2026 College Rankings

Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southwest US

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Hidden Gems
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Southwest (AZ, NM, OK, TX)

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The Southwest is a dynamic and unique region that boasts some of the most unique colleges in the country. While some big names call this area home, this list spotlights under-the-radar schools in the region. These colleges are accessible, have exceptional programs, and they can be found in Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, or Texas.

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	University of Dallas	53.44	1,120 – 1,360	31221	45950	#1 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southwest US University of Dallas Irving, TX “Veritatem, Justitiam Diligite” is the motto of the University of Dallas, which translates to “Love Ye Truth and Justice.” The Crusaders compete in the NCAA Division III without football Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. Popular sports include Basketball, Soccer, and Baseball. Acceptance Rate 53.4% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $31,221 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,950
2	Oklahoma City University	70.39	1,140 – 1,240	23143	42312	#2 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southwest US Oklahoma City University Oklahoma City, OK Oklahoma City University has a 70% acceptance rate, and 99% of enrolled students receive institutional aid. On the field, the Stars wear blue and white and are cheered on by their mascot, a ram named Starsky. A NAIA Division I school, the average athletic scholarship is $8,577. Acceptance Rate 70.4% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $23,143 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,312
3	LeTourneau University	38.01	1,030 – 1,350	27007	51058	#3 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southwest US LeTourneau University Longview, TX Called LeTourneau Technical Institute when it opened in 1946, LeTourneau University's first classes were made up of almost entirely veterans who had just returned from World War II. It received its current name in 1989....Read more Acceptance Rate 38.0% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $27,007 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,058
4	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott	76.58	1,160 – 1,360	41209	65391	#4 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southwest US Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Prescott, AZ Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott campus is located just north of a wildlife sanctuary and the Willow Creek Reservoir. Alumni of the school have gone on to have impressive careers as astronauts, scientists, military members, authors, athletes, and politicians....Read more Acceptance Rate 76.6% SAT Score 1,160 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $41,209 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $65,391
5	Oklahoma Christian University	97.07	1,040 – 1,280	21810	43281	#5 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southwest US Oklahoma Christian University Edmond, OK Known as the Bald Eagles, there are 392 athletes at Oklahoma Christian University. You’ll also find a Bald Eagle on their seal and sideline, where Eagle cheers them on. 98% receive grant aid, and OC also provides its full-time students with laptops, iPhones, and iPads. Acceptance Rate 97.1% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $21,810 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,281
6	St. Mary's University	97.76	890 – 1,310	20562	44130	#6 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southwest US St. Mary's University San Antonio, TX St. Mary’s University is the oldest Catholic university in the state – the Roman Catholic Society of Mary opened it in 1852 at St. Mary’s Institute. The school offers up to Doctor's degrees and 52 programs, with many students currently studying Law. Acceptance Rate 97.8% SAT Score 890 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $20,562 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,130
7	University of St Thomas	89.93	960 – 1,200	20469	49971	#7 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southwest US University of St Thomas Houston, TX The University of St. Thomas’s motto is “Crescamus in Christo” – “Let us grow in Christ.” A Catholic school that opened in 1947, it was named after St. Thomas Aquinas. Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse is the most popular undergraduate major by far. UST also has a satellite campus in Conroe, Texas. Acceptance Rate 89.9% SAT Score 960 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $20,469 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,971

School data is from 2022–2023 (top 500 results shown) for schools with at least 100 undergraduate students.

2026 College Rankings

Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southwest US

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Methodology