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College comparison
Harvey Mudd 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 |  Harvey Mudd Claremont, CA |  Hillsdale College Hillsdale, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateHarvey Mudd College is more selective | 13% | 21% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1320–1490 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 921 | 1,573 |
| Avg net price | $35,924 | — |
| Median earnings (10 yr) | $138,687 | — |
| Graduation rate | 92% | 90% |
| Median debt | $25,000 | — |
| Economic mobility | 2.9% | — |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
| Location |
Harvey Mudd vs Hillsdale College: how they compare
Two highly selective, mission-driven liberal arts colleges with strong outcomes but fundamentally different educational philosophies.
By the numbers Harvey Mudd is the more selective (13% vs. 21% acceptance) and academically elite institution, with a far higher SAT 25–75 range (1500–1570 vs. 1320–1490). Its outcomes are exceptional: a 10-year median earnings figure of $139k and a future-scholar yield of 28.7 indicate strong STEM placement and PhD pursuit. Its value metric of 3.9× earnings per dollar of net price and economic-mobility rate (292%) are notable, supported by a DOE financial-health score of 3.0/3. Hillsdale's admit-rate volatility is significantly higher (134% vs. 63%), suggesting greater year-to-year fluctuations in selectivity. Both have high graduation rates (92% for Harvey Mudd, 90% for Hillsdale).
Where they overlap Both are small, residential colleges fostering intense, close-knit academic communities. They share a deep commitment to a core curriculum that defines the undergraduate experience and produces loyal, highly engaged alumni. Each college attracts students dedicated to a specific, rigorous intellectual path.
How they differ Culturally, they are opposites. Harvey Mudd, part of the Claremont Consortium, is a collaborative, project-focused hub for scientists and engineers known for its quirky, fun-loving student body, set in a suburban Southern California environment. Hillsdale, located in a classic college town in the Midwest, operates independently with a focus on traditional Western heritage and conservative principles, offering a broad liberal arts education without federal funding.
Who each suits Harvey Mudd is for the collaborative STEM student who thrives on hard problems, values a quirky and supportive peer group, and seeks strong access to engineering, tech, and graduate science outcomes. Hillsdale is for the intellectually serious, traditionally minded student seeking a rigorous classical liberal arts education within a principled conservative community, valuing ideological alignment and independence.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Harvey Mudd College or Hillsdale College harder to get into?
- Harvey Mudd College is more selective: Harvey Mudd College's acceptance rate is approximately 13% and Hillsdale College's is approximately 21% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Harvey Mudd College vs Hillsdale College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Harvey Mudd 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.