For Colleges & Universities
For Colleges & Universities
2027 Hidden Gems

Hidden Gem Colleges in the US

About

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!

What Is a “Hidden Gem?”

Hidden Gems are based on College Raptor’s overall national rankings and must meet the following criteria:

  • Receive fewer than 5,000 applications per year
  • Have fewer than 7,000 undergraduate students
  • Offer 5 or more unique majors
  • Have a 10% acceptance rate or higher
  • Rank within the top half of College Raptor’s overall rankings.

For more information on methodology behind our college rankings, check out our ranking methodology breakdown.

2027/hidden-gems/college-raptor-hidden-gems-us-map.jpg
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Samford University
Birmingham, AL
Founded in 1841, Samford University was originally was called Howard College and was converted to a military hospital during the Civil War. Today the school has a 14 to 1 student to faculty ratio and 93% first year retention rate. Read more
Undergraduates 4,210
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK
UAF, otherwise known as “Alaska,” is a flagship, land grant, space grant, and sea grant school. 76% of attending students receive institutional grant aid, $6,369 on average. Blue and gold are the official colors of UAF and the mascot is Nanook, a mighty polar bear of Inuit legend. Read more
Undergraduates 6,209
Institution Type Public, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
Prescott, AZ
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott campus is located just north of a wildlife sanctuary and the Willow Creek Reservoir. Alumni of the school have gone on to have impressive careers as astronauts, scientists, military members, authors, athletes, and politicians. Read more
Undergraduates 3,229
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Hendrix College
Conway, AR
Most students at Hendrix College are undergraduates, but it awards up to Master's degrees. The school gives 100% of students institutional grant aid, with each package averaging $26,884. There are 24 majors and programs available, with many choosing to study Psychology, General.
Undergraduates 1,069
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Pitzer College
Claremont, CA
Pitzer College’s motto is “Mindful of the Future” (“Provida Futuri” in Latin). It’s extremely selective and out of the accepted students during the last admissions cycle, 29% enrolled. 57% of undergraduates graduate in four years, 83% in six. Pitzer is part of the Claremont Colleges consortium.
Undergraduates 1,193
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Western Colorado University
Gunnison, CO
Western Colorado University’s motto is “Potestas ad Ministrandum,” which is Latin for “The Power to Serve.” 460 student athletes, known as the Mountaineers, compete in the NCAA Division II with football Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Business Administration and Management, General is a popular undergraduate major.
Undergraduates 3,224
Institution Type Public, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
University of Saint Joseph
West Hartford, CT
The University of Saint Joseph was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1932 as an all women’s school – it only started accepting men in 2018. The 84-acre campus is well known for its Georgian brick architecture. Undergraduates enjoy a cozy 10 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Undergraduates 952
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Goldey-Beacom College
Wilmington, DE
Many students at Goldey Beacom College are pursuing degrees in Finance, General, Business Administration and Management, General, Psychology, and General. There are 269 student-athletes, who are known as the Lightning, and they’re cheered on by Strike, their mascot. Read more
Undergraduates 701
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Gallaudet University
Washington, DC
Gallaudet University is dedicated to the deaf and hard of hearing, with two official languages: English and American Sign Language. Many students major in Psychology, General. It’s the only higher education school in the world that has designed all of its programs and services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
Undergraduates 855
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Ave Maria University
Ave Maria, FL
Ave Maria University is a private Catholic university located in southwest Florida. Found in 2003 by Tom Monaghan, AMU is the first new Catholic university since 1963. The school has a 17 to 1 student to faculty ratio and 79% first year retention rate.
Undergraduates 1,320
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Agnes Scott College
Decatur, GA
One of the Seven Sisters, Agnes Scott College is a women’s undergraduate school but offers co-educational graduate programs as well. The school underwent many name changes since it was founded in 1889, starting with the Decatur Female Seminary. Read more
Undergraduates 731
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, HI
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse is a popular program at the Chaminade University of Honolulu, which offers up to Doctor's degrees. This Roman Catholic school was founded by the Society of Mary in 1955. 199 athletes, known as Silverswords, compete in the Pacific West Conference.
Undergraduates 1,732
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Northwest Nazarene University
Nampa, ID
99% of students receive grant aid to help them afford their education at Northwest Nazarene University. A NCAA Division II without football school, there are also athletic scholarships available, averaging $25,146 each. NNU has a 14 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 77% first year retention rate.
Undergraduates 1,043
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Wheaton College
Wheaton, IL
Wheaton College was founded by evangelical abolitionists in 1860 and would become a stop on the Underground Railroad. Clinical Psychology is the most popular major. A NCAA Division III with football school, athletes, wearing blue and orange, are known as The Thunder and compete in the College Conference of Illinois and... Read more
Undergraduates 2,181
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Wabash College
Crawfordsville, IN
Wabash College is an all men’s school with a 9 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. 100% of students receive grant aid - around $39,605 each - and 72% graduate within six years. The student paper, “The Bachelor,” has been in publication since the early 1900s.
Undergraduates 897
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Dordt University
Sioux Center, IA
Found in Sioux Center, Dordt University accepted 68% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 100% of students at Dordt University will receive grant aid from the school. Read more
Undergraduates 1,716
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Benedictine College
Atchison, KS
