Hillsdale College vs Spring Arbor University

Hillsdale College is the more selective of the two at 21%, versus 52% at Spring Arbor University. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Hillsdale College
Highly selective
21%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1400
Private · Michigan
Spring Arbor University
Moderately selective
52%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1180
Private · Michigan

Hillsdale College vs Spring Arbor University: the differences that matter

How Hillsdale College and Spring Arbor University stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

Hillsdale College is meaningfully harder to get into, admitting about 21% of applicants versus 52% at Spring Arbor University, a gap of roughly 31 percentage points. Treat Hillsdale College as the bigger reach of the two when you build your list.

The two also read applications a little differently. Hillsdale College leans more on application essay, recommendations, interview, while Spring Arbor University puts more weight on standardized test scores. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, Hillsdale College's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1400 and Spring Arbor University's is around 1180. Admitted students at Hillsdale College post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorHillsdale CollegeSpring Arbor University
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Standardized test scoresconsideredimportant
Application essayvery importantconsidered
Recommendationsvery importantconsidered
Extracurricular activitiesimportantconsidered
Talent / abilityimportantconsidered
Character / personal qualitiesvery importantconsidered
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is Hillsdale College or Spring Arbor University harder to get into?

Hillsdale College is harder to get into, with a 21% acceptance rate versus 52% at Spring Arbor University.

What's the difference in SAT scores between Hillsdale College and Spring Arbor University?

Hillsdale College's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1400, and Spring Arbor University's is around 1180.

What are my chances at Hillsdale College and Spring Arbor University?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.