2027 College Rankings

Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region

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Hidden Gems
Region
Plains (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD)

About

Often referred to as America's Heartland, the Plains region is expansive and rich with diverse industries. It's also home to several outstanding Hidden Gem colleges and universities that are definitely worth exploring. The Plains region includes Hidden Gem schools from Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

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	Carleton College	21.78	1,450 – 1,550	28047	53989	#1 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region 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. Acceptance Rate 21.8% SAT Score 1,450 – 1,550 Avg. Net Price $28,047 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,989
2	Macalester College	28.13	1,350 – 1,490	40225	46244	#2 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Macalester College Saint Paul, MN Macalester College is a private liberal arts college that sits near the Mississippi River in the heart of the Twin Cities. Students can earn up to a bachelor’s degree and a commonly selected major is Research and Experimental Psychology, Other....Read more Acceptance Rate 28.1% SAT Score 1,350 – 1,490 Avg. Net Price $40,225 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,244
3	St Olaf College	43.38	1,310 – 1,440	26756	48373	#3 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region St Olaf College Northfield, MN Founded by Norwegian-American immigrant pastors and farmers, St. Olaf has actually been visited by King Olav and King Harald V. Their mascot is St. Olaf Lion and the school’s athletes are known as the Oles. With 44 majors offered, the most popular area of study is Biology/Biological Sciences, General. Acceptance Rate 43.4% SAT Score 1,310 – 1,440 Avg. Net Price $26,756 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,373
4	College of Saint Benedict	91.9	1,100 – 1,300	28400	54567	#4 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region College of Saint Benedict Saint Joseph, MN Partnered with Saint John’s University for men, the College of Saint Benedict is exclusively for women. The school got its start in 1913 with only six students. Since 1955, the two campuses have shared resources. CSB has an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, 83% first year retention rate, and 80% four year graduation rate. Acceptance Rate 91.9% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $28,400 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,567
5	Gustavus Adolphus College	60.99	1,180 – 1,370	26094	51546	#5 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, MN Biology/Biological Sciences, General is the most popular major at Gustavus Adolphus College. A fairly selective school, it received 5,290 applications during the last admissions cycle and accepted 3,230 of them. The college has an 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 88% first year retention rate. Acceptance Rate 61.0% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $26,094 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,546
6	Truman State University	85.15	1,280 – 1,400	13602	43966	#6 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region 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
7	Drake University	64.94	1,110 – 1,350	29565	58233	#7 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region 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 Acceptance Rate 64.9% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $29,565 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,233
8	Dordt University	68.47	1,080 – 1,340	28486	50551	#8 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Dordt University Sioux Center, IA Found in Sioux Center, Dordt University accepted 68% 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 students at Dordt University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Acceptance Rate 68.5% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $28,486 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,551
9	Bethel University	88.68	1,120 – 1,310	31738	55145	#9 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Bethel University St. Paul, MN At Bethel University, 27% of accepted students will decide to attend. Business Administration and Management, General, and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse are two popular undergraduate majors. The school has an 14 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 83% first year retention rate. Acceptance Rate 88.7% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $31,738 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,145
10	Saint Johns University	89.76	1,080 – 1,320	28504	59843	#10 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Saint Johns University Collegeville, MN Saint John’s University is an all-male school that has a partnership with the College of Saint Benedict, the women’s college. They share curriculum and access to resources. Saint John’s has a 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and a 81% first year retention rate. Acceptance Rate 89.8% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $28,504 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,843
11	University of Northwestern-St Paul	39.92	1,080 – 1,310	29117	47544	#11 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region University of Northwestern-St Paul Saint Paul, MN University of Northwestern, St. Paul awards up to Master's degrees. The school got its start as the Northwestern Bible and Missionary Training School in 1902, becoming a university in 2013. Students are known as the Eagles, and they participate in Football, Basketball, and Soccer, among others. Acceptance Rate 39.9% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $29,117 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,544
12	Luther College	83.98	1,100 – 1,370	24511	49541	#12 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Luther College Decorah, IA Luther College started as a Lutheran seminary opened by Norwegian immigrants. The upper campus is on the National Register of Historic Places, while the Upper Iowa River flows through the lower campus. Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse is a popular area of study, and the school has a first year retention rate of 77%. Acceptance Rate 84.0% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $24,511 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,541
13	Simpson College	86.22	1,400 – 1,460	23282	49946	#13 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Simpson College Indianola, IA Simpson College is non selective. 100% receive grant aid, $37,896 on average. Attending students enjoy an 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, and many go on to major in Health and Wellness, General....Read more Acceptance Rate 86.2% SAT Score 1,400 – 1,460 Avg. Net Price $23,282 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,946
14	Rockhurst University	93.92	1,040 – 1,280	25787	61371	#14 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Rockhurst University Kansas City, MO There is no application fee at Rockhurst University, where 100% of students who attend receive grant aid, $34,562 on average. Rockhurt’s motto is Sapientia Aedificavit Sibi Domum which is Latin for “Wisdom has built herself a home.” The most popular major among students is Registered Nursing. Acceptance Rate 93.9% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $25,787 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $61,371
15	University of Mary	75.3	1,090 – 1,260	20156	50191	#15 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region 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. Acceptance Rate 75.3% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,260 Avg. Net Price $20,156 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,191
