2027 College Rankings

Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California

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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 10,000 applications per year.
Have fewer than 7,000 undergraduate students.
Offer 5 or more unique majors
Have a 20% acceptance rate or higher.
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	Scripps College	39.88	1,430 – 1,520	44396	68027	#1 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California Scripps College Claremont, CA A member of the Claremont Colleges, Scripps College is a liberal arts women’s school well known for its extensive curriculum and historic, beautiful campus. In fact, their campus is currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Scripps has a 92% first year retention rate. Acceptance Rate 39.9% SAT Score 1,430 – 1,520 Avg. Net Price $44,396 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $68,027
2	Occidental College	44.85	1,380 – 1,520	48400	52209	#2 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California Occidental College Los Angeles, CA Occidental College is extremely close to Hollywood, so a number of movies and television shows have been filmed on its campus. Some examples include Clueless, Arrested Development, The Good Place, and Star Trek III: the Search for Spock....Read more Acceptance Rate 44.9% SAT Score 1,380 – 1,520 Avg. Net Price $48,400 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,209
3	Pitzer College	26.85	1,190 – 1,370	34979	51784	#3 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California Pitzer College Claremont, CA Pitzer College’s motto is “Mindful of the Future” (“Provida Futuri” in Latin). It’s extremely selective and out of the accepted students during the last admissions cycle, 29% enrolled. 57% of undergraduates graduate in four years, 83% in six. Pitzer is part of the Claremont Colleges consortium. Acceptance Rate 26.9% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $34,979 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,784
4	Point Loma Nazarene University	82.78	1,150 – 1,390	39696	54811	#4 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California Point Loma Nazarene University San Diego, CA Point Loma Nazarene University was founded in 1902 as the Pacific Bible College, and underwent several name changes before arriving at its current moniker in 1998. There are currently 215 athletes and PLNU competes in the Pacific West Conference. Acceptance Rate 82.8% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $39,696 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,811
5	University of the Pacific	69.05	1,200 – 1,480	31670	62672	#5 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California University of the Pacific Stockton, CA Located in Stockton, the University of the Pacific accepts 69% of applicants and charges $55 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 98% of students at the University of the Pacific will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Acceptance Rate 69.1% SAT Score 1,200 – 1,480 Avg. Net Price $31,670 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,672
6	Westmont College	80.59	1,220 – 1,420	32172	53737	#6 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California Westmont College Santa Barbara, CA Founded in 1937, Westmont College’s motto is Christus Primatum Tenens, which is Latin for “Christ Holding Preeminence.” The school was initially the Bible Missionary Institute but it became Westmont College only three years later. Student athletes are known as the Warriors and wear maroon, gold, and white....Read more Acceptance Rate 80.6% SAT Score 1,220 – 1,420 Avg. Net Price $32,172 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,737
7	Saint Mary's College of California	88.56	1,080 – 1,270	35332	60388	#7 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California Saint Mary's College of California Moraga, CA Found in Moraga, Saint Mary's College of California accepts 89% of applicants. They require $60 for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students at Saint Mary's College of California will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 88.6% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $35,332 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $60,388
8	Dominican University of California	52.1	--	37456	71477	#8 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California Dominican University of California San Rafael, CA Founded in 1890, the Dominican University of California is one of the oldest universities in California. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other is the most popular area of study. 99% of students receive institutional grants from the school....Read more Acceptance Rate 52.1% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $37,456 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $71,477
9	Biola University	78.17	1,180 – 1,390	34082	45752	#9 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California Biola University La Mirada, CA Since 2017, Biola University has competed primarily in the Pacific West Conference. Athletes are known as the Eagles, and wear red, white, and black. Some popular sports include Basketball, Soccer, and Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)....Read more Acceptance Rate 78.2% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $34,082 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,752
10	California Lutheran University	76.31	1,110 – 1,330	32774	54981	#10 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California California Lutheran University Thousand Oaks, CA Located in Thousand Oaks, California Lutheran University’s acceptance rate is 76% and requires $25 for undergraduate applications and $30 for graduate applications. About 99% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 76.3% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $32,774 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,981
11	University of Redlands	82.72	1,130 – 1,340	28482	61686	#11 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California University of Redlands Redlands, CA 79% of students return to the University of Redlands after completing their first year. 64% go on to graduate within six years. There are 65 programs available, but Business Administration and Management, General is the most popular by far. The Bulldogs are cheered on by George Willis, a live bulldog. Acceptance Rate 82.7% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $28,482 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $61,686
12	Art Center College of Design	78.89	--	53271	53562	#12 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California Art Center College of Design Pasadena, CA The Art Center College of Design’s logo is an orange circle, known as the ArtCenter “Dot.” Around 79% of applicants receive an acceptance letter. 29% decide to enroll, with many undergraduates going on to study Illustration. Alumni include Michael Bay, Zack Snyder, Kenji Ekuan, and Andy Park. Acceptance Rate 78.9% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $53,271 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,562
13	Azusa Pacific University	88.42	1,080 – 1,300	26143	56794	#13 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California Azusa Pacific University Azusa, CA Azusa Pacific University is a private Christian school located just northeast of Los Angeles. Opened in 1899, it was originally called the Training School for Christian Workers. Over the next few decades, it merged with other colleges and received its current moniker in 1981....Read more Acceptance Rate 88.4% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $26,143 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,794
14	The Master's University and Seminary	84.02	1,020 – 1,260	37919	41665	#14 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California The Master's University and Seminary Santa Clarita, CA The Master’s University was opened as the Los Angeles Baptist College and Seminary in 1927. In 1985, it changed its name to The Master’s College to reflect its switch interdenominational religious affiliation. It became a university in 2016....Read more Acceptance Rate 84.0% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,260 Avg. Net Price $37,919 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,665
15	California College of the Arts	91.1	940 – 1,220	46823	38308	#15 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California California College of the Arts San Francisco, CA Classified within the Specialized Institutions—Schools of art, music, and design, the California College of the Arts offers up to Master's degrees. The institution opened in 1907 during the Arts and Crafts movement. Vanderbilt University will take over the campus in the summer of 2027. Acceptance Rate 91.1% SAT Score 940 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $46,823 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,308
16	Cal Poly Maritime Academy	95.01	1,010 – 1,210	19040	84676	#16 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California Cal Poly Maritime Academy Vallejo, CA Cal Maritime is one of the 23 campuses that make up the California State University system. Students learn on a training ship, known as the “Golden Bear,” that serves as a floating classroom and laboratory. Marine Science/Merchant Marine Officer is the most popular area of study out of 8 programs. Acceptance Rate 95.0% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $19,040 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $84,676
17	University of La Verne	71.17	990 – 1,230	21530	53806	#17 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California University of La Verne La Verne, CA Found in La Verne, the University of La Verne’s acceptance rate is 71%. They require $50 for undergraduate applications. About 99% of students attending the University of La Verne currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At the University of La Verne, there is a 64% first year......Read more Acceptance Rate 71.2% SAT Score 990 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $21,530 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,806
18	Concordia University-Irvine	65.99	1,050 – 1,300	29845	53777	#18 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California Concordia University-Irvine Irvine, CA Concordia University, Irvine is a private school affiliated with the Lutheran Church. It currently has more graduates than undergraduates attending, and two popular majors include Sport and Fitness Administration/Management, and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. The 70-acre campus is just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. Acceptance Rate 66.0% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $29,845 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,777
19	Vanguard University of Southern California	74.15	980 – 1,210	23286	43464	#19 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California Vanguard University of Southern California Costa Mesa, CA 100% of students at Vanguard University of Southern California receive grant aid, with each student package averaging $29,847. Many choose to study Psychology, General, Business Administration and Management, and General. Vanguard’s motto is “Truth. Virtue. Service.” Acceptance Rate 74.2% SAT Score 980 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $23,286 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,464
20	La Sierra University	90.69	1,010 – 1,240	23848	42617	#20 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California La Sierra University Riverside, CA Located in Riverside, La Sierra University accepts 91% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in $25 to apply. About 98% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. At La Sierra University, there is a 77% first year retention rate and 42% of students will graduate in four years or less....Read more Acceptance Rate 90.7% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $23,848 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,617
21	William Jessup University	93.33	1,050 – 1,230	29679	43163	#21 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California William Jessup University Rocklin, CA Based in Rocklin, William Jessup University’s acceptance rate is 93% and requests $60 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 98% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Acceptance Rate 93.3% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $29,679 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,163
22	Whittier College	83.38	1,160 – 1,360	28101	46025	#22 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California Whittier College Whittier, CA Found in Whittier, Whittier College accepts 83% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 98% of students attending Whittier College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 83.4% SAT Score 1,160 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $28,101 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,025
23	Mount Saint Mary's University	73.13	910 – 1,120	27368	61335	#23 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in California Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles, CA Based in Los Angeles, Mount Saint Mary's University’s acceptance rate is 73% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 73.1% SAT Score 910 – 1,120 Avg. Net Price $27,368 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $61,335