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2027 Hidden Gem Colleges

Hidden Gem Colleges in the US

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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.

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 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.

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

2027/hidden-gems/2027-college-raptor-hidden-gems-us-map.jpg
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
University of Alaska Fairbanks*
Fairbanks, AK
The Fairbanks campus is the flagship of the University of Alaska system. UAF students wear blue and gold, and their athletes are known as Nanooks, which comes from the Inupiaq word for polar bear. With 110 majors and programs, many study Business Administration and Management, General.
Undergraduates 6,209
Institution Type Public, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - 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 Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
John Brown University
Siloam Springs, AR
John Brown University sits on a 200-acre campus featuring the Cathedral of the Ozarks and the Windgate Visual Art Buildings. A fairly selective school, 28% of those accepted decided to enroll. It offers up to Master's degrees, and popular programs include andGeneral Studies.
Undergraduates 2,091
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - 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 Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Scripps College
Claremont, CA
A member of the Claremont Colleges, Scripps College is a liberal arts women’s school well known for its extensive curriculum and historic, beautiful campus. In fact, their campus is currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Scripps has a 92% first year retention rate.
Undergraduates 1,103
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Colorado College
Colorado Springs, CO
Scientia et Disciplina is the Latin motto of Colorado College which means “Learning through Hard Work.” It’s an extremely selective school – 26% of accepted students enroll. With over 80 undergraduate majors available, Business/Managerial Economics is a common option.
Undergraduates 1,887
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Trinity College
Hartford, CT
Trinity College, originally known as Washington College, was founded in 1823, making it the second oldest college in the state. 73% receive institutional grant aid to attend, $50,834 on average. Students are known as Bantams and wear blue and gold.
Undergraduates 2,112
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC
The Catholic University of America is a Doctoral/Research Universities—Extensive school, founded in 1887. The 193-acre campus is lined by trees, featuring Romanesque and modern buildings. 673 student-athletes (known as the Cardinals) participate in Basketball, Football, and Lacrosse, among others.
Undergraduates 3,294
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Goldey-Beacom College*
Wilmington, DE
Many students at Goldey Beacom College are pursuing degrees in Finance, General, but there are 26 programs to choose from. There are 269 student-athletes, who are known as the Lightning, and they’re cheered on by Strike, their mascot. A NCAA Division II without football school, athletes might receive athletic scholarships.
Undergraduates 701
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Rollins College
Winter Park, FL
Rollins College was founded in 1885, making it the fourth oldest post-secondary institution in Florida. Rollins has won over 20 National Championships and more than 60 Sunshine State Conference Championships. Student athletes, known as Tars, participate in Basketball, Soccer, and Tennis, among others. Read more
Undergraduates 2,639
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Berry College
Mount Berry, GA
Located in Mount Berry, Berry College accepted 73% 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 attending students will receive grant aid from the school. At Berry College, there is a 85% first year retention rate and around 65%... Read more
Undergraduates 2,262
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - 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 Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Drake University
Des Moines, IA
Located in Des Moines, Drake University accepted 65% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and $35 for graduate applications. About 100% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. Read more
Undergraduates 2,504
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
The College of Idaho
Caldwell, ID
Founded in 1891, The College of Idaho is the oldest private liberal arts college in the state. The school offers up to Doctor's degrees, and graduates have entered impressive careers in business, politics, law, and sports. Many students pursue degrees in Business Administration and Management, General.
Undergraduates 1,042
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - 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 Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology focuses on math, science, and engineering. It was originally founded as the Terre Haute School of Industrial Science in 1874 in an effort to teach technical training for railroad construction. It would get its current name in 1971 after financial support from the Hulman family. Read more
Undergraduates 2,160
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - 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 Gem Colleges - 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 Gem Colleges - 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 Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Smith College
Northampton, MA
Located just west of the Connecticut River, Smith College is among the largest women’s colleges in the US. It doesn’t cost anything to apply as an undergraduate. Students enjoy a cozy 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and a 94% first year retention rate. Notable alumni include Julia Child, Gloria Steinman, and Sylvia Plath.
Undergraduates 2,578
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - 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 Gem Colleges - 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 Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Hope College
Holland, MI
Student athletes at Hope College are known as the Flying Dutchmen and wear orange and blue. Some popular sports include Football, Basketball, and Track and Field and Cross Country (combined). Hope has a cozy 9 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 77% six year graduation rate.
Undergraduates 3,427
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Carleton College
Northfield, MN
Part of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, the most popular sports at Carleton College are Track and Field and Cross Country (combined), Football, and Swimming and Diving (combined). They’re known as the Knights and wear blue and maize. Computer Science is a commonly chosen undergraduate major.
Undergraduates 1,974
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Truman State University
