Revolution

School Says - General Information
Hillsdale College has remained private, non-sectarian, coeducational and focused on the traditional liberal arts since its founding in 1844. Hillsdale has preserved its unalloyed dedication to the Judeo-Christian and Greco-Roman tradition by remaining independent of any state or federal funding. Widespread private support from a national leadership audience provides for competitive financial aid and scholarship programs as well as numerous faculty chairs and state-of-the-art facilities. The small undergraduate population of 1,300 is roughly half women and half men. Students arrive from 48 states and 10 countries other than the U.S., though just over a third of attendees are Michigan residents. The class of 2007 entered Hillsdale with an average high school GPA of 3.72 along with strong SAT or ACT scores falling near the 90th percentile nationwide. High student satisfaction levels are shown in the fact that 90 percent of the freshman class returns for their second year. Most students (70 percent) complete their degree in four years, and 74 percent are finished after five years. Students live in single-sex dormitories staffed by a resident director and upperclassmen. All first-year students who are not commuting must live on campus. Students may choose from 33 different majors, culminating in either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. Study abroad programs in England, France, Spain, and Germany are available and encouraged. Representative campus activities include NCAA Division II athletics, intramurals, Greek life, theater and music groups, student publications (including a weekly newspaper, yearbook, and literary magazine) and student government. Convinced that it is the best preparation for meeting the challenges of modern life, Hillsdale maintains its defense of the traditional liberal arts curriculum. The College's refusal to accept state or federal funding allows for the preservation of an authentic liberal arts education that is dedicated to stimulating students' intellectual curiosity, to encouraging the critical, well-disciplined mind, and to fostering personal growth through academic challenge and civic responsibility.

School Says - Student Body
Hillsdale College fields teams in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference of the NCAA's Division II. Men participate in baseball, basketball, cross- country, football and indoor and outdoor track. The women compete in basketball, cross-country, softball, swimming, indoor and outdoor track, and volleyball. Hillsdale College is proud of the academic awards granted to many of the school's student-athletes. Aside from varsity competition, students organize intramural leagues and club sports, including hockey, soccer, basketball, football, ultimate frisbee and skiing. Students get involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, joining organizations such as fraternities, sororities, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, College Republicans, Catholic Society and Charis. Other clubs and groups focus on community service, academics, philanthropy or social activities. Students interested in the performing arts can join the drama troupe, dance ensemble, jazz band, pep band, wind ensemble, concert choir, chorale, and or the College-Community orchestra. Debate and forensics teams are also popular. Eighteen students are elected by their peers to serve on the Student Federation, which makes decisions on behalf of the student body. The Student Federation allocates funds, organizes events, and responds to student needs and opinions. Additional social events are thrown each month by the Activities Board. The Men's Council and Women's Council work with the administration to function as legislative and judicial bodies. Participation in these organizations allows students to hone their leadership skills, which are applicable at Hillsdale and in the work force.

School Says - Academics
The academic year runs on two semesters, one from late August to mid-December and the other from mid-January to mid-May. Students may also attend two different three-week sessions during the summer. All students complete core requirements in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, ensuring a well-rounded education. First-year students will complete a year of History, English and science as well as a semester studying the U.S. Constitution. Majors must be selected by the end of students' second year. A minimum of 124 credits are necessary for graduation. These credits must include the course requirements for a particular major. The BA course of study focuses on language skills, foreign language proficiency, literature, the arts, and social sciences. Students working on their BS concentrate on math, natural science, and social science. Top students may enroll in the Honors Program. During their first two years, they work together in honors classes; in their junior and senior years, participants undertake advanced colloquia. During their four years at Hillsdale, students are also required to attend two week-long seminars run by the Center for Constructive Alternatives (CCA). Guest speakers facilitate the seminars, addressing topics as diverse as politics, religion, or culture. The goal is to connect classroom learning with real-world applications and issues. Students can choose from four seminars offered each year.

School Says - Admissions
The admissions committee looks for students who are prepared to get the most out of college life and share their talents with the Hillsdale community. Successful applicants demonstrate intellectual curiosity, motivation, and social awareness. Students should present strong grades, test scores, class rank, extracurricular invlovement, leadership experience and volunteerism. Other factors include strength of curriculum, interviews, application essay, and recommendations from high school counselors or teachers. Admissions decisions are based on a combination of all of these criteria. Transfer students need to send in the following materials: the application form, high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, transcripts from all previously attended colleges, and a transfer form from the dean of students of the last college attended. Hillsdale offers three application plans. The Early Decision deadline is 11/15 with notification 12/01. The Early Action deadline is 01/01 with a 01/25 notification and the Regular Decision deadline is 02/15 with a 04/01 notification. Applicants can submit their application free on-line or via paper with a $35 application fee. Two academic letters of recommendation, ACT/SAT scores, a high school transcript and two essay questions are required to complete the application. Hillsdale College has adhered to its non-discriminatory admissions policy - "to furnish all persons who wish, irrespective of nation, color, or sex, a literary and scientific education" - since long before the government passed non-discrimination laws. To make a request or submit records or forms, please use the following contact information: Office of Admissions Hillsdale College 33 E. College Street Hillsdale, MI 49242-1298 Telephone: 517-607-2327 Fax: 517-607-2223 Email: admissions@hillsdale.edu Web: www.hillsdale.edu

