2026 College Rankings

Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US

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Hidden Gems
Region
Far West (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA)

About

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.

Methodology

Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school's selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. We've outlined our full methodology here.

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Rank	Institution	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Pitzer College	25.16	1,190 – 1,370	34801	51784	#1 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West 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, 34% enrolled. 81% of undergraduates graduate in four years, 88% in six. Pitzer is part of the Claremont Colleges consortium. Acceptance Rate 25.2% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $34,801 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,784
2	Scripps College	38.29	1,430 – 1,530	45505	68027	#2 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West 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 94% first year retention rate. Acceptance Rate 38.3% SAT Score 1,430 – 1,530 Avg. Net Price $45,505 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $68,027
3	Westmont College	77.04	1,230 – 1,430	36412	53737	#3 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US Westmont College Santa Barbara, CA Founded in 1937, Westmont College’s motto is Christus Primatum Tenens, which is Latin for “Christ Holding Preeminence.” The school was initially the Bible Missionary Institute but it became Westmont College only three years later. Student athletes are known as the Warriors and wear maroon, gold, and white....Read more Acceptance Rate 77.0% SAT Score 1,230 – 1,430 Avg. Net Price $36,412 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,737
4	Dominican University of California	83.92	1,170 – 1,280	51292	71477	#4 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US Dominican University of California San Rafael, CA Founded in 1890, the Dominican University of California is one of the oldest universities in California. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other is the most popular area of study. 99% of students receive institutional grants from the school....Read more Acceptance Rate 83.9% SAT Score 1,170 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $51,292 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $71,477
5	Willamette University	77.09	1,260 – 1,420	27716	38932	#5 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West 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, 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 72% six year graduation rate. Willamette offers 37 programs, and many study Law, Business Administration and Management, and General. Acceptance Rate 77.1% SAT Score 1,260 – 1,420 Avg. Net Price $27,716 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,932
6	Point Loma Nazarene University	83.67	1,200 – 1,400	36370	54811	#6 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US Point Loma Nazarene University San Diego, CA Point Loma Nazarene University was founded in 1902 as the Pacific Bible College, and underwent several name changes before arriving at its current moniker in 1998. There are currently 231 athletes and PLNU competes in the Pacific West Conference. Acceptance Rate 83.7% SAT Score 1,200 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $36,370 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,811
7	Saint Mary's College of California	88.56	1,080 – 1,270	31615	60388	#7 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US Saint Mary's College of California Moraga, CA Found in Moraga, Saint Mary's College of California accepts 89% of applicants. They require $60 for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students at Saint Mary's College of California will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 88.6% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $31,615 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $60,388
8	The Master's University and Seminary	75.89	1,010 – 1,210	33463	41665	#8 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US The Master's University and Seminary Santa Clarita, CA The Master’s University was opened as the Los Angeles Baptist College and Seminary in 1927. In 1985, it changed its name to The Master’s College to reflect its switch interdenominational religious affiliation. It became a university in 2016....Read more Acceptance Rate 75.9% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $33,463 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,665
9	Biola University	74.82	1,170 – 1,370	30510	45752	#9 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US Biola University La Mirada, CA Since 2017, Biola University has competed primarily in the Pacific West Conference. Athletes are known as the Eagles, and wear red, white, and black. Some popular sports include Basketball, Soccer, and Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)....Read more Acceptance Rate 74.8% SAT Score 1,170 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $30,510 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,752
10	University of Redlands	82.71	1,110 – 1,350	28054	61686	#10 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US University of Redlands Redlands, CA 84% of students return to the University of Redlands after completing their first year. 69% go on to graduate within six years. There are 69 programs available, but Business Administration and Management, General is the most popular by far. The Bulldogs are cheered on by George Willis, a live bulldog. Acceptance Rate 82.7% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $28,054 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $61,686
11	Whitworth University	86.77	1,100 – 1,340	27491	49510	#11 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West 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, Psychology, General, and Elementary Education and Teaching. 77% of students return after completing their first year, and 75% will graduate within 6 years. Acceptance Rate 86.8% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $27,491 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,510
