2027 College Rankings

Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Landmark Conference

About

College Raptor’s Hidden Gem rankings highlight under-the-radar colleges that may not be household names, but they're bringing serious academic heat. 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.

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Rank	Institution	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	University of Scranton	80.06	1,160 – 1,330	34234	62921	#1 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Landmark Conference University of Scranton Scranton, PA A Catholic school, the University of Scranton’s motto is “Religio Mores Cultura,” which translates to “Religion Morals Culture.” 95% receive institutional grants from the university, averaging $33,197 each. With an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, 87% stay on after their first year and 76% graduate in four years. Acceptance Rate 80.1% SAT Score 1,160 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $34,234 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,921
2	The Catholic University of America	73.28	1,110 – 1,360	32705	63217	#2 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Landmark Conference 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. Acceptance Rate 73.3% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $32,705 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,217
3	Elizabethtown College	88.92	1,110 – 1,320	27760	54833	#3 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Landmark Conference Elizabethtown College Elizabethtown, PA Although Elizabethtown College has “College” in its name, it grants up to Doctor's degrees. With 19 academic departments and 69 areas of study to choose from, in-demand programs include Occupational Therapy/Therapist, Business Administration and Management, General, and Trauma Counseling....Read more Acceptance Rate 88.9% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $27,760 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,833
4	Drew University	67.34	1,140 – 1,340	28425	47562	#4 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Landmark Conference 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 Acceptance Rate 67.3% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $28,425 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,562
5	Juniata College	79.41	1,170 – 1,360	24580	48571	#5 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Landmark Conference Juniata College Huntingdon, PA Biology/Biological Sciences, General is the most popular major at Juniata College, but many students design their own programs. The school sits on 800 acres and boasts an 11 to 1 student to faculty ratio. Juniata also has an extensive study abroad program and it’s motto is “Veritas Liberat,” or “Truth Sets Free.” Acceptance Rate 79.4% SAT Score 1,170 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $24,580 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,571
6	Moravian University	73.66	1,010 – 1,240	31743	53471	#6 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Landmark Conference Moravian University Bethlehem, PA Based in Bethlehem, Moravian University accepted 74% 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 Moravian University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 73.7% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $31,743 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,471
7	Goucher College	81.91	1,080 – 1,350	26913	40563	#7 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Landmark Conference Goucher College Baltimore, MD Located in Baltimore, Goucher College accepted 82% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. About 99% of students attending Goucher College currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Acceptance Rate 81.9% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $26,913 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,563
8	Wilkes University	93.97	1,070 – 1,310	28511	54128	#8 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Landmark Conference Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA Based in Wilkes-Barre, Wilkes University accepted 94% 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 currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 94.0% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $28,511 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,128
9	Lycoming College	77.02	1,050 – 1,250	20492	43713	#9 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Landmark Conference Lycoming College Williamsport, PA Lycoming College is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist church. 100% of attending students receive grant aid, $43,470 on average. Lycoming College has a 10 to 1 student to faculty ratio, 68% first year retention rate, and 47% 4-year graduation rate. Acceptance Rate 77.0% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $20,492 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,713