Hidden Gems are based on College Raptor’s overall national rankings and must meet the following criteria:
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- Receive fewer than 10,000 applications per year.
- Have fewer than 7,000 undergraduate students.
- Offer 5 or more unique majors
- Have a 20% acceptance rate or higher.
- Rank within the top half of College Raptor’s overall rankings.
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For more information on methodology behind our college rankings, check out our ranking methodology breakdown.
Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
College Raptor’s Hidden Gem College Rankings highlight under-the-radar, high achieving schools across the U.S. that deserve more time in the spotlight. We’ve featured one college from each of the 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., so you can discover diamonds in the rough that could be a great fit for your college list.
Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges That Improve Students' Economic Futures
College is a huge investment, and student outcomes matter. College Raptor’s Hidden Gem Colleges That Improve Students’ Economic Futures ranking evaluates key post-graduation outcomes including post-graduation earnings, degree completion rate, and student loan repayment success. This list gives students a fresh way to think about what makes a college worth the investment.
Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New England
Many of the most well-known colleges in the country are located in New England, including half of the Ivy league schools. The region, however, is saturated with numerous exceptional institutions you may not have heard about if you don't live in the area. The Hidden Gems in New England highlights exceptional colleges in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Mid-East
Also known as the Mid-Atlantic region, the Mid-East region has several outstanding colleges with longstanding histories, some even pre-dating the American Revolution. These standout Hidden Gem colleges and universities reside in Delaware, DC, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania.
Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southeast
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
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.
Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region
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 Rocky Mountain Region
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 Far West
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-known 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
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.