12	Azusa Pacific University	79.59	990 – 1,300	26117	56794	#12 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US Azusa Pacific University Azusa, CA Azusa Pacific University is a private Christian school located just northeast of Los Angeles. Opened in 1899, it was originally called the Training School for Christian Workers. Over the next few decades, it merged with other colleges and received its current moniker in 1981....Read more Acceptance Rate 79.6% SAT Score 990 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $26,117 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,794
13	Pacific University	89.56	940 – 1,290	34809	46936	#13 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US Pacific University Forest Grove, OR Although Pacific University is nonsectarian today, it still works closely with the United Church of Christ, who was instrumental in the institution’s founding. There are currently more graduate students than undergraduates. Pacific University was a founding member of the Northwest Conference, which the Boxers participate in. Acceptance Rate 89.6% SAT Score 940 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $34,809 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,936
14	Pacific Lutheran University	78	1,070 – 1,290	23841	52212	#14 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma, WA Pacific Lutheran University’s motto is “Education for Lives of Thoughtful Inquiry, Service, Leadership, and Care.” Many students study Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Business Administration and Management, and General. The school opened in 1894, where tuition was $1 per week....Read more Acceptance Rate 78.0% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $23,841 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,212
15	Fresno Pacific University	57.52	970 – 1,180	15668	51422	#15 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US Fresno Pacific University Fresno, CA Fresno Pacific University started as the Pacific Bible Institute in 1944, where courses were taught in a home. It became a university in 1997. FPU offers a four-year graduation guarantee – if students meet their responsibilities but need longer than four years, they can take the remaining necessary courses at no cost. Acceptance Rate 57.5% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $15,668 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,422
16	California State University Maritime Academy	98.73	930 – 1,210	16081	84676	#16 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US California State University 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 7 programs. Acceptance Rate 98.7% SAT Score 930 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $16,081 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $84,676
17	Linfield University	85.17	1,050 – 1,240	31462	70643	#17 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US Linfield University McMinnville, OR Linfield College became Linfield University in 2020, but the school has roots going back to 1858, when it was called the Baptist College of McMinnville. Its motto is “Connecting Learning, Life and Community.” Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse is the most popular program by far....Read more Acceptance Rate 85.2% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $31,462 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $70,643
18	DigiPen Institute of Technology	67.2	1,190 – 1,410	40015	58771	#18 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US DigiPen Institute of Technology Redmond, WA The DigiPen Institute of Technology has 7 areas of study available to students, with a focus on computer science, music, animation, and similar fields. A private for-profit university, it also has campuses in Singapore and Spain. The school's DigiPen Academy has a Youtube and adult education program dedicated to STEM fields. Acceptance Rate 67.2% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $40,015 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,771
19	George Fox University	93.51	1,060 – 1,340	30649	53568	#19 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US George Fox University Newberg, OR George Fox University is a private Christian institution with an 83% first year retention rate and 17 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. GFU’s student athletes are known as the Bruins. Wearing navy blue and gold, they compete in the NCAA Division III with football Northwest Conference. Acceptance Rate 93.5% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $30,649 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,568
20	University of Washington-Tacoma Campus	82.52	970 – 1,220	11290	62979	#20 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US 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 82.5% SAT Score 970 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $11,290 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,979
21	Seattle Pacific University	83.39	1,070 – 1,310	26155	51496	#21 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US Seattle Pacific University Seattle, WA The motto of Seattle Pacific University is “Engaging the Culture, Changing the World.” It’s a private institution, affiliated with the Free Methodist Church, offering 77 programs....Read more Acceptance Rate 83.4% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $26,155 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,496
22	Concordia University-Irvine	59.86	1,050 – 1,300	29413	53777	#22 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US Concordia University-Irvine Irvine, CA Concordia University, Irvine is a private school affiliated with the Lutheran Church. It currently has more graduates than undergraduates attending, and two popular majors include Sport and Fitness Administration/Management, and Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services....Read more Acceptance Rate 59.9% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $29,413 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,777
