Hilbert College
Hilbert College is a private nonprofit university in Hamburg, NY ranked #1643 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C, enrolling about 921 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 97.2%. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Psychology.
Academically, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, 63.8% first-year retention, and 56.3% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $22,723, about $5,725 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -50.1%, roughly 135.4 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $45,369. That's about $1,681 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Hilbert College has an acceptance rate of 97.2%, annual tuition of $33,740, average net price of $22,723, and a national rank of #1643 (Grade C), with a 56.3% six-year graduation rate, about 921 undergraduates, and median earnings of $45,369 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Hilbert College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Hilbert College graduates 56.3% of students within six years and keeps 63.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Hilbert College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $33,740 |
| Books and Supplies | $0 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,920 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,900 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $42,114 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 48.2% of Hilbert College students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $20,903 to $24,329 depending on family income. Use Hilbert College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $24,732/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,329/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $45,369
- 10-Year Median Earnings $45,369
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 54.1%
- Employment Rate 46.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Hilbert College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Hilbert College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Hilbert College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Hilbert College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Hilbert College graduates earn $45,369 median, the -50.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 921
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 63.8%
- Graduation Rate 56.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into Hilbert College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Hilbert College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 97.2%, Hilbert College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 97.2% acceptance rate, Hilbert College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Hilbert College undergraduates. Security Science and Technology, Criminal Justice and Corrections, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Security Science and Technology 24.2%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 20.5%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 15.9%
- Human Services, General 9.8%
- Legal Support Services 5.3%
- Psychology, General 5.3%
See more majors
- Accounting and Related Services 5.3%
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication 4.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations $55,071
- 2. Psychology, General $50,857
- 3. Human Services, General $50,463
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Security Science and Technology $49,900
- 5. Criminal Justice and Corrections $49,248
- 6. Radio, Television, and Digital Communication $35,113
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Public Administration (Master's Degree) $56,652
- 2. Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree) $47,149
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations grads earn $55,071—57% more than Radio, Television, and Digital Communication ($35,113). Graduate: Public Administration programs lead with $56,652 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Hilbert College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Human Services, General (Bachelor's Degree, 13 graduates)
- Legal Support Services (Bachelor's Degree, 7 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 7 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 3 graduates)
- English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degree, 2 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (10 programs)â–¼
- Human Services, General
- Legal Support Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- English Language and Literature, General
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Political Science and Government
- International Business
- Insurance
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 921
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 41.7%
- Female Students 58.3%
- Caucasian 56.4%
- Asian 1.3%
- Hispanic 9.0%
- Black 12.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 48.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Hilbert College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Hilbert College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Hilbert College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Hilbert College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Hilbert College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Hilbert College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Hilbert College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -50.1% ROI. Ranked #1643 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $22,723 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $45,369 median earnings. With 56.3% graduating within six years and 63.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Hilbert College's Positioning
With a C grade and #1643 ranking, Hilbert College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $22,723 annually, Hilbert College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 63.8% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $15,906 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -50.1% ROI and $45,369 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $12,723+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Hilbert College ranks #1643 of 6101 institutions, with 1056 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 56.3% six-year graduation rate sits 6.2 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 63.8% first-year retention is 13.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -50.1% return on investment is 135.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $45,369 run about 4% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $22,723 is roughly $5,326 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 63.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 46.6% employment rate within three years sits 21.6 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $22,723 is about $5,326 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Hilbert College is a private nonprofit university based in Hamburg, NY and earns a C overall grade. It appears at #1643 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (B-), Support (C+), Career Outcomes (C-), and Affordability (B).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 63.8% of first-year students return, and roughly 56.3% finish within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -50.1%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $22,723 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $42,114.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $19,391 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 48.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $45,369 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 4% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 46.6% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -50.1%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
97.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Hilbert College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hilbert College's acceptance rate?
Hilbert College's acceptance rate is 97.2%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Hilbert College cost?
At Hilbert College, listed tuition and fees are $33,740 per year, and the average net price after aid is $22,723. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Hilbert College's ranking?
Hilbert College ranks #1643 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Hilbert College's graduation rate?
At Hilbert College, the six-year graduation rate is 56.3%, and first-year retention is 63.8%.
What are Hilbert College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Hilbert College report median earnings of $45,369 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Hilbert College's student population?
Hilbert College enrolls about 921 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Hamburg, NY 14075-1597
- Website www.hilbert.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$4.9M