Kirksville, MO
Originally known as the North Missouri Normal and Commercial School when founded in 1867, the school was renamed the Truman State University (TSU) in 1996 after U.S. President Harry Truman. Athletes, wearing purple and white, are known as the Bulldogs. Read more
Undergraduates 3,506
Institution Type Public, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Mississippi Christian University
Clinton, MS
Located in Clinton, Mississippi Christian University accepted 84% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 100% of students at Mississippi Christian University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college... Read more
Undergraduates 2,583
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - 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 Gem Colleges - 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 Gem Colleges - 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 Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Union Adventist University
Lincoln, NE
Located in Lincoln, Union Adventist University accepts 100% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students attending Union Adventist University will receive institutional grant aid. Read more
Undergraduates 625
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - 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 Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Drew University
Madison, NJ
Based in Madison, Drew University accepted 67% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $40 for undergraduate applications. About 97% of students attending Drew University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 88% of students continued their studies... Read more
Undergraduates 1,671
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - 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. 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 Gem Colleges - 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, and it became a university in 2023. Many undergraduates major in Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.
Undergraduates 7,464
Institution Type Public, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - 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 Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Kenyon College
Gambier, OH
Kenyon College has produced Rhodes Scholars, Truman Scholarship winners, Fulbright recipients, and Marshall Scholarship winners. Famous alumni include Rutherford B. Hayes, Paul Newman, and Bill Watterson. The school is extremely selective and has a 91% first year retention rate.
Undergraduates 2,052
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
University of Tulsa
Tulsa, OK
Royal blue, old gold, and crimson are the official colors of the University of Tulsa. The Golden Hurricanes compete in Football, Basketball, and Soccer, among others. Alumni include inventors, businessmen, actors, scientists, and politicians. UT’s student-to-faculty ratio is 10 to 1.
Undergraduates 2,852
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Reed College
Portland, OR
Founded in 1908, Reed College requires all undergraduates to complete a thesis with a 90-minute presentation and oral defense. Students also need to take various physical education courses. Reed has a 9 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 89% first year retention rate. Many major in English Language and Literature, General.
Undergraduates 1,267
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Bryn Mawr College
Bryn Mawr, PA
Bryn Mawr College is an extremely selective school. Part of the Seven Sisters College Consortium, it has a 95% first year retention rate and an 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. The school motto is “Veritatem Dilexi,” which is Latin for “I Delight in the Truth.”
Undergraduates 1,288
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Rhode Island School of Design
Providence, RI
The Rhode Island School of Design was founded to expand access to design education to women. Today, 80% of the undergraduate class consists of women. The main 123-acre campus is located on the Providence River, but many buildings and facilities, including the library, can now be found downtown.
Undergraduates 2,173
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Furman University
Greenville, SC
Furman University is the oldest private institution of higher learning in South Carolina. 92% of students stay on after they complete their first year, and many major in Business Administration and Management, General. 375 Paladins compete in the Southern Conference. Read more
Undergraduates 2,304
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - 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 Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Rhodes College
Memphis, TN
Getting its start in the mid-1830’s with the Montgomery Academy, Rhodes College is primarily composed of undergraduates. “Truth, Loyalty, Service” is the motto of Rhodes. Red and black are the colors for the Lynx sports teams, who compete in events such as Football, Basketball, and Lacrosse. Read more
Undergraduates 1,739
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Southwestern University
Georgetown, TX
A small liberal arts school, Southwestern University offers 98% of attending students institutional grants, $31,958 on average. With nearly 40 majors, Business/Commerce, General, Psychology, General, and Kinesiology and Exercise Science are the most popular options.
Undergraduates 1,431
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - 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 Gem Colleges - 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 Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Bennington College
Bennington, VT
Bennington College, sitting on 440 acres, was originally a women’s college when it was founded in 1932 and became coeducational in 1969. Today, the school is still predominantly female (71% of undergraduates are women). Of attending students, 100% receive grant aid — $53,064 on average.
Undergraduates 708
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
Whitman College
Walla Walla, WA
Whitman College is a small liberal arts college located at the foot of the Blue Mountains. Founded in 1859, it now offers over 80 off-campus programs in around 40 countries. With a 10 to 1 student-faculty ratio and a 1 to 1 student-to-tree ratio, students will find it a cozy and earthy community. Read more
Undergraduates 1,468
Institution Type Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - 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 Gem Colleges - Hidden Gem Colleges in the US
West Liberty University*
West Liberty, WV
Dating back to 1837, West Liberty University is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in West Virginia. Many of its 478 student-athletes (Hilltoppers) participate in the NCAA Division II with football Mountain East Conference. Read more
Undergraduates 1,934
Institution Type Public, 4-year or above
2027 Hidden Gem Colleges - 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 Alaska, Delaware, 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!

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