Hillsdale College came in second place for being the most engaged students in community service, the most politically conservative students, and the most religious students, according to Princeton Review’s 2026 rankings released earlier this month.
Each year, the Princeton Review, a college prep company, surveys college students to determine how colleges place in various categories. Radio Free Hillsdale ranked as the eighth best college radio station, with The Collegian coming in as the 18th best college newspaper.
“Through GOAL since my first semester, I have seen firsthand how important service is to Hillsdale students,” said Livia Dodd, junior and director of the GOAL program. “As GOAL director, I have the joy of working with the 27 GOAL leaders that make GOAL what it is. They pour so much time and love into the programs they lead and are very passionate about the niche in the community that they work with.”
Emma Rizzuti, senior and leader of the Hospital Volunteering GOAL program, said her experience has increased her understanding of the surrounding community and has allowed her to build relationships with people she would have never met otherwise.
“For the students, they gain exposure, volunteer hours, and networking within the local medical system,” Rizzuti said. “But they also get the chance to make a positive impact in their department just through their presence and willingness to serve.”
Associate Dean of Men Jeffery “Chief” Rogers said volunteering is a way to be Christ’s hands and feet in the Hillsdale community.
“The Bible says that they will know that we are Christians by our love. Serving via volunteering is a way to love and live that out,” Rogers said. “Mark 10:45 says, ‘For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.’”
Junior and GOAL Coordinator Alex Buehrer encouraged every student to get involved, especially freshmen.
“College can be an extremely self-serving time in our lives since we’re focused on ourselves and our education,” Buehrer said. “Giving your time and effort to help the wider Hillsdale community not only breaks you out of that attitude, but it also allows you to put your faith in action and truly be the hands and feet of Christ.”
Hillsdale College also made it on the lists of the best 351 colleges in the country and the best colleges in the Midwest. The college ranked No. 3 for “Their Students Love These Colleges,” No. 5 for happiest students, and No. 6 for friendliest students.
“People sometimes joke about the phrase, ‘It’s the people,’ but it’s true — it really is about the people,” Rogers said. “The people at Hillsdale College and the people in our community make all the difference.”