Benedictine College’s core values are built into the four “pillars” of the school which are known as Catholic, Benedictine, Liberal Arts, and Residential. The college’s motto is “Forward. Always Forward.” Its campus is located along the bends of the Missouri River. Read more
Undergraduates 2,404
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Centre College
Danville, KY
Centre College’s motto is “Doctrina Lux Mentis,” or “Learning is the Light of the Mind.” Offering up to Bachelor's degrees, the school has 26 degree programs, with Econometrics and Quantitative Economics being the most sought after. Centre also has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1.
Undergraduates 1,385
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Centenary College of Louisiana
Shreveport, LA
The Centenary College of Louisiana is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi, having been founded in 1885. Students can benefit from a 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and the 65-acre campus that is home to more than 300 species of plant life. Read more
Undergraduates 705
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Maine Maritime Academy
Castine, ME
Located on a peninsula on the Bagaduce River and Penobscot Bay, the Maine Maritime Academy is a non-federal maritime training school. Students aren’t required to join the military after graduation. Many study Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. A non selective school, 27% of those accepted enroll.
Undergraduates 977
Institution Type Public, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Washington College
Chestertown, MD
The Washington College dates back to 1723 when it began as the Kent County Free School, making it the 10th oldest college in the United States. It was also the first college chartered after the American Revolution, and George Washington was heavily involved in the founding. The school received its current name in 1782.
Undergraduates 933
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Wheaton College (Massachusetts)
Norton, MA
Wheaton College got its start as the Wheaton Female Seminary in 1834. It received its current moniker in 1912 and began admitting men in 1988. To offer more courses to students, Wheaton has partnerships with Brown University and nine other local schools. Read more
Undergraduates 1,785
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Hillsdale College
Hillsdale, MI
Hillsdale College’s motto is “Virtus Tentamine Gaudet” or “Strength Rejoices in the Challenge.” The school has a 93% first year retention rate and an 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. All students have to take courses on the “Great Books” and the United States Constitution. 75% will graduate within 4 years.
Undergraduates 1,565
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
College of Saint Benedict
Saint Joseph, MN
Partnered with Saint John’s University for men, the College of Saint Benedict is exclusively for women. The school got its start in 1913 with only six students. Since 1955, the two campuses have shared resources. CSB has an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, 83% first year retention rate, and 80% four year graduation rate.
Undergraduates 1,356
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Millsaps College
Jackson, MS
Millsaps College was founded in 1890 and has produced well-known actors, poets, professors, politicians, and athletes. “The Bowl” is the home of Homecoming activities, concerts, and events on campus. The college’s motto is “In pursuit of excellence” (Ad Excellentiam) and it’s affiliated with the United Methodist Church.
Undergraduates 547
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Rockhurst University
Kansas City, MO
There is no application fee at Rockhurst University, where 100% of students who attend receive grant aid, $34,562 on average. Rockhurt’s motto is Sapientia Aedificavit Sibi Domum which is Latin for “Wisdom has built herself a home.” The most popular major among students is Registered Nursing.
Undergraduates 1,964
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Carroll College
Helena, MT
Though the school seal features two lions, Carroll College’s mascot is actually a St. Bernard named Halo. Student athletes compete as the Fighting Saints in Football, Basketball, and Track and Field and Cross Country (combined), among others. Read more
Undergraduates 1,112
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Lincoln, NE
Nebraska Wesleyan University is a private school, associated with the United Methodists. It has 41 available majors and programs – Biology/Biological Sciences, General is the most popular. Competing in the American Rivers Conference, the 537 Prairie Wolves wear black and gold.
Undergraduates 1,391
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Nevada State University
Henderson, NV
A vast majority of the student body at Nevada State University are women. Opening as Nevada State College in 2002, it was the first state school. NSU became a university recently, in 2023. Many students major in Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Psychology, General, and Elementary Education and Teaching.
Undergraduates 7,464
Institution Type Public, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Saint Anselm College
Manchester, NH
Saint Anselm College is the third oldest Catholic college in New England, having been founded in 1889. The school has been the site of presidential policy speeches from John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon as well as several national presidential debates. Read more
Undergraduates 2,094
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus
Madison, NJ
The Florham campus Fairleigh Dickinson opened in 1958, with other campuses located in New Jersey, Canada, and the United Kingdom. With an 78% first year retention rate, many students major in Business Administration and Management, General, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Psychology, and General.
Undergraduates 2,012
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Socorro, NM
The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology offers 31 degree programs. Many students choose to study Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Biology/Biological Sciences, and General. NMT is a space-grant school with a 9 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Undergraduates 1,066
Institution Type Public, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Yeshiva University
New York, NY
Yeshiva University has four undergraduate schools: Yeshiva College, Stern College for Women, Katz School of Science and Health, and Syms School of Business. The main campus is in Manhattan, but campuses, buildings, and facilities can also be found throughout other New York City boroughs and in Israel.
Undergraduates 2,318
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Meredith College
Raleigh, NC
