Hilbert College: 95.5% Acceptance Rate

95.5%Acceptance

$32,150Tuition

922Students

47%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$48,309Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Hilbert College

Hilbert College has built a strong reputation in criminal justice and forensic science programs that attract students from across New York and beyond. With 922 students on its suburban Hamburg campus, the college offers the personalized attention of a small liberal arts environment. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio reflects this close-knit academic community where professors know their students by name.

The financial picture shows both promise and challenge for prospective students. The average net price of $22,100 makes Hilbert more affordable than its $32,150 sticker price suggests. Graduates earn a median of $48,309 ten years after graduation, while typical student loan debt sits at $24,750. However, the 47% six-year graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degrees, which can limit earning potential.

Campus life centers around the Hawks' 18 NCAA Division III sports teams, with 286 student-athletes representing nearly a third of the student body. The 63% retention rate suggests some students struggle to adjust or find their fit. Nearly 92% of students come from New York, creating a regional community feel but limited geographic diversity. The 95.49% acceptance rate means Hilbert welcomes most applicants who apply.

Academics & Faculty

Hilbert College built its reputation around criminal justice and forensic science programs that attract students interested in law enforcement careers. The private liberal arts college maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention in specialized coursework. However, only 52% of students graduate within four years, suggesting the demanding nature of these professional programs. The college's Catholic Franciscan foundation emphasizes service-oriented learning that complements its career-focused majors. Students benefit from hands-on laboratory work in forensic science and internship opportunities with local law enforcement agencies. The small size of 922 students creates tight-knit academic communities where professors know students individually and can provide targeted career guidance.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 37.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 51.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 47.0%
Retention Rate: 63.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $48,309
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Public Administration.	Master	$43,426
Human Services, General.	Bachelor	$37,568
Legal Support Services.	Bachelor	$33,459
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$32,925
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$31,907
Security Science and Technology.	Bachelor	$29,685
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$28,019
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication.	Bachelor	$22,087

View all 32 programs →

Campus Life

Hamburg sits about 15 minutes south of Buffalo, giving students access to a mid-sized city without the urban hustle. With housing for just 300 students and total enrollment of 922, most Hawks live off-campus in nearby apartments or commute from home. The 91.84% in-state student body creates a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other by graduation.

Western New York winters demand serious winter gear, with lake-effect snow from nearby Lake Erie blanketing the campus from December through March. The small campus means walking between buildings takes just a few minutes, even in snowstorms. Students gather in the student center between classes, and the 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. Weekends often involve trips to Buffalo for Sabres or Bills games, or exploring the city's revitalized downtown. The criminal justice program's hands-on approach keeps many students busy with internships at local police departments and forensic labs. Campus traditions center around Hawks athletics, with 286 student-athletes competing across 18 Division III sports.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 300 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1957

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 15°–29°F
July Avg: 59°–77°F
Annual Precipitation: 53.3"
Annual Snowfall: 167.6"

Student Demographics

Hilbert draws heavily from western New York, with over 90% of students coming from in-state. The college has built a solid regional reputation for career-focused programs. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving working-class families in the Buffalo area. Women slightly outnumber men, which aligns with the college's strength in criminal justice and forensic science programs that attract diverse student interests. The student body is predominantly white, mirroring the demographics of suburban Hamburg and surrounding Erie County communities.

Men: 44.5%
Women: 55.5%
White: 37.3%
Black: 5.9%
Hispanic: 3.6%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 91.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 43.8%

Location

Hamburg sits in western New York, about 10 miles south of Buffalo. This suburban community of around 56,000 residents offers students easy access to a major metropolitan area while maintaining a quieter college atmosphere. The region features rolling hills and lakes typical of upstate New York, with Lake Erie beaches just a short drive away. Buffalo provides internship opportunities, especially valuable for Hilbert's criminal justice students who can work with local law enforcement agencies. The area experiences four distinct seasons, including significant lake-effect snow in winter. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Hilbert College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Hamburg, New York 14075-1597

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $48,309
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,646
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $33,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 54.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $262/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Hilbert College?

Hilbert College accepts 95.49% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students. The college focuses on providing opportunities in specialized fields like criminal justice and forensic science rather than being highly selective.

How much does Hilbert College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $22,100 after aid, less than the full tuition of $32,150. Nearly 44% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many students from lower-income families.

What is Hilbert College known for academically?

Hilbert College has built its reputation around criminal justice and forensic science programs. The college maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in these specialized fields that prepare students for law enforcement and investigative careers.

What are the graduation rates at Hilbert College?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 47%, while 52% of students complete their degrees in four years. Graduates earn a median of $48,309 ten years after graduation, reflecting the college's focus on career-oriented programs.

Where is Hilbert College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Hamburg, NY, a large suburban setting near Buffalo. With only 922 students and housing capacity for 300, Hilbert maintains an intimate campus environment where nearly 92% of students come from New York state.

Does Hilbert College offer athletic scholarships?

Hilbert College provides $0 in athletic scholarships, as it competes in NCAA Division III where athletic scholarships are prohibited. The Hawks field 18 varsity sports with 286 total athletes, emphasizing participation and academic achievement over athletic recruiting.