2026 College Rankings

Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region

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Hidden Gems
Region
Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH, WI)

About

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.

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	Hillsdale College	20.72	1,350 – 1,480	26030	63721	#1 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Hillsdale College Hillsdale, MI Hillsdale College’s motto is “Virtus Tentamine Gaudet” or “Strength Rejoices in the Challenge.” The school has a 97% first year retention rate and an 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. All students have to take courses on the “Great Books” and the United States Constitution. 78% will graduate within 4 years. Acceptance Rate 20.7% SAT Score 1,350 – 1,480 Avg. Net Price $26,030 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
2	Wheaton College	89.98	1,270 – 1,440	31346	50270	#2 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Wheaton College Wheaton, IL Wheaton College was founded by evangelical abolitionists in 1860 and would become a stop on the Underground Railroad. Business/Managerial Economics is the most popular major....Read more Acceptance Rate 90.0% SAT Score 1,270 – 1,440 Avg. Net Price $31,346 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,270
3	Wabash College	63.3	1,070 – 1,280	23913	52667	#3 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Wabash College Crawfordsville, IN Wabash College is an all men’s school with a 9 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. 100% of students receive grant aid - around $38,864 each - and 83% graduate within six years. The student paper, “The Bachelor,” has been in publication since the early 1900s. Acceptance Rate 63.3% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $23,913 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,667
4	Lawrence University	63.94	1,190 – 1,410	27393	40653	#4 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region 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 Acceptance Rate 63.9% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $27,393 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,653
5	Principia College	42.99	1,060 – 1,250	14904	63721	#5 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Principia College Elsah, IL Principia College offers up to Bachelor's degrees. Found on the Mississippi River, part of the campus is named a National Historic Landmark District. Class sizes are extremely small, with an average 6 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. 82% of students stay on after the first year and 86% graduate within six years. Acceptance Rate 43.0% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $14,904 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
6	Taylor University	73.53	1,120 – 1,360	25698	45142	#6 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Taylor University Upland, IN Taylor University offers 2 majors and programs. Some of the most popular areas of study for the Trojans include Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing, Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, and Other....Read more Acceptance Rate 73.5% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $25,698 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,142
7	John Carroll University	80.9	1,200 – 1,390	30790	53187	#7 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region John Carroll University University Heights, OH John Carroll University was founded in 1886 as the St. Ignatius College. It changed its name to its current moniker in 1923 and became coeducational in 1968. Many of the buildings on the 65-acre campus are of Collegiate Gothic architecture. JCU has a first year retention rate of 83%. Acceptance Rate 80.9% SAT Score 1,200 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $30,790 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,187
8	Kalamazoo College	75.33	1,210 – 1,380	26050	46137	#8 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Kalamazoo College Kalamazoo, MI Kalamazoo College is the leading producer of Peace Corps members out of small liberal arts colleges. Its motto is “Lux Esto,” which is Latin for “Be Light.” Many of K College’s faculty hold a terminal degree in their field. Students follow the “K Plan” – an academic plan that focuses on liberal arts, study abroad, and community. Acceptance Rate 75.3% SAT Score 1,210 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $26,050 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,137
9	Saint Mary's College	75.97	1,160 – 1,340	30389	53470	#9 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Saint Mary's College Notre Dame, IN Saint Mary’s College is a private Catholic liberal arts school for women. It’s somewhat selective and has a 20% yield. 88% of students stay on after they complete their first year and in the classroom, there’s a cozy 10 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse is the most popular major. Acceptance Rate 76.0% SAT Score 1,160 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $30,389 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,470
10	Beloit College	63.04	1,210 – 1,390	24941	41660	#10 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Beloit College Beloit, WI Beloit College’s campus is located next to the Rock River, just north of the Illinois and Wisconsin border. With an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and a six-year graduation rate of 73%, Beloit’s most popular major is Psychology, General. Their colors are orange, black, and white, and their mascot is a polar bear. Acceptance Rate 63.0% SAT Score 1,210 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $24,941 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,660
11	Saint Norbert College	85.74	1,080 – 1,310	27236	49775	#11 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Saint Norbert College De Pere, WI Roman Catholic and Norbertine, St. Norbert College’s motto is “Docere Verbo et Exemplo,” which translates to “To teach by word and example.” It awards 100% of students with institutional grants and has an 83% first year retention rate. 75% graduate in four years, 78% in six. Acceptance Rate 85.7% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $27,236 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,775
12	Ohio Northern University	73.35	1,210 – 1,370	26396	62686	#12 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Ohio Northern University Ada, OH Ohio Northern University has a 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 80% first year retention rate. Pharmacy, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration, Other, and Mechanical Engineering are among the most common academic programs. ONU’s motto is “Out of diversity strength” in Latin. Acceptance Rate 73.4% SAT Score 1,210 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $26,396 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,686
13	Earlham College	73.11	1,130 – 1,340	26517	35430	#13 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Earlham College Richmond, IN Founded in 1847, Earlham College is a liberal arts and sciences institution shaped by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). They charge unknown for applications and have a student-to-faculty ratio of 7 to 1. Many students participate in Earlham’s study abroad program. Acceptance Rate 73.1% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $26,517 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,430
