2027 College Rankings

Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges

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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 Washington-Bothell Campus	86.4	1,050 – 1,370	10777	62979	#1 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges University of Washington-Bothell Campus Bothell, WA The University of Washington, Bothell accepts 86% of applicants – 23% enroll and 86% stay on after finishing their first year. Computer Science, Business Administration and Management, General, and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse are the most popular undergraduate programs. Acceptance Rate 86.4% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $10,777 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,979
2	Citadel Military College of South Carolina	28.59	1,030 – 1,240	22124	60168	#2 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Citadel Military College of South Carolina Charleston, SC The Citadel Military College of South Carolina is a senior military college that got its start as an arsenal in 1822. It became an academy in 1843 and some of its buildings were burned during the Civil War. The Citadel awards up to Post-master's certificates, and many students are studying Intelligence, General. Acceptance Rate 28.6% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $22,124 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $60,168
3	Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg	97.6	1,120 – 1,320	23788	55620	#3 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg Middletown, PA Located in Middletown, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg accepts 98% of applicants. They charge $65 for undergraduate applications and $65 for graduate applications. Approximately 58% of students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg will receive institutional grant aid to make attending......Read more Acceptance Rate 97.6% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $23,788 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,620
4	Truman State University	85.15	1,280 – 1,400	13602	43966	#4 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges 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 Acceptance Rate 85.2% SAT Score 1,280 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $13,602 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,966
5	Virginia Military Institute	74.12	1,080 – 1,290	18825	63545	#5 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Virginia Military Institute Lexington, VA Abraham Lincoln called the Virginia Military Institute the “West Point of the South.” Located on the Maury River in the Shenandoah Valley, 429 athletes (the Keydets) compete in the NCAA Division I-FCS Southern Conference. Moe the Kangaroo cheers them on. Acceptance Rate 74.1% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $18,825 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,545
6	Christopher Newport University	86.04	1,080 – 1,300	23148	51931	#6 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Christopher Newport University Newport News, VA Based in Newport News, Christopher Newport University accepted 86% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 57% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. 81% of students decide to stay at Christopher Newport......Read more Acceptance Rate 86.0% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $23,148 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,931
7	Ramapo College of New Jersey	70.26	1,120 – 1,300	17566	53872	#7 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Ramapo College of New Jersey Mahwah, NJ Based in Mahwah, Ramapo College of New Jersey’s acceptance rate is 70%. They request $65 for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be requested. About 64% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. At Ramapo College of New Jersey, there is a 85% first year retention rate and 52% of students......Read more Acceptance Rate 70.3% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $17,566 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,872
8	SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry	63.28	1,150 – 1,330	19814	48327	#8 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse, NY Commonly chosen majors and programs at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry include Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, and Environmental Biology. Located next to Syracuse University, it also has research and education facilities in Adirondack Park, central New York, the Thousand Islands, and Costa Rica. Acceptance Rate 63.3% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $19,814 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,327
9	University of Mary Washington	74.13	1,190 – 1,370	21800	49411	#9 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, VA Located in Fredericksburg, the University of Mary Washington accepted 74% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications and . About 94% of students attending the University of Mary Washington will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year......Read more Acceptance Rate 74.1% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $21,800 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,411
10	Massachusetts Maritime Academy	92.02	1,040 – 1,200	13546	80424	#10 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Massachusetts Maritime Academy Buzzards Bay, MA The second oldest state maritime academy in the country, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy was founded in 1891. Its motto is “Discipline, Knowledge, Leadership.” Students train on the USTS Kennedy and select one of the 7 programs. Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering is the most popular. Acceptance Rate 92.0% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $13,546 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $80,424
11	University of Washington-Tacoma Campus	82.95	920 – 1,220	13898	62979	#11 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges University of Washington-Tacoma Campus Tacoma, WA The University of Washington, Tacoma campus sits in the historic Union Station District, with views of Mount Rainier and the Port of Tacoma. The school offers up to Doctor's degrees and follows a quarter academic schedule....Read more Acceptance Rate 83.0% SAT Score 920 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $13,898 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,979
