2027 College Rankings

Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Rocky Mountain Region

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Rocky Mountains (CO, ID, MT, UT, WY)

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The Rocky Mountain region is a dream come true for students who would love to spend their study breaks exploring national parks and the beautiful landscapes. If pairing your love for the outdoors with a stellar education sounds good to you, check out these Hidden Gem colleges in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming.

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	Colorado College	22.09	1,270 – 1,460	36123	47611	#1 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Rocky Mountain Region Colorado College Colorado Springs, CO Scientia et Disciplina is the Latin motto of Colorado College which means “Learning through Hard Work.” It’s an extremely selective school – 26% of accepted students enroll. With over 80 undergraduate majors available, Business/Managerial Economics is a common option. Acceptance Rate 22.1% SAT Score 1,270 – 1,460 Avg. Net Price $36,123 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,611
2	Westminster University	65.13	1,120 – 1,290	26844	52994	#2 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Rocky Mountain Region Westminster University Salt Lake City, UT Westminster College became Westminster University in 2023. Over 50 Olympians have studied at the school. During the 2014 Olympics, 23 Westminster students were part of Team USA – 18 in 2018. Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse is the most sought after program at the school. Acceptance Rate 65.1% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $26,844 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,994
3	Carroll College	70.93	1,070 – 1,290	25575	43507	#3 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Rocky Mountain Region Carroll College Helena, MT Though the school seal features two lions, Carroll College’s mascot is actually a St. Bernard named Halo. Student athletes compete as the Fighting Saints in Football, Basketball, and Track and Field and Cross Country (combined), among others....Read more Acceptance Rate 70.9% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $25,575 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,507
4	The College of Idaho	49.1	1,080 – 1,300	21686	42097	#4 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Rocky Mountain Region The College of Idaho Caldwell, ID Founded in 1891, The College of Idaho is the oldest private liberal arts college in the state. The school offers up to Doctor's degrees, and graduates have entered impressive careers in business, politics, law, and sports. Many students pursue degrees in Business Administration and Management, General. Acceptance Rate 49.1% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $21,686 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,097
5	University of Wyoming	96.95	1,040 – 1,290	14872	48360	#5 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Rocky Mountain Region 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
6	Regis University	84.61	1,140 – 1,310	21618	64557	#6 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Rocky Mountain Region Regis University Denver, CO Regis University was originally in Las Vegas, Nevada, when it opened in 1877, with the apt name of Las Vegas College. It moved only 10 years later, and received its current name in 1991....Read more Acceptance Rate 84.6% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $21,618 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $64,557
7	Montana Technological University	97.99	1,010 – 1,240	16665	48356	#7 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Rocky Mountain Region 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

School data is from 2023–2024 (top 500 results shown) for schools with at least 100 undergraduate students.

2027 College Rankings

Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Rocky Mountain Region

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Methodology