Fri Jan 17 00:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Hillsdale College’s Acceptance Rate Rivals University of Michigan’s

**Hillsdale, MI** – Hillsdale College has emerged as the second most selective college in Michigan, trailing only the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, according to recent reports. With a 20.74% acceptance rate for the current freshman class, Hillsdale’s selectivity reflects a sharp rise in applications and a sustained commitment to maintaining its current enrollment size.

The University of Michigan, a much larger public institution, reported an 18% acceptance rate in 2023, ranking it fifth among the nation’s most competitive public universities. While U of M’s acceptance rate has fluctuated in recent years (26% in 2020, 20% in 2021, 17.6% in 2022), its transfer acceptance rate was 23% in 2023. Hillsdale’s acceptance rate plummeted from 36% in 2020 to 23% in 2021, before settling in the low 20% range.

Zachary Miller, Hillsdale’s senior director of admissions, attributes the college’s increased popularity to its in-person approach during the COVID-19 pandemic and its growing national reputation. He emphasized the college’s commitment to traditional liberal arts education and its adherence to core principles. The college aims to maintain its current enrollment of 380-400 students per year.

While both institutions boast high-achieving students, former University of Michigan lecturer and current Hillsdale professor Cameron Moore highlights the difference in scale and culture between the large research university and the smaller liberal arts college.

Hillsdale’s rising selectivity is also reflected in its increased yield rate – the percentage of accepted students who enroll. This has risen from the low-to-mid 40% range five years ago to a peak of 62% in recent years.

Hillsdale’s admissions process emphasizes personalized attention, with ten counselors conducting nationwide interviews. Students like freshman Fara Newell and senior Abby Davis highlight the rigorous yet welcoming nature of the admissions process and the strong sense of community at Hillsdale. Despite the challenges of rejecting many qualified applicants, Miller affirms that the college prioritizes students who align with its values and high standards. The future of Hillsdale’s acceptance rate remains uncertain, although current application numbers suggest sustained demand.

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