2026 College Rankings

Top Hidden Gem Colleges – United Methodist

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College Raptor’s Hidden Gem rankings highlight under-the-radar colleges that may not be household names, but they're bringing serious academic heat. Hidden Gems are based on College Raptor’s overall national rankings and must meet the following criteria:

Receive fewer than 5,000 applications a year.
Have fewer than 7,000 undergraduate students enrolled.
Have an acceptance rate higher than 10%.
Have 5 or more unique majors.
Rank within the top half of College Raptor’s overall rankings.

For more information on methodology behind our college rankings, check out our ranking methodology breakdown.

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Rank	Institution	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Wofford College	51.94	1,240 – 1,370	31061	52076	#1 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – United Methodist Wofford College Spartanburg, SC Wofford College has a 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and an impressive 90% first year retention rate. Many students receive institutional grants – 97% – averaging $34,084 each. Biology/Biological Sciences, General is a top undergraduate area of study. Acceptance Rate 51.9% SAT Score 1,240 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $31,061 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,076
2	Ohio Northern University	73.35	1,210 – 1,370	26396	62686	#2 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – United Methodist 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
3	Hendrix College	55.63	1,240 – 1,400	24236	39913	#3 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – United Methodist Hendrix College Conway, AR Most students at Hendrix College are undergraduates, but it awards up to Master's degrees. The school gives 100% of students institutional grant aid, with each package averaging $25,518. There are 26 majors and programs available, with many choosing to study Psychology, General. Acceptance Rate 55.6% SAT Score 1,240 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $24,236 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,913
4	Randolph-Macon College	86.61	1,050 – 1,230	29058	48067	#4 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – United Methodist Randolph-Macon College Ashland, VA Randolph-Macon College was founded in 1830, making it the oldest Methodist-run college in continuous operation in the United States. Although the school offers up to Master's degrees, most students are undergraduates....Read more Acceptance Rate 86.6% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $29,058 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,067
5	Lebanon Valley College	83.77	1,140 – 1,310	28640	54021	#5 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – United Methodist Lebanon Valley College Annville, PA 100% of students attending Lebanon Valley College receive institutional grants averaging $32,975, and 83% will stay on after they complete their first year. Many opt to study Business Administration and Management, General, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, and Physical Therapy/Therapist....Read more Acceptance Rate 83.8% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $28,640 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,021
6	Simpson College	88.88	1,400 – 1,460	23637	49946	#6 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – United Methodist Simpson College Indianola, IA Simpson College is non selective. 100% receive grant aid, $35,240 on average. Attending students enjoy an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, and many go on to major in Health and Wellness, General....Read more Acceptance Rate 88.9% SAT Score 1,400 – 1,460 Avg. Net Price $23,637 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,946
7	Otterbein University	84.52	990 – 1,240	22242	44539	#7 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – United Methodist 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
8	North Central College	77.33	1,090 – 1,320	24190	51762	#8 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – United Methodist 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
9	Lycoming College	74.07	1,080 – 1,300	20733	43713	#9 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – United Methodist Lycoming College Williamsport, PA Lycoming College is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist church. 100% of attending students receive grant aid, $40,733 on average. Lycoming College has a 10 to 1 student to faculty ratio, 76% first year retention rate, and 54% 4-year graduation rate. Acceptance Rate 74.1% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $20,733 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,713
10	Oklahoma City University	70.39	1,140 – 1,240	23143	42312	#10 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – United Methodist 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
11	University of Evansville	78.13	1,090 – 1,330	21611	46734	#11 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – United Methodist 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
12	Cornell College	80.66	1,140 – 1,350	25850	39299	#12 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – United Methodist 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 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. King Chapel on campus is home to an over 3,000-piped organ. Acceptance Rate 80.7% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $25,850 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,299
13	Millsaps College	43.12	1,080 – 1,300	26739	46137	#13 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – United Methodist Millsaps College Jackson, MS Millsaps College was founded in 1890 and has produced well-known actors, poets, professors, politicians, and athletes. “The Bowl” is the home of Homecoming activities, concerts, and events on campus. The college’s motto is “In pursuit of excellence” (Ad Excellentiam) and it’s affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Acceptance Rate 43.1% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $26,739 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,137
14	Shenandoah University	76.95	990 – 1,270	26400	48167	#14 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – United Methodist Shenandoah University Winchester, VA Found in Winchester, Shenandoah University’s acceptance rate is 77% and charges $30 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students at Shenandoah University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Shenandoah University, there is a 82% first year retention rate and......Read more Acceptance Rate 77.0% SAT Score 990 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $26,400 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,167
15	Nebraska Wesleyan University	79.82	1,110 – 1,280	24863	47667	#15 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – United Methodist Nebraska Wesleyan University Lincoln, NE Nebraska Wesleyan University is a private school, associated with the United Methodists. It has 40 available majors and programs – Business/Commerce, General is the most popular. Competing in the American Rivers Conference, the 538 Prairie Wolves wear black and gold. Acceptance Rate 79.8% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $24,863 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,667
16	Centenary University	96.75	850 – 1,080	22838	46049	#16 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – United Methodist Centenary University Hackettstown, NJ Centenary University was originally founded in 1867 as a preparatory school. Today, the school is known for being a non-selective university, with an acceptance rate of 97%. Of attending students 87% stay after the first year and 59% will graduate within 4 years....Read more Acceptance Rate 96.8% SAT Score 850 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $22,838 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,049
17	Hamline University	89.83	1,040 – 1,250	22759	47139	#17 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – United Methodist 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 89.8% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $22,759 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,139
18	Centenary College of Louisiana	55.74	1,050 – 1,210	25427	42821	#18 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – United Methodist Centenary College of Louisiana Shreveport, LA The Centenary College of Louisiana is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi, having been founded in 1885. Students can benefit from a 10 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and the 65-acre campus that is home to more than 300 species of plant life....Read more Acceptance Rate 55.7% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $25,427 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,821
19	Wesleyan College	62.07	1,060 – 1,210	15621	35630	#19 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – United Methodist Wesleyan College Macon, GA Found in Macon, Wesleyan College’s acceptance rate is 62% and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students at Wesleyan College will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Acceptance Rate 62.1% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $15,621 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,630
20	Baker University	94.18	970 – 1,110	23410	54747	#20 Top Hidden Gem Colleges – United Methodist Baker University Baldwin City, KS Found in Baldwin City, Baker University accepted 94% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students attending Baker University will receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention rate is 66% and 49% of......Read more Acceptance Rate 94.2% SAT Score 970 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $23,410 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,747