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Hope College

Holland, MI·Private nonprofit·3,274 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. strong 82% graduation rate; financial aid brings net price below sticker.

76%
Accept
3,274
Students
$25,749
Net Price
82%
Grad Rate
$50,700
Earnings
10 yr
$23,250
Debt

About This School

Hope College is a private nonprofit institution located in Holland, Michigan with approximately 3,274 undergraduate students enrolled. Hope College has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 76%. The average net price after financial aid is $25,749 per year. The graduation rate is 82%, and the typical graduate earns $50,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

Hope College is a private Christian liberal arts college in Holland, Michigan, United States. Dutch immigrants originally opened it in 1851 as the Pioneer School, four years after the community was first settled. The first freshman college class matriculated in 1862, and Hope received its state charter in 1866. Hope College is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America and retains a Christian atmosphere. Its 120-acre (49 ha) campus is adjacent to the downtown commercial district and has been shared with Western Theological Seminary since 1884. The Hope College campus is near the eastern shores of Lake Michigan and is 2.5 hours away from two major cities, Chicago and Detroit.

This is a strong option for students seeking a tight-knit liberal arts experience — a 90% freshman retention rate signals that students who enroll genuinely want to stay, and an 82% graduation rate shows most follow through. At $25,749/year after aid with a median debt of $23,250, the cost is manageable, though the $50,700 median earnings at 10 years is modest, so students eyeing higher-paying careers should think carefully about major and career planning. Worth considering if you value a close campus community in a charming mid-sized city and are realistic about the income trajectory that often comes with a smaller liberal arts degree.

Founded
1862
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing21%
Education10%
Psychology9%
Biological Sciences7%
Communications7%
Engineering7%
Health Professions6%
Social Sciences5%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Richard SmalleySufjan StevensPete HoekstraDave BratA. J. MusteRobert H. SchullerJohn MoolenaarKim ZimmerEmily HenrySamuel Marinus Zwemer

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1237
Reading 75th %ile660
Math 75th %ile650

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite28

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$40,420
Out-of-State Tuition
$40,420
Avg Net Price
$25,749
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants16%
Median debt at graduation$23,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
82%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
90%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$50,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$23,250
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$23,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$39,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$50,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.2x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White79%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino8%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,274 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Hope College

President's Office, 141 East 12th Street

Holland, MI 49423-9000

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Michigan

Browse all Michigan schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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