12	St. Mary's College of Maryland	72.55	1,120 – 1,350	21071	52286	#12 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges St. Mary's College of Maryland St. Mary's City, MD Founded in 1840, St. Mary’s College of Maryland was originally known as St. Mary’s Female Seminary. It shares its campus with Historic St. Mary’s City, which was the state’s first colony and capital. A majority of students attending today are female, but the school has been co-educational since 1949. Acceptance Rate 72.6% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $21,071 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,286
13	New College of Florida	73.2	1,070 – 1,250	9078	32611	#13 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges New College of Florida Sarasota, FL A Public school, the New College of Florida awards institutional grant aid to 100% of attending students. 153 athletes may also be eligible for athletic scholarships, as New College is a NAIA Division I institution. In class, students enjoy a cozy 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. Acceptance Rate 73.2% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $9,078 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,611
14	SUNY at Purchase College	74.05	1,210 – 1,380	18211	31229	#14 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges SUNY at Purchase College Purchase, NY Found in Purchase, SUNY at Purchase College accepts 74% of applicants and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 69% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Acceptance Rate 74.1% SAT Score 1,210 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $18,211 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,229
15	University of New Hampshire at Manchester	80.87	980 – 1,240	9760	53671	#15 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges University of New Hampshire at Manchester Manchester, NH The University of New Hampshire at Manchester has programs that focus on urban issues. Two popular majors include Business/Commerce, and General. According to the UNH Manchester website, it has a 94% placement rate for graduates....Read more Acceptance Rate 80.9% SAT Score 980 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $9,760 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,671
16	SUNY Old Westbury	83.52	1,010 – 1,210	10944	43671	#16 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges SUNY Old Westbury Old Westbury, NY Based in Old Westbury, SUNY Old Westbury’s acceptance rate is 84% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 72% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 83.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $10,944 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,671
17	Maine Maritime Academy	96.15	1,090 – 1,290	23618	93944	#17 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges 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. Acceptance Rate 96.2% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $23,618 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $93,944
18	Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College	95.94	1,140 – 1,350	23764	55620	#18 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College Erie, PA Found in Erie, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College’s acceptance rate is 96%. They charge $65 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 71% of students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more Acceptance Rate 95.9% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $23,764 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,620
19	University of Wyoming	96.95	1,040 – 1,290	14872	48360	#19 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges 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.” Acceptance Rate 97.0% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $14,872 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,360
20	Eastern Connecticut State University	85.3	1,080 – 1,250	21512	47289	#20 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Eastern Connecticut State University Willimantic, CT Based in Willimantic, Eastern Connecticut State University accepts 85% of applicants. They request $50 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. Approximately 87% of students at Eastern Connecticut State University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Acceptance Rate 85.3% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $21,512 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,289
21	Pennsylvania College of Technology	100	1,040 – 1,220	23675	47995	#21 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport, PA Located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania College of Technology accepts 100% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 48% of students at Pennsylvania College of Technology currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $23,675 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,995
22	Longwood University	90.22	1,030 – 1,220	20847	46058	#22 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Longwood University Farmville, VA Located in Farmville, Longwood University accepts 90% of applicants and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. About 90% of students at Longwood University currently receive institutional grant aid. They receive $7,486 on average. The first year retention rate is 80%....Read more Acceptance Rate 90.2% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $20,847 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,058
23	Cal Poly Maritime Academy	95.01	1,010 – 1,210	19040	84676	#23 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Cal Poly Maritime Academy Vallejo, CA Cal Maritime is one of the 23 campuses that make up the California State University system. Students learn on a training ship, known as the “Golden Bear,” that serves as a floating classroom and laboratory. Marine Science/Merchant Marine Officer is the most popular area of study out of 8 programs. Acceptance Rate 95.0% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $19,040 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $84,676
24	Florida Polytechnic University	34.77	1,140 – 1,320	13016	77545	#24 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Florida Polytechnic University Lakeland, FL Originally a part of the University of South Florida, Florida Polytechnic University branched off in 2012. It’s selective, only accepting around 35% of students. The 170-acre campus is home to a variety of labs including ones for 3-D printing, robotics, gaming, and cybersecurity. Acceptance Rate 34.8% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $13,016 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $77,545