16	The College of Saint Scholastica	92.98	1,010 – 1,210	26083	62332	#16 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, MN A Roman Catholic school founded by the Benedictine Sisters, the College of St. Scholastica’s motto is “All her paths are peace” in Latin. It’s non selective, and 17% of those accepted during the last admissions cycle enrolled....Read more Acceptance Rate 93.0% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $26,083 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,332
17	Cornell College	79.9	1,140 – 1,350	25220	39299	#17 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Cornell College Mount Vernon, IA Students at Cornell College follow a “block plan,” where they attend one course at a time over a few weeks. In a year, students can expect to finish eight blocks, or courses. Classes tend to be smaller, with a 14 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. King Chapel on campus is home to an over 3,000-piped organ. Acceptance Rate 79.9% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $25,220 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,299
18	St Catherine University	90.47	1,020 – 1,280	20918	52795	#18 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region St Catherine University Saint Paul, MN Based in Saint Paul, St Catherine University’s acceptance rate is 90%. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. About 100% of students attending St Catherine University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Acceptance Rate 90.5% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $20,918 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,795
19	Union Adventist University	100	980 – 1,170	24844	43853	#19 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region 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 Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 980 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $24,844 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,853
20	Columbia College	88.78	930 – 1,120	21530	40747	#20 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Columbia College Columbia, MO Columbia College is a private institution affiliated with the Disciples of Christ within the Christian Church. Although the school calls Missouri home, Columbia also has campuses across nine states, including on US military bases. General Studies is the most popular area of study. Acceptance Rate 88.8% SAT Score 930 – 1,120 Avg. Net Price $21,530 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,747
21	Benedictine College	98.12	1,130 – 1,360	28629	45000	#21 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region 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 Acceptance Rate 98.1% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $28,629 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,000
22	Saint Ambrose University	80.06	950 – 1,180	25345	51616	#22 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Saint Ambrose University Davenport, IA St. Ambrose University got its start as a school of commerce for men. Today, the most popular majors are Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, and Social Work. It’s a private Catholic institution with an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. The school motto is “Faith Learning Justice.” Acceptance Rate 80.1% SAT Score 950 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $25,345 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,616
23	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota	90.88	1,110 – 1,240	22032	54549	#23 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, MN Found in Winona, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota accepted 91% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students attending Saint Mary's University of Minnesota currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college......Read more Acceptance Rate 90.9% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $22,032 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,549
24	Concordia College at Moorhead	62.65	1,080 – 1,240	25190	48225	#24 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, MN Concordia College at Moorhead has an 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 84% first year retention rate. It’s home to a robust music program with several choirs, bands, and orchestras. Students are known as the Cobbers and compete in the NCAA Division III with football Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Acceptance Rate 62.7% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $25,190 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,225
25	North Central University	98.98	970 – 1,180	26363	37688	#25 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region North Central University Minneapolis, MN Located in Minneapolis, North Central University’s acceptance rate is 99%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 96% of students attending North Central University currently receive grant aid from the school. At North Central University, there is a 82%......Read more Acceptance Rate 99.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $26,363 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,688
26	Concordia University-Nebraska	85.72	1,030 – 1,240	24158	44527	#26 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Concordia University-Nebraska Seward, NE Found in Seward, Concordia University-Nebraska accepts 86% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. On average, these students are given $26,584 each. The first year retention rate is 80%....Read more Acceptance Rate 85.7% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $24,158 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,527
27	Augustana University	72.89	1,090 – 1,290	24977	49826	#27 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region 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 Acceptance Rate 72.9% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $24,977 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,826
28	Northwestern College	80.35	1,040 – 1,280	26347	46731	#28 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Northwestern College Orange City, IA Many students - 618 to be exact - participate in sports at Northwestern College. They’re known as the Red Raiders and compete in the NAIA Division II Great Plains Athletic Conference. In the classroom, NWC has 39 majors and programs to choose from. Acceptance Rate 80.4% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $26,347 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,731
29	Coe College	63.36	1,110 – 1,320	20864	47136	#29 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Coe College Cedar Rapids, IA Located in Cedar Rapids, Coe College accepts 63% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 76%....Read more Acceptance Rate 63.4% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $20,864 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,136
30	Doane University	96.33	1,010 – 1,240	26364	46009	#30 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Doane University Crete, NE Located in Crete, Doane University accepts 96% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 98% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Acceptance Rate 96.3% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $26,364 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,009
31	Nebraska Wesleyan University	72.43	1,110 – 1,290	21122	47667	#31 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Nebraska Wesleyan University Lincoln, NE Nebraska Wesleyan University is a private school, associated with the United Methodists. It has 41 available majors and programs – Biology/Biological Sciences, General is the most popular. Competing in the American Rivers Conference, the 537 Prairie Wolves wear black and gold. Acceptance Rate 72.4% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $21,122 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,667