Meredith College is a private women’s liberal arts school, but its graduate program does admit men. It offers 42 majors and programs, with many choosing to study Biology/Biological Sciences, General. Athletes are known as the Avenging Angels, and they participate in the USA South Athletic Conference.
Undergraduates 1,212
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
University of Mary
Bismarck, ND
Although the University of Mary calls North Dakota home and sits along the Missouri River, satellite campuses can be found all over the United States. It also has a study-abroad campus in Rome. In the classroom, students enjoy a 14 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Undergraduates 2,821
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
John Carroll University
University Heights, OH
John Carroll University was founded in 1886 as the St. Ignatius College. It changed its name to its current moniker in 1923 and became coeducational in 1968. Many of the buildings on the 65-acre campus are of Collegiate Gothic architecture. JCU has a first year retention rate of 85%.
Undergraduates 2,408
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City University has a 71% acceptance rate, and 99% of enrolled students receive institutional aid. On the field, the Stars wear blue and white and are cheered on by their mascot, a ram named Starsky. A NAIA Division I school, the average athletic scholarship is $42,297.
Undergraduates 1,546
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Willamette University
Salem, OR
Willamette University is the oldest college in the Western United States, having opened in 1842. It has an 87% first year retention rate, 13 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 71% six year graduation rate. Willamette offers 32 programs, and many study Law, Business Administration and Management, and General.
Undergraduates 1,770
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Grove City College
Grove City, PA
Grove City College is a non-denominational college founded in 1876. With an 83% first year retention rate, 74% of students will graduate in 4 years. Mechanical Engineering is the most popular undergraduate major.
Undergraduates 2,247
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Rhode Island College
Providence, RI
Rhode Island College opened in 1854, making it the second oldest higher education institution in the state (behind Brown University). RIC is a public school with a 15 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 24% yield. Many students study Social Work, and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.
Undergraduates 5,695
Institution Type Public, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Wofford College
Spartanburg, SC
Wofford College has a 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and an impressive 89% first year retention rate. Many students receive institutional grants – 97% – averaging $36,914 each. Biology/Biological Sciences, General is a top undergraduate area of study.
Undergraduates 1,781
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Augustana University
Sioux Falls, SD
At Augustana University, navy blue and gold are the official colors of the Vikings, who compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, and Physical Therapy/Therapist are the most popular majors on campus, and the school has a 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. Read more
Undergraduates 2,140
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
The University of the South
Sewanee, TN
The University of the South, or Sewanee, sits on 13,000 acres. The grounds are often called “The Domain” or “The Mountain,” and have several Gothic-styled buildings. The university’s magazine, “Sewanee Review,” has been running since 1892, making it the oldest continuous literary magazine in the country.
Undergraduates 1,590
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
University of Dallas
Irving, TX
“Veritatem, Justitiam Diligite” is the motto of the University of Dallas, which translates to “Love Ye Truth and Justice.” The Crusaders compete in the NCAA Division III without football Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. Popular sports include Basketball, Soccer, and Baseball.
Undergraduates 1,416
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Westminster University
Salt Lake City, UT
Westminster College became Westminster University in 2023. Over 50 Olympians have studied at the school. During the 2014 Olympics, 23 Westminster students were part of Team USA – 18 in 2018. Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse is the most sought after program at the school.
Undergraduates 868
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Saint Michael's College
Colchester, VT
Saint Michael’s College has over 30 majors available to students, the most popular of which is Business Administration and Management, General. The college has a 10 to 1 student to faculty ratio, 78% first year retention rate, 63% 4-year graduation rate, and 100% of students receive institutional aid. Read more
Undergraduates 1,051
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Patrick Henry College
Purcellville, VA
Patrick Henry College is a fairly new school, having only opened in 2000. 100% of students receive grant aid, with each package averaging $13,345. Most students, 88%, stay on after the first year, and many major in Strategic Intelligence, Political Science and Government, General, and Journalism.
Undergraduates 425
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Whitworth University
Spokane, WA
Whitworth University’s motto is “Education of Mind and Heart.” The most common majors and programs include Business Administration and Management, General, Biological and Physical Sciences, and Elementary Education and Teaching. 78% of students return after completing their first year, and 70% will graduate within 6 years.
Undergraduates 1,868
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Buckhannon, WV
Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, West Virginia Wesleyan College offers up to Doctor's degrees and has 39 available programs and majors. Business/Commerce, General is the most popular, followed by Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Psychology, General, and Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. Read more
Undergraduates 971
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Lawrence University
Appleton, WI
Lawrence University, founded in 1847 as one of the nation’s first coeducational institutions, offers a rigorous liberal arts and sciences education alongside its world-renowned Conservatory of Music. Read more
Undergraduates 1,322
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gems - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY
The University of Wyoming was founded in 1886, four years before Wyoming became a state. It’s one of the rare schools that features a live animal mascot – a horse named Cowboy Joy. Another mascot, Pistol Pete, is played by a student. Brown and gold are the official school colors, and their motto is simple – “Equality.”
Undergraduates 8,138
Institution Type Public, 4-year or above

