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College comparison
Babson vs Hillsdale College
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Babson Wellesley, MA |  Hillsdale College Hillsdale, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateBabson College is more selective | 17% | 21% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1390–1530 | 1320–1490 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 2,728 | 1,573 |
| Avg net price | $40,514 | — |
| Median earnings (10 yr) | $123,938 | — |
| Graduation rate | 93% | 90% |
| Median debt | $20,000 | — |
| Economic mobility | 2.8% | — |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
| Location |
Babson vs Hillsdale College: how they compare
Two highly selective, distinctive liberal arts colleges with strong cultures and outcomes, one focused on entrepreneurship and the other on classical education.
By the numbers Babson is slightly more selective (17% vs. 21% acceptance) with a higher middle-50% SAT range (1390–1530 vs. 1320–1490). Its 10-year median earnings are $124k, with an average net price of $41k, yielding a high value metric of 3.1× earnings per dollar of net price and an exceptional economic-mobility rate of 280%. Its financial health is robust (DOE score 3.0/3), with a 93% graduation rate. Hillsdale's graduation rate is also strong at 90%, but its admit-rate volatility is significantly higher (134% vs. Babson's 42%), indicating less predictable year-to-year selectivity.
Where they overlap Both are small, fully residential liberal arts colleges that foster tight-knit and engaged campus communities. They share high graduation rates and attract academically serious students seeking a focused, immersive undergraduate experience. Each college's culture is a primary draw, creating a sense of shared purpose and belonging.
How they differ The core divergence is mission and curriculum. Babson is focused on entrepreneurship and business education, embedded near Boston and fostering a pragmatic, network-driven culture. Hillsdale is dedicated to a classical liberal arts education grounded in a specific philosophical tradition. Babson's suburban setting offers proximity to a major metro, while Hillsdale offers a traditional college-town environment.
Who each suits Babson suits the aspiring entrepreneur or business builder who wants a practical, globally-oriented education with a direct path to high earnings and values a close-knit, driven community near a city. Hillsdale is for the student committed to a classical liberal arts curriculum within a principled, close community, prioritizing a specific educational philosophy over metropolitan access or a business-specific focus.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Babson College or Hillsdale College harder to get into?
- Babson College is more selective: Babson College's acceptance rate is approximately 17% and Hillsdale College's is approximately 21% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Babson College vs Hillsdale College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1390–1530 at Babson College and 1320–1490 at Hillsdale College. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.