25	South Dakota School of Mines and Technology	79.87	1,170 – 1,370	20267	62863	#25 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Rapid City, SD Located in Rapid City, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology accepted 80% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $20 for undergraduate applications and $35 for graduate applications. About 75% of students attending South Dakota School of Mines and Technology currently receive......Read more Acceptance Rate 79.9% SAT Score 1,170 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $20,267 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,863
26	SUNY Maritime College	78.5	1,050 – 1,280	20312	83439	#26 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges SUNY Maritime College Throggs Neck, NY SUNY Maritime College, founded in 1847, is located about 30 minutes from Midtown Manhattan. Students at SUNY Maritime College can "Chart Your Own Course," which means they can choose from one of two different experiences—the Traditional Lifestyle (a more traditional campus experience) or the Regiment Lifestyle (preparing cadets......Read more Acceptance Rate 78.5% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $20,312 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $83,439
27	University of Minnesota-Morris	74.1	1,050 – 1,290	9677	43163	#27 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges University of Minnesota-Morris Morris, MN Based in Morris, the University of Minnesota-Morris’s acceptance rate is 74% and charges $30 for undergraduate applications. About 94% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 74.1% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $9,677 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,163
28	Wayne State College	100	--	16060	40857	#28 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Wayne State College Wayne, NE A part of the Nebraska State College system, Wayne State College was originally a private institution when it opened in 1981 as the Nebraska Normal College. Business Administration and Management, General is the most popular major by far, though there are 44 programs to choose from....Read more Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $16,060 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,857
29	Keene State College	89.82	890 – 1,250	19997	46649	#29 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Keene State College Keene, NH Based in Keene, Keene State College accepted 90% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 100% of students at Keene State College will receive grant aid from the school. At Keene State College, there is......Read more Acceptance Rate 89.8% SAT Score 890 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $19,997 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,649
30	New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology	44.49	1,080 – 1,320	11551	54530	#30 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges 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. Acceptance Rate 44.5% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $11,551 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,530
31	Winona State University	75.49	1,010 – 1,220	18289	51288	#31 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Winona State University Winona, MN Winona State University is a part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. Founded in 1858 as the First State Normal School of Minnesota, it would get its current moniker in 1975. Many undergraduates major in Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. Acceptance Rate 75.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $18,289 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,288
32	Millersville University of Pennsylvania	86.19	1,020 – 1,210	20551	44813	#32 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Millersville University of Pennsylvania Millersville, PA Located in Millersville, Millersville University of Pennsylvania accepted 86% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 67% of students at Millersville University of Pennsylvania currently receive grant aid from the school. 77% of students......Read more Acceptance Rate 86.2% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $20,551 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,813
33	Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania	86.5	890 – 1,310	23772	45010	#33 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania Shippensburg, PA Based in Shippensburg, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania’s acceptance rate is 86% and requires $45 for undergraduate applications and $45 for graduate applications. About 75% of students at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania currently receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 77%....Read more Acceptance Rate 86.5% SAT Score 890 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $23,772 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,010
34	Worcester State University	87.99	970 – 1,210	12778	50233	#34 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Worcester State University Worcester, MA Based in Worcester, Worcester State University’s acceptance rate is 88% and requests $50 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 54% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. 76% of students continued studying at Worcester State University after completing their first year....Read more Acceptance Rate 88.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $12,778 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,233
35	Westfield State University	86.71	1,000 – 1,210	17406	46861	#35 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Westfield State University Westfield, MA Found in Westfield, Westfield State University accepts 87% of applicants and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. About 80% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The college’s first year retention rate is 73% and around 42% of students will graduate......Read more Acceptance Rate 86.7% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $17,406 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,861
