One person cannot learn on behalf of another but is done for oneself. True understanding occurs in discovery, synthesis, and recreation. Hildegard College rejects indoctrination as a teaching method, and it upholds student-driven conversation as the most conducive to authentic learning. Moreover, it is essential that students approach academic conversation with intellectual freedom, without fear of academic or social repercussions. Members of the Hildegard community likewise renounce censorship, both ideological and social. Instead, Hildegard upraises respect, charity, and honesty in the classroom and rejects discrimination of individuals because of race, religion, ability, sex, or social class. 

To maintain its commitment to the formation of students in faith, virtue, and extraordinary work, and to preserve the conditions of non-discrimination and free inquiry conducive to this mission, Hildegard College values its independence from the federal government or any coercive institution. Hildegard College does not accept federally funded loans and grants. 

Hildegard College recognizes a historical and orthodox Christian faith, including the definitive doctrines the Holy Trinity; the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus; original sin; human dependence on divine grace for salvation; and the life of the world to come. As an ecumenical Christian college, we are unaffiliated with any specific tradition or denomination within Christian orthodoxy. And as an organization that exists to teach and form students in the knowledge and love of the truth, and recognizing that students join our community from a variety of faith traditions, we choose not to compose an organizational faith statement but instead refer to the traditional creeds of the church.