*Note: While Nevada, Rhode Island, and Wyoming did not have any colleges that qualified under our Hidden Gem Colleges criteria this year, we included the closest match. In the spirit of Hidden Gems, we feel it’s important to include schools from all states so students and families know about the opportunities around them.

Why Should You Consider Going to a Hidden Gem?

Even if you’ve never heard of the college, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go there! There are nearly 4,000 schools in the United States that grant degrees, so it’s impossible to know them all.

College Raptor’s Hidden Gems are top rated schools that simply don’t get as many applications as the big names, like Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, for example. Almost all Hidden Gem schools are pulled from the top 33% of our own overall rankings, which takes into account things like diversity, endowment, graduation rates, and more. As a result, most of these schools on our Hidden Gems list will have solid statistics backing them up.

Here are a few reasons why Hidden Gem schools should be on your radar:
  • They tend to be less expensive. Smaller schools, on average, are less expensive compared to larger colleges. Since they’re lesser known, they don’t always command those high prices, either.
  • They’re perfect for students who want a smaller to medium sized school. All of the Hidden Gems on our list have fewer than 7,000 students. If you want smaller, more intimate classes, these fit the bill.
  • They can be easier to get into. Fewer applicants can often mean higher acceptance rates. This isn’t an iron clad rule, but it’s definitely a trend.
  • They still have a selection of impressive programs. All of the Hidden Gems on our list have five or more majors. Many of them have dozens or even over a hundred available.
  • They’re all over the country. Hidden Gems aren’t only here and there. There are dozens of them all over the country.

Big or small, hidden or well-known, use College Raptor’s College Search tool to find the right fit school for you. Not only does the College Match Tool match you with colleges that fit your major and location preferences, it can tell you what your acceptance chances are into your dream school and gives you an accurate estimate of what it will cost you!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join thousands of students and parents learning about finding the right college, admissions secrets, scholarships, financial aid, and more.

College Raptor Loading Screen College Raptor Loading Screen