14	Franciscan University of Steubenville	72.23	1,110 – 1,340	24490	42037	#14 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Franciscan University of Steubenville Steubenville, OH “Fortitude and Prudence” is the motto of the Franciscan University of Steubenville. Located along the Ohio River, the school has a first year retention rate of 88% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 13 to 1. The Barons participate in the NCAA Division III without football Presidents' Athletic Conference. Acceptance Rate 72.2% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $24,490 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,037
15	Knox College	70.79	1,170 – 1,440	25524	37757	#15 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Knox College Galesburg, IL Knox College got its start as the Knox Manual Labor College when founded in 1837 by abolitionists – it would go on to play a role in the Underground Railroad. Students can earn up to Bachelor's degrees, and they follow a quarter academic calendar....Read more Acceptance Rate 70.8% SAT Score 1,170 – 1,440 Avg. Net Price $25,524 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,757
16	Hanover College	83.97	1,130 – 1,300	22929	42876	#16 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Hanover College Hanover, IN Hanover College is a private not-for-profit institution that offers up to Doctor's degrees. Students follow a four-one-four plan, which is two four-month semesters with a one-month term between. It’s the oldest private college in the state, having been founded in 1827. Hanover became coeducational in 1880. Acceptance Rate 84.0% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $22,929 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,876
17	Otterbein University	84.52	990 – 1,240	22242	44539	#17 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Otterbein University Westerville, OH Otterbein University is a private institution that offers up to Doctor's degrees. It was founded by the Church of United Brethren in Christ in 1947, but today it’s affiliated with the United Methodist Church....Read more Acceptance Rate 84.5% SAT Score 990 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $22,242 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,539
18	Baldwin Wallace University	75.7	1,090 – 1,300	28190	44972	#18 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Baldwin Wallace University Berea, OH Baldwin Wallace University is a private liberal arts and sciences university found in 1845. The school boasts a 12 to 1 student to faculty ratio and 83% first year retention rate....Read more Acceptance Rate 75.7% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $28,190 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,972
19	North Central College	77.33	1,090 – 1,320	24190	51762	#19 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region North Central College Naperville, IL North Central College started as Plainfield College in 1861, receiving its current name in 1926 and acquiring Shimer College in 2017. It’s affiliated with the United Methodist Church, and it’s motto is “Lux Veritas” – or “Light of Truth.” 795 athletes are known as the Cardinals and are cheered on by Chippy the Cardinal. Acceptance Rate 77.3% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $24,190 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,762
20	Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion	82.21	1,050 – 1,220	23364	51329	#20 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion Marion, IN Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion is a NAIA Division II school, with 515 Wildcats primarily competing in the Mid-States Football Association. With a 14 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, IWU has an 82% first year retention rate. Many are studying Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. Acceptance Rate 82.2% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $23,364 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,329
21	University of Evansville	78.13	1,090 – 1,330	21611	46734	#21 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region University of Evansville Evansville, IN Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the University of Evansville dates back to 1854. It has a satellite center in England. A NCAA Division I without football school, the Purple Aces compete in the Missouri Valley Conference. Classes are on the small size, with a 9 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. Acceptance Rate 78.1% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $21,611 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,734
22	Grace College and Theological Seminary	80.78	970 – 1,190	21680	41463	#22 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Grace College and Theological Seminary Winona Lake, IN Grace College and Theological Seminary was founded in 1948, though it has roots going back to 1937. Affiliated with the Charis Fellowship, the school’s motto is “To know Christ and to make Him known.” On campus, 80% of freshmen return for their sophomore year, and 72% graduate within six years. Acceptance Rate 80.8% SAT Score 970 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $21,680 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,463
23	University of Mount Union	80.13	1,000 – 1,210	22835	45919	#23 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region University of Mount Union Alliance, OH 20% of accepted students enroll in the University of Mount Union, a somewhat selective liberal arts school. The 123-acre campus is home to two buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Kehres Stadium is the oldest college stadium in the state. The university also has a 162-acre nature center. Acceptance Rate 80.1% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $22,835 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,919
24	Huntington University	71.15	990 – 1,200	21149	40702	#24 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Huntington University Huntington, IN 97% of students at Huntington University receive grant aid and as a NAIA Division I school, there are also athletic scholarships available. Huntington opened in 1897 as Central College, having been founded by (and still affiliated with) the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. Acceptance Rate 71.2% SAT Score 990 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $21,149 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,702
25	Trinity Christian College	88.65	950 – 1,180	17218	48107	#25 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Trinity Christian College Palos Heights, IL Trinity Christian College is interdenominational and students can pursue up to Post-master's certificates. Participating in the NAIA Division I Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference, student-athletes are known as the Trolls. Popular sports include Soccer, Basketball, and Baseball....Read more Acceptance Rate 88.7% SAT Score 950 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $17,218 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,107
