About Hope College
The financial picture tells a compelling story about accessibility and outcomes. While tuition runs $40,420, the average student pays just $25,749 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $58,427 within ten years, easily justifying the typical debt load of $26,800. Monthly loan payments average $284, a manageable burden given career prospects. The 82% graduation rate suggests students find what they're looking for here.
Women outnumber men 60% to 40%, creating a campus active that shapes everything from classroom discussions to residence hall culture. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio enables the close mentorship that Hope promises. Nearly two-thirds of students come from Michigan, giving the college a strong regional identity while welcoming enough outsiders to broaden perspectives.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 68.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 81.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 82.3%
- Retention Rate
- 90.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,427
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $67,101 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $58,777 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,108 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $44,942 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,418 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $40,768 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $39,369 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $38,621 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $35,416 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $31,581 |
Campus Life
The Reformed Church heritage shapes campus life in subtle ways. Chapel attendance isn't mandatory, but many students participate in weekly worship services at Dimnent Chapel. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles. Weekend activities center around the downtown Holland area, where students browse local shops or grab coffee between studying. Spring brings the famous Tulip Time festival, celebrating the town's Dutch roots with parades and traditional dancing. Intramural sports draw heavy participation since Hope fields 18 varsity teams but offers no athletic scholarships. The campus culture balances academic rigor with genuine community connections. Students often describe the atmosphere as supportive rather than cutthroat, though the 90.25% retention rate suggests most find their fit here.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 2,472 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1862
Campus Safety (2023)
46 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 20°–32°F
- July Avg
- 62°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 73.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 69.9"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 39.5%
- Women
- 60.5%
- White
- 78.7%
- Black
- 3.5%
- Hispanic
- 7.5%
- Asian
- 2.5%
- In-State Students
- 68.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.4%
Location
- Address
- Holland, Michigan 49423-9000
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,427
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,327
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 80.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $284/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,800
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Hope College?
Hope College admits 80.45% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1090-1330 on the SAT, with an average of 1210. This Reformed Church-affiliated liberal arts college values character alongside academics in its well-rounded admissions process.
How much does Hope College cost after financial aid?
Hope College charges $40,420 in tuition, but the average net price drops to $25,749 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,365 on average. The college's strong endowment helps keep costs manageable for this strong liberal arts education.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Hope College?
Hope College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with 3,274 total students. This small class environment reflects the college's commitment to personalized liberal arts education. The intimate setting allows professors to mentor students closely in Hope's academically rigorous programs.
What are the career outcomes for Hope College graduates?
Hope College graduates earn a median salary of $58,427 ten years after graduation with an 82.30% six-year graduation rate. The employment rate reaches 96.4%, reflecting strong career preparation. Alumni often pursue graduate school or enter fields like business, education, and ministry that align with the college's Christian liberal arts mission.
Where is Hope College located and what is campus life like?
Hope College sits in Holland, Michigan, a small city known for its Dutch heritage and tulip festivals. The campus houses 2,472 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community. With 60.48% women and strong retention at 90.25%, students find a supportive environment rooted in Reformed Church values.
Does Hope College have a strong athletic program?
Hope College fields 18 varsity sports teams called the Flying Dutchmen in NCAA Division III competition. With 631 total athletes and no athletic scholarships, the focus remains on student-athlete balance. The college competes in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and emphasizes participation over recruitment.
