2027 College Rankings

Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southwest US

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

About

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 Tulsa	61.5	1,220 – 1,510	13095	54779	#1 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southwest US University of Tulsa Tulsa, OK Royal blue, old gold, and crimson are the official colors of the University of Tulsa. The Golden Hurricanes compete in Football, Basketball, and Soccer, among others. Alumni include inventors, businessmen, actors, scientists, and politicians. UT’s student-to-faculty ratio is 10 to 1. Acceptance Rate 61.5% SAT Score 1,220 – 1,510 Avg. Net Price $13,095 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,779
2	Southwestern University	43.48	1,160 – 1,370	32228	49249	#2 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southwest US Southwestern University Georgetown, TX A small liberal arts school, Southwestern University offers 98% of attending students institutional grants, $31,958 on average. With nearly 40 majors, Business/Commerce, General, Psychology, General, and Kinesiology and Exercise Science are the most popular options. Acceptance Rate 43.5% SAT Score 1,160 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $32,228 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,249
3	Austin College	47.68	1,120 – 1,340	23462	45242	#3 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southwest US Austin College Sherman, TX Austin College’s Fighting Kangaroos, competing in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference, wear crimson and gold. Many alumni have gone on to have impressive careers as musicians, politicians, educators, athletes, and authors. The most popular undergraduate major is Psychology, General. Acceptance Rate 47.7% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $23,462 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,242
4	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott	76.58	1,160 – 1,360	41864	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 $41,864 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $65,391
5	Saint Edward's University	81.42	1,000 – 1,260	28766	47743	#5 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southwest US Saint Edward's University Austin, TX Saint Edward’s University is a Roman Catholic school, affiliated with the Congregation of Holy Cross. It’s somewhat selective and boasts a 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. 285 Hilltoppers compete in the Lone Star Conference. Some sports include Basketball, Soccer, and Baseball. Acceptance Rate 81.4% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,260 Avg. Net Price $28,766 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,743
6	Oklahoma City University	71.03	1,050 – 1,270	24051	42312	#6 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southwest US Oklahoma City University Oklahoma City, OK Oklahoma City University has a 71% 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 $42,297. Acceptance Rate 71.0% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $24,051 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,312
7	LeTourneau University	48.79	1,120 – 1,380	29799	51058	#7 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 48.8% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $29,799 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,058
8	St. Mary's University	95.08	960 – 1,160	20412	44130	#8 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 55 programs, with many students currently studying Law. Acceptance Rate 95.1% SAT Score 960 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $20,412 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,130
9	Oral Roberts University	98.9	1,020 – 1,260	25808	39112	#9 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southwest US Oral Roberts University Tulsa, OK Based in Tulsa, Oral Roberts University’s acceptance rate is 99% and requires $35 for undergraduate applications and $35 for graduate applications. About 96% of students at Oral Roberts University currently receive grant aid from the school. The institution’s first year retention rate is 80% and around 48% of students will......Read more Acceptance Rate 98.9% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,260 Avg. Net Price $25,808 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,112
10	New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology	44.49	1,080 – 1,320	11551	54530	#10 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southwest US New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Socorro, NM The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology offers 31 degree programs. Many students choose to study Mechanical Engineering. NMT is a space-grant school with a 9 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. Acceptance Rate 44.5% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $11,551 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,530
11	University of St Thomas	83.55	980 – 1,210	20599	49971	#11 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 83.6% SAT Score 980 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $20,599 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,971
12	Southern Nazarene University	100	930 – 1,180	23295	48255	#12 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southwest US Southern Nazarene University Bethany, OK Southern Nazarene University received its current name in 1986, though it has roots going back to 1899 through several mergers. With an acceptance rate of 100% during the last admissions cycle, 56% enrolled. Educational Leadership and Administration, General is a popular program. Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 930 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $23,295 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,255
13	University of Dallas	73.42	1,150 – 1,380	29209	45950	#13 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 73.4% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $29,209 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,950