26	Andrews University	87.4	1,080 – 1,350	24874	43254	#26 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Andrews University Berrien Springs, MI Based in Berrien Springs, Andrews University’s acceptance rate is 87% and requests $30 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 94% of students attending Andrews University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The institution’s first year retention rate is 82% and its four......Read more Acceptance Rate 87.4% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $24,874 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,254
27	Trine University	84.69	1,110 – 1,310	25580	53010	#27 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Trine University Angola, IN Found in Angola, Trine University’s acceptance rate is 85%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. Approximately 96% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. At Trine University, there is a 78% first year retention rate and around 50% of students will earn......Read more Acceptance Rate 84.7% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $25,580 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,010
28	Wittenberg University	91.04	1,050 – 1,240	21457	42437	#28 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Wittenberg University Springfield, OH Found in Springfield, Wittenberg University’s acceptance rate is 91% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 100% of students attending Wittenberg University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Acceptance Rate 91.0% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $21,457 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,437
29	Cornerstone University	73.16	1,010 – 1,240	23147	42598	#29 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Cornerstone University Grand Rapids, MI Acceptance Rate 73.2% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $23,147 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,598
30	Wisconsin Lutheran College	78.16	1,130 – 1,340	22809	49095	#30 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Wisconsin Lutheran College Milwaukee, WI Found in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Lutheran College’s acceptance rate is 78% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students attending Wisconsin Lutheran College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 78.2% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $22,809 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,095
31	Ripon College	83.92	1,040 – 1,280	22557	42334	#31 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Ripon College Ripon, WI Found in Ripon, Ripon College accepted 84% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $30 for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 100% of students attending Ripon College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The school’s first year......Read more Acceptance Rate 83.9% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $22,557 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,334
32	Capital University	70.22	960 – 1,210	22480	45767	#32 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Capital University Columbus, OH Found in Columbus, Capital University accepts 70% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 99% of students attending Capital University will receive institutional grant aid. At Capital University, there is a 75% first year retention rate and around 54% of students will graduate......Read more Acceptance Rate 70.2% SAT Score 960 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $22,480 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,767
33	Goshen College	84.04	880 – 1,110	17040	43218	#33 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Goshen College Goshen, IN Found in Goshen, Goshen College accepted 84% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 98% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 80%....Read more Acceptance Rate 84.0% SAT Score 880 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $17,040 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,218
34	Illinois College	78.19	910 – 1,200	17255	40110	#34 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Illinois College Jacksonville, IL Founded in 1829, Illinois College is the second oldest college in the state. 100% of enrolled students receive grant aid to help offset the cost of attendance, with each package averaging $30,139....Read more Acceptance Rate 78.2% SAT Score 910 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $17,255 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,110
35	Ashland University	80.53	1,040 – 1,250	21971	47722	#35 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Ashland University Ashland, OH Acceptance Rate 80.5% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $21,971 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,722
36	Kettering University	78.67	1,100 – 1,310	33616	80275	#36 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Kettering University Flint, MI Located in Flint, Kettering University accepted 79% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. Approximately 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 78.7% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $33,616 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $80,275
37	Judson University	62.4	910 – 1,190	21331	45374	#37 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Judson University Elgin, IL Based in Elgin, Judson University accepted 62% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $50 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. Approximately 94% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Acceptance Rate 62.4% SAT Score 910 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $21,331 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,374
38	Concordia University-Wisconsin	78.19	1,110 – 1,310	28060	49761	#38 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, WI Based in Mequon, Concordia University-Wisconsin accepts 78% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 100% of students at Concordia University-Wisconsin currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 78% of students decide to stay at Concordia......Read more Acceptance Rate 78.2% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $28,060 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,761
39	Franklin College	69.78	1,060 – 1,240	23843	45635	#39 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Franklin College Franklin, IN Located in Franklin, Franklin College’s acceptance rate is 70%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be available. About 100% of students at Franklin College will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Acceptance Rate 69.8% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $23,843 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,635
40	Northwood University	83.9	970 – 1,180	26429	54058	#40 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Northwood University Midland, MI Found in Midland, Northwood University accepts 84% of applicants. They request $30 for undergraduate applications. About 100% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Acceptance Rate 83.9% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $26,429 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,058