School Says - Campus Life
Hillsdale College, set amid the idyllic setting of south-central Michigan, is conveniently reached by the Ohio or Indiana Turnpikes. The College's hometown of Hillsdale is a county seat and home to 10,000 people and plenty of businesses, churches, and places to eat. Students can easily travel to cities including Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, Toledo, and Indianapolis. Hillsdale's location offers the beauty and experience of all four seasons.

School Says - Cost Aid
For the 2007-2008 academic year, tuition costs $18,600. An additional $3,740 is paid for room and $3,600 for board. Student fees total $490.Hillsdale does not participate in state or federal financial aid programs. Nonetheless, institutional aid is available. Merit-based academic scholarships typically go to students from the top 10 percent of their high school class who also earn standardized test scores in the top 8 percent nationally. There is not a separate scholarship application so students must complete their admission application by January 1st. Top student-athletes receive athletic scholarships. Fine arts scholarships are also available. Students seeking need-based aid must submit the Confidential Family Financial Statement (CFFS) which is available on HillsdaleÂ's website. Students may also compete for grants sponsored by Hillsdale. Work-study programs may also be arranged.

Students Say - Academics
"Tiny" Hillsdale College "provides a classic liberal arts education" "grounded in the great traditions of Western civilization." Students spend their time "reading dead guys," grappling with "timeless ideas," and "constantly fighting change." A "strong core curriculum" includes the standard liberal arts and sciences requirements as well as mandatory courses on the Constitution, Western civilization, and the "great books" (stuff like The Odyssey and Dante's Inferno). "Writing skills are heavily addressed" and "academics are very rigorous." There is "no grade inflation" whatsoever, cautions a Spanish major. "Here, the 'C' reigns." While professors "demand a lot," "lectures are engaging" and most students have nothing but praise for the academic experience. The faculty is reportedly full of "profoundly enlightening, deep thinkers" who are "always available" outside of class. The administration is "well organized" despite "periodic quirks." The single biggest complaint on this campus involves the "awkward" and "archaic" way in which students sign up for classes. "Hillsdale students are begging for an easier and more efficient registration process." Many rules are severe, too. Management has "no qualms about keeping a close eye on the students." Also, you should be aware that "Hillsdale refuses to accept government money." Every scholarship and financial aid dime is privately funded. Don't worry, though, the average aid package is more than $12,000.

Students Say - Campus Life
Hillsdale's "rural" and "boring" location "almost makes it seem like a secret intellectual getaway," but mostly there's a lot to be desired. Consequently, the "beautiful" campus here "is the hub of social life." Residence halls are "spacious" but there are no co-ed dorms and visitation hours are "strict." During the week, students "don't have copious amounts of free time." "Virtually everyone is studying like mad." Nevertheless, students are "involved in many organizations." "The Greek system is strong." Religious groups are "prominent" as well. Varsity athletics "don't get much support" but "intramural sports are always popular." There are "frequent" concerts and recitals. There's "sledding" and "organized snowball fights." "Everyone loves ideas and good debate" and everything from theology and philosophy to sports and popular culture is fair game. "It is not uncommon to walk to the bathroom, only to get sucked into a three-hour debate on the political ramifications of World War II with someone you have barely ever spoken to," swears a sophomore. "We are not one of those evangelical schools that forbids alcohol," declares a junior. "Kegs and drinking games" are occasionally available. Smaller get-togethers "where people have a few drinks" are more common. For road trips, student often head about 70 miles northeast to the "real college town" of Ann Arbor.

Students Say - Student Body
"Hillsdale prides itself on being one of the first colleges to openly accept anyone irrespective of nation, color, or sex." All the same, the population here is almost entirely composed of "white, upper-middle-class" students. "There certainly isn't a lot of ethnic diversity." There are "leftish students" and plenty of people who don't go to church. "There's a good libertarian crowd," too. However, Christianity and right-wing politics dominate. "The typical student is religious and conservative," relates a sophomore. "That's the nature of the college." Students describe themselves as "ambitious" and "clean cut." They are "very sweet, very friendly, and good people" who "love learning and willingly participate in intellectual discussions." There's a large contingent of "homeschooled" students and there are definitely "Bible-beating people." You'll find the "little Christian ray of sunshine who studies all the time and goes to bed early." "It's not uncommon to see a long-skirted female posse longing for a beau to court them ˆ la chivalry love," observes a senior. Greeks, athletes, and thespians people constitute the other main cliques. "Overall, people get along and mesh well" but "there tends to be a large rift between the group of overly conservative students and the group consisting of the partying athletes and fraternity and sorority members."

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