23	Walla Walla University	60.4	1,050 – 1,270	26001	52840	#23 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US Walla Walla University College Place, WA Walla Walla University is fairly selective, and 30% of accepted students enroll. Students experience a 13 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 84% return to the school after completing their first year. Social Work, and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse are popular programs. Acceptance Rate 60.4% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $26,001 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,840
24	Corban University	89.74	1,010 – 1,240	26028	41735	#24 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US Corban University Salem, OR Corban University is non selective. During the last admissions cycle, 28% of those who were accepted enrolled at the school. There are 47 majors and programs to choose from, with Business Administration and Management, General, Divinity/Ministry, and Kinesiology and Exercise Science among the most popular. Acceptance Rate 89.7% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $26,028 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,735
25	Chaminade University of Honolulu	51.87	970 – 1,140	27695	48660	#25 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US Chaminade University of Honolulu Honolulu, HI Business Administration and Management, General 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. 201 athletes, known as Silverswords, compete in the Pacific West Conference. Acceptance Rate 51.9% SAT Score 970 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $27,695 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,660
26	Vanguard University of Southern California	64.79	940 – 1,200	20273	43464	#26 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US Vanguard University of Southern California Costa Mesa, CA 100% of students at Vanguard University of Southern California receive grant aid, with each student package averaging $29,955. Many choose to study Psychology, General, Business Administration and Management, and General. Vanguard’s motto is “Truth. Virtue. Service.” Acceptance Rate 64.8% SAT Score 940 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $20,273 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,464
27	Northwest University	80.97	1,020 – 1,320	25917	50495	#27 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US Northwest University Kirkland, WA Found in Kirkland, Northwest University accepted 81% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 99% of students attending Northwest University will receive grant aid from the school. At Northwest University, there is a 83% first year......Read more Acceptance Rate 81.0% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $25,917 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,495
28	Mount Saint Mary's University	73.13	910 – 1,120	27434	61335	#28 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles, CA Based in Los Angeles, Mount Saint Mary's University’s acceptance rate is 73% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 73.1% SAT Score 910 – 1,120 Avg. Net Price $27,434 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $61,335
29	Woodbury University	72.87	940 – 1,240	31257	47665	#29 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US Woodbury University Burbank, CA Found in Burbank, Woodbury University’s acceptance rate is 73% and requires $85 for undergraduate applications and $85 for graduate applications. Approximately 99% of students attending Woodbury University currently receive grant aid from the school. At Woodbury University, there is a 71% first year retention rate and 32% of......Read more Acceptance Rate 72.9% SAT Score 940 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $31,257 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,665
30	Whittier College	83.5	1,070 – 1,250	32436	46025	#30 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US Whittier College Whittier, CA Found in Whittier, Whittier College accepts 84% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 99% of students attending Whittier College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 83.5% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $32,436 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,025
31	Saint Martin's University	89.8	940 – 1,170	22779	57998	#31 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US Saint Martin's University Lacey, WA Located in Lacey, Saint Martin's University accepted 90% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 83% of students attending Saint Martin's University will receive institutional grant aid. 65% of students......Read more Acceptance Rate 89.8% SAT Score 940 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $22,779 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,998
32	Bushnell University	67.28	970 – 1,040	22534	43484	#32 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US Bushnell University Eugene, OR Located in Eugene, Bushnell University’s acceptance rate is 67% and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 100% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. They are given $20,178 on average. The first year retention rate is 76%....Read more Acceptance Rate 67.3% SAT Score 970 – 1,040 Avg. Net Price $22,534 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,484
33	La Sierra University	93.3	890 – 1,140	28076	42617	#33 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US La Sierra University Riverside, CA Located in Riverside, La Sierra University accepts 93% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. About 99% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. At La Sierra University, there is a 82% first year retention rate and 34% of students will graduate in four years or less....Read more Acceptance Rate 93.3% SAT Score 890 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $28,076 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,617
34	William Jessup University	76.82	1,060 – 1,300	28171	43163	#34 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Far West US William Jessup University Rocklin, CA Based in Rocklin, William Jessup University’s acceptance rate is 77% and requests $60 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 97% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Acceptance Rate 76.8% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $28,171 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,163