32	Emmaus Bible College	59.79	1,090 – 1,360	15028	34653	#32 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Emmaus Bible College Dubuque, IA A very small school, Emmaus University received 190 during the last admissions cycle. 60% were accepted, and about 63% – or 70 – enrolled. On average, 100% of students receive $16,106 in grant aid. Affiliated with the Plymouth Brethren, it became a university in 2024. Acceptance Rate 59.8% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $15,028 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,653
33	South Dakota School of Mines and Technology	79.87	1,170 – 1,370	20267	62863	#33 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region 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
34	Central College	86.98	1,050 – 1,270	23848	49115	#34 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Central College Pella, IA Located in Pella, Central College accepts 87% of applicants. They require $25 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students at Central College will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Acceptance Rate 87.0% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $23,848 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,115
35	University of Minnesota-Morris	74.1	1,050 – 1,290	9677	43163	#35 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region 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
36	Wartburg College	75.84	1,070 – 1,280	24031	48795	#36 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Wartburg College Waverly, IA Business/Commerce, General, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, and Kinesiology and Exercise Science are popular majors at Wartburg College, whose motto is “Experience more.” The school was founded in 1852, and it moved several times between Illinois and Iowa....Read more Acceptance Rate 75.8% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $24,031 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,795
37	Wayne State College	100	--	16060	40857	#37 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region 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
38	Drury University	65.75	1,110 – 1,310	21903	37508	#38 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Drury University Springfield, MO Based in Springfield, Drury University’s acceptance rate is 66%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 100% of students attending Drury University currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Acceptance Rate 65.8% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $21,903 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,508
39	William Jewell College	41.05	970 – 1,190	19294	54197	#39 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region William Jewell College Liberty, MO William Jewell College dates back to 1849 and was originally associated with the Missouri Baptist Convention. The school became independent in 2003. Out of the accepted students, 25% decide to attend. If taking the ACT, students should aim for between a 18 - 24. Acceptance Rate 41.1% SAT Score 970 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $19,294 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,197
40	Winona State University	75.49	1,010 – 1,220	18289	51288	#40 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region 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
41	Loras College	69.66	1,020 – 1,200	21631	46069	#41 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Loras College Dubuque, IA Loras College offers up to a Master's degree, with 34 programs to choose from. Kinesiology and Exercise Science is a top choice. The private school also has an 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 74% first year retention rate. Founded in 1839, Loras College is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state. Acceptance Rate 69.7% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $21,631 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,069
42	University of Sioux Falls	82.74	970 – 1,180	21385	46712	#42 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region University of Sioux Falls Sioux Falls, SD Based in Sioux Falls, the University of Sioux Falls accepted 83% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students at the University of Sioux Falls currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more Acceptance Rate 82.7% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $21,385 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,712
43	Hamline University	90.13	1,080 – 1,270	22390	47139	#43 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Hamline University Saint Paul, MN Based in Saint Paul, Hamline University accepts 90% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students attending Hamline University currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Acceptance Rate 90.1% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $22,390 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,139
44	Buena Vista University	64.97	970 – 1,180	19704	43572	#44 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Buena Vista University Storm Lake, IA Buena Vista University has a 13 to 1 student to faculty ratio, 76% first year retention rate, and 50% 4-year graduation rate. Every year BVU students volunteer at Buenafication Day, the school's annual day of community service. Popular majors among students include Elementary Education and Teaching, and Accounting. Acceptance Rate 65.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $19,704 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,572
45	Mount Mercy University	82.48	1,010 – 1,210	24347	52871	#45 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Mount Mercy University Cedar Rapids, IA Located in Cedar Rapids, Mount Mercy University’s acceptance rate is 82% and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students at Mount Mercy University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Mount Mercy University, there is a 73% first year retention......Read more Acceptance Rate 82.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $24,347 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,871
46	Minneapolis College of Art and Design	48.48	1,090 – 1,340	30305	35198	#46 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Minneapolis College of Art and Design Minneapolis, MN Located in Minneapolis, Minneapolis College of Art and Design accepts 48% of applicants. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. Approximately 100% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Minneapolis College of Art......Read more Acceptance Rate 48.5% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $30,305 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,198
47	Minnesota State University Moorhead	58.85	970 – 1,210	18221	45873	#47 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region 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
48	Bethany Lutheran College	64.06	1,020 – 1,220	21127	40652	#48 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, MN Bethany Lutheran College has a 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 73% first-year retention rate. 47% of students will graduate within 4 years. The school offers generous aid packages. In fact, 100% of students who attend receive grant aid, $19,865 on average. Acceptance Rate 64.1% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $21,127 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,652
49	Lindenwood University	59.96	1,080 – 1,310	20901	45711	#49 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region Lindenwood University Saint Charles, MO Lindenwood University has a 14 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, and many students enroll in the Business/Commerce, General program. The school’s campus overlooks the Missouri River and downtown. 525 Lions compete in the NCAA Division I-FCS Ohio Valley Conference. Popular sports include Football, Ice Hockey, and Basketball. Acceptance Rate 60.0% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $20,901 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,711