student life

School Winter Break: How Students Can Make the Most of Their Time Off

By Gallagher, CatherinePublished on October 27, 2025

Key Takeaways Winter break gives students a chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy quality time with family. The length and timing of winter break vary around the world, but for US students it’s usually 2-3 weeks beginning late December. Students can use winter break for fun activities, hobbies, or volunteering. Planning ahead can help students …

Hidden Gem Colleges in the US

By Gallagher, CatherineLast updated on November 3, 2025

Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US

By Gallagher, CatherineLast updated on October 20, 2025

From sunny beaches to snowy mountains to rainy coasts, the Far West region is beautifully diverse. It’s also home to a variety of both well-know and “hidden gem” colleges and universities. The Hidden Gems in the Far West include highly ranked schools from Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.

Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southwest US

By Gallagher, CatherineLast updated on October 20, 2025

The Southwest is a dynamic and unique region that boasts some of the most unique colleges in the country. While some big names call this area home, this list spotlights under-the-radar schools in the region. These colleges are accessible, have exceptional programs, and they can be found in Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, or Texas.

Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Rocky Mountain Region

By Gallagher, CatherineLast updated on October 20, 2025

The Rocky Mountain region is a dream come true for students who would love to spend their study breaks exploring national parks and the beautiful landscapes. If pairing your love for the outdoors with a stellar education sounds good to you, check out these Hidden Gem colleges in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming.

Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region

By Gallagher, CatherineLast updated on October 20, 2025

The Great Lakes region is home to thousands of lakes, beautiful destinations like Indiana Dunes, Marquette Ore docks, and Sleeping Bear dunes, and some even more amazing “Hidden Gem” colleges. The Hidden Gems highlighted here include highly ranked colleges from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southeast US

By Gallagher, CatherineLast updated on October 20, 2025

The Southeast region hosts some of the nation’s oldest and most distinguished educational institutions, as well as several highly ranked Hidden Gem colleges. This list highlights exceptional schools located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region

By Gallagher, CatherineLast updated on October 20, 2025

Often referred to as America’s Heartland, the Plains region is expansive and rich with diverse industries. It’s also home to several outstanding Hidden Gem colleges and universities that are definitely worth exploring. The Plains region includes Hidden Gem schools from Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Hidden Gem Colleges in the US

By Gallagher, CatherineLast updated on October 20, 2025

College Raptor’s Hidden Gem College Rankings highlight amazing schools in the US that you may not have heard of before. We’ve highlighted one school from all 50 states — and DC, and you might just find your dream college among these diamonds in the rough!