Hope College

Holland, MI

private nonprofitbachelors

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Quick Facts

3,274

Total Students

$40K

Tuition (In-State)

$40K

Tuition (Out-State)

$26K

Avg Net Price

76%

Acceptance Rate

82%

Graduation Rate

6-year

90%

Retention Rate

Baccalaureate Colleges

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Hope College

Experience a legacy of faith and learning at Hope College, where community roots run deep.

Nestled in the heart of Holland, Michigan, Hope College stands as a testament to enduring faith and educational excellence. Its very name, seal, and motto—"Spera in Deo" ("Hope in God")—are inspired by founder Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte's vision for the community's future. The emblem, an anchor, symbolizes this unwavering hope, reflecting a deeply rooted commitment to its students and the world.

Hope College's rich history began in 1851 as the Pioneer School, established by Dutch settlers to meet the educational needs of a young colony. This primary school steadily evolved, expanding to secondary and eventually college-level education. By 1862, the first college class matriculated, and the institution received its state charter as Hope College in 1866, graduating its inaugural class of eight students shortly thereafter. A significant milestone for inclusivity, the college welcomed its first female students in 1878, demonstrating an early commitment to broader access to education.

The college celebrated its 150th year of education in 2015 with grand openings of the Kruizenga Art Museum and the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, alongside the groundbreaking for the Jim and Martie Bultman Student Center. These additions underscore Hope's continuous development and dedication to enhancing the student experience and supporting a strong college of arts and sciences. Recognized as a Michigan Historic Site in 2019, Hope College continues to build on its foundation, serving both the church and the broader community with a robust and engaging academic environment.

Key Highlights

✦Founded as the Pioneer School in 1851 by Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte, leader of the Holland settlement.
✦Motto is "Spera in Deo" (Hope in God), taken from Psalm 42:6, with an anchor as its emblem.
✦Van Vleck Hall, built in 1858, is the oldest building on campus and still serves as a dormitory.
✦Received its state charter as Hope College in 1866 and graduated its first class of eight students the same year.
✦Admitted its first female students in 1878.
✦Celebrated its 150th year in 2015, marked by the opening of the Kruizenga Art Museum and Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts.
✦Designated a Michigan Historic Site in 2019 by the Michigan Historical Commission.

Timeline

1851

Pioneer School established to meet the educational needs of the Holland colony.

1858

Van Vleck Hall, the oldest building on campus, is constructed.

1862

First college class matriculated at the evolving institution.

1866

Institution chartered as Hope College; first class of eight students graduated.

1878

Hope College admitted its first female students.

2015

Celebrated its 150th year with commencement, new facility openings (Kruizenga Art Museum, Jack H. Miller Center), and a groundbreaking (Jim and Martie Bultman Student Center).

2019

Designated as a Michigan Historic Site by the Michigan Historical Commission.

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