36	SUNY College at Potsdam	82.41	970 – 1,150	13730	39440	#36 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges SUNY College at Potsdam Potsdam, NY Part of the State University of New York system (SUNY), Potsdam offers up to Post-master's certificates. With 82% returning after they complete their first year, many undergraduates go onto major in Music Teacher Education. Potsdam’s motto is “To Learn - To Search - To Serve.” Acceptance Rate 82.4% SAT Score 970 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $13,730 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,440
37	SUNY at Fredonia	77.7	1,160 – 1,360	16023	40580	#37 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges SUNY at Fredonia Fredonia, NY Found in Fredonia, SUNY at Fredonia accepted 78% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 95% of students attending SUNY at Fredonia will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At SUNY at Fredonia, there is......Read more Acceptance Rate 77.7% SAT Score 1,160 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $16,023 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,580
38	University of Wisconsin-Platteville	89.38	1,080 – 1,310	16266	54825	#38 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, WI Platteville is one of the 13 main campuses that make up the public University of Wisconsin system. It received its current moniker in 1971 but the institution dates back to the 1866 Platteville Normal School. The Pioneers compete in the NCAA Division III with football Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference....Read more Acceptance Rate 89.4% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $16,266 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,825
39	State University of New York at Plattsburgh	78.41	1,090 – 1,260	15412	48089	#39 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges State University of New York at Plattsburgh Plattsburgh, NY Found in Plattsburgh, State University of New York at Plattsburgh accepts 78% of applicants and requests $50 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 80% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 78.4% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,260 Avg. Net Price $15,412 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,089
40	Minnesota State University Moorhead	58.85	970 – 1,210	18221	45873	#40 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, MN Minnesota State University Moorhead, or MSUM, is a public institution with an acceptance rate of 59%. Student-athletes, called the Dragons, wear red, white, and gray as they represent the school in the NCAA Division II with football Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Acceptance Rate 58.9% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $18,221 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,873
41	Montana Technological University	97.99	1,010 – 1,240	16665	48356	#41 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Montana Technological University Butte, MT Montana Technological University’s motto “De Re Metallica,” or “Of the metals,” pays homage to the school’s original name – the Montana School of Mines. The school’s seal features mining tools as well. The Orediggers wear green and copper, and athletes could be eligible for athletic scholarships. Acceptance Rate 98.0% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $16,665 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,356
42	SUNY Polytechnic Institute	81.42	1,040 – 1,370	14782	58662	#42 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges SUNY Polytechnic Institute Utica, NY Found in Utica, SUNY Polytechnic Institute accepted 81% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students attending SUNY Polytechnic Institute currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 81.4% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $14,782 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,662
43	Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto	95.77	1,060 – 1,220	19675	55620	#43 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto Mont Alto, PA Penn State Mont Alto is a regional Commonwealth campus of Pennsylvania State University, granting up to Bachelor's degrees. It got its start as the Pennsylvania State Forest Academy, established in 1903 by Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker. Penn State is closing the Mont Alto campus in mid-2027. Acceptance Rate 95.8% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $19,675 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,620
44	Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Fayette- Eberly	89.9	1,060 – 1,350	15112	55620	#44 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Fayette- Eberly Lemont Furnace, PA A Commonwealth school of Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus grants up to Bachelor's degrees. It has a very low 9 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. The campus is set to close after the spring 2027 semester. Acceptance Rate 89.9% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $15,112 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,620
45	Fitchburg State University	88.85	980 – 1,200	15340	41999	#45 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges Fitchburg State University Fitchburg, MA Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse is a popular area of study at Fitchburg State University for undergraduates, though the school awards up to Post-master's certificates. The public school’s main campus is 79 acres, but it also has an additional 120 acres nearby for biological study....Read more Acceptance Rate 88.9% SAT Score 980 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $15,340 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,999
46	University of Alaska Fairbanks	64.24	1,000 – 1,300	11278	40746	#46 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges 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. Acceptance Rate 64.2% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $11,278 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,746
47	West Liberty University	97.27	920 – 1,150	13655	36822	#47 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges 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 Acceptance Rate 97.3% SAT Score 920 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $13,655 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,822
48	Nevada State University	86.84	830 – 1,070	15699	47092	#48 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – Public Colleges 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. Acceptance Rate 86.8% SAT Score 830 – 1,070 Avg. Net Price $15,699 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,092