Hillsdale College vs Spring Arbor University
Hillsdale College is very selective with a 20.6% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Spring Arbor University (37.3%).
Admissions & Outcomes
Hillsdale College has a higher yield rate (61.8%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Hillsdale College has a higher median SAT (1425 vs 1060).
Hillsdale, MI
Spring Arbor, MI
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Spring Arbor University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$72,790
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations$53,358
- 3 Accounting and Related Services$46,673
- 4 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas$37,424
- 5 Special Education and Teaching$36,848
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Hillsdale College
- 1 English Language and Literature, General
- 2 Economics
- 3 History
- 4 Political Science and Government
- 5 Biology, General
Spring Arbor University
- 1 Social Work
- 2 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 3 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 5 Business Administration, Management and Operations
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Hillsdale College
- International studentsN/A
- Tuition (international)$28,170
- Est. total cost/year$41,392
- School typePublic
Spring Arbor University
- International students2%
- Tuition (international)$29,872
- Est. total cost/year$40,928
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Hillsdale College or Spring Arbor University?
Hillsdale College is more selective with a 20.6% acceptance rate, compared to 37.3%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
What is the graduation rate at Hillsdale College vs Spring Arbor University?
Hillsdale College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 84.8%, compared to 61.4%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Hillsdale College or Spring Arbor University?
Spring Arbor University has a larger international student population at 2% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Hillsdale College and Spring Arbor University?
At Spring Arbor University, the top-earning major is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $72,790. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.