41	Walsh University	78.15	1,040 – 1,260	21009	50090	#41 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Walsh University North Canton, OH Found in North Canton, Walsh University accepted 78% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 99% of students at Walsh University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 76% of students continued their......Read more Acceptance Rate 78.2% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,260 Avg. Net Price $21,009 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,090
42	Heidelberg University	67.73	1,020 – 1,180	19620	41440	#42 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Heidelberg University Tiffin, OH Acceptance Rate 67.7% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $19,620 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,440
43	Mount Vernon Nazarene University	84.3	1,010 – 1,280	23293	43046	#43 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Mount Vernon Nazarene University Mount Vernon, OH Based in Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon Nazarene University accepted 84% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. About 99% of students at Mount Vernon Nazarene University currently receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 72%....Read more Acceptance Rate 84.3% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $23,293 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,046
44	Viterbo University	72.43	1,110 – 1,250	23901	56804	#44 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Viterbo University La Crosse, WI Based in La Crosse, Viterbo University accepted 72% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students at Viterbo University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The school’s first year......Read more Acceptance Rate 72.4% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $23,901 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,804
45	Marian University	95.32	970 – 1,200	23225	55704	#45 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Marian University Indianapolis, IN Found in Indianapolis, Marian University accepts 95% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. Approximately 91% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Acceptance Rate 95.3% SAT Score 970 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $23,225 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,704
46	The University of Findlay	86.15	1,010 – 1,240	26215	49757	#46 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region The University of Findlay Findlay, OH Located in Findlay, The University of Findlay accepted 86% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 98% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. The college’s first year retention rate is 72% and 47% of......Read more Acceptance Rate 86.2% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $26,215 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,757
47	Malone University	75.86	970 – 1,180	23362	43056	#47 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Malone University Canton, OH Malone University offers up to Post-master's certificates. Affiliated with the Evangelical Friends Church, the school’s motto is “Christ’s Kingdom First.” A part of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, 398 Pioneers compete in sports, such as Track and Field and Cross Country (combined), Basketball, and Soccer. Acceptance Rate 75.9% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $23,362 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,056
48	Bethel University	98.68	880 – 1,180	20058	44271	#48 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Bethel University Mishawaka, IN Located in Mishawaka, Bethel University’s acceptance rate is 99% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 94% of students at Bethel University will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 71% and around 54% of students will graduate in four years or......Read more Acceptance Rate 98.7% SAT Score 880 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $20,058 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,271
49	Northland College	78.87	1,050 – 1,250	24020	35819	#49 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Northland College Ashland, WI Based in Ashland, Northland College accepted 79% 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 attending Northland College will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Acceptance Rate 78.9% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $24,020 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,819
50	University of Illinois Springfield	84.37	1,040 – 1,240	9241	47432	#50 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region University of Illinois Springfield Springfield, IL The University of Illinois Springfield is one of three in the University of Illinois system and is located in the state's capitol city. U of I offers 46 degree programs with Computer Science, Business Administration and Management, General, Psychology, and General being the most sought after....Read more Acceptance Rate 84.4% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $9,241 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,432
51	Spring Arbor University	37.33	1,010 – 1,230	21720	45592	#51 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Spring Arbor University Spring Arbor, MI Found in Spring Arbor, Spring Arbor University’s acceptance rate is 37%. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. About 100% of students attending Spring Arbor University will receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 78%....Read more Acceptance Rate 37.3% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $21,720 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,592
52	Monmouth College	86.6	1,050 – 1,250	19088	43158	#52 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Monmouth College Monmouth, IL Found in Monmouth, Monmouth College accepts 87% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 100% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 73% and around 50% of students will graduate within four years. Business......Read more Acceptance Rate 86.6% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $19,088 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,158
53	Edgewood College	94.52	1,040 – 1,210	26692	53843	#53 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region Edgewood College Madison, WI Located in Madison, Edgewood College accepted 95% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 98% of students at Edgewood College will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Acceptance Rate 94.5% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $26,692 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,843
54	University of St Francis	65.3	900 – 1,160	16455	56648	#54 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region University of St Francis Joliet, IL Based in Joliet, the University of St Francis’s acceptance rate is 65% and requests $20 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 100% of students attending the University of St Francis will receive institutional grant aid. At the University of St Francis, there is a 79% first year retention rate and 40% of......Read more Acceptance Rate 65.3% SAT Score 900 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $16,455 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,648