2026 College Rankings

Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York

About

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	Yeshiva University	55.62	1,320 – 1,490	38118	60252	#1 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Yeshiva University New York, NY Yeshiva University has four undergraduate schools: Yeshiva College, Stern College for Women, Katz School of Science and Health, and Syms School of Business. The main campus is in Manhattan, but campuses, buildings, and facilities can also be found throughout other New York City boroughs and in Israel. Acceptance Rate 55.6% SAT Score 1,320 – 1,490 Avg. Net Price $38,118 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $60,252
2	SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry	63.28	1,310 – 1,430	19644	48327	#2 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse, NY Commonly chosen majors and programs at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry include Conservation Biology, Natural Resources Management and Policy, and Environmental Biology....Read more Acceptance Rate 63.3% SAT Score 1,310 – 1,430 Avg. Net Price $19,644 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,327
3	Touro University	61.96	1,290 – 1,450	25934	43510	#3 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Touro University New York, NY You can find Touro University right on Times Square. A private Jewish institution, the school is fairly selective and many accepted students – 43% – enroll. It grants up to Doctor's degrees, and students often study Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs, but there are 57 majors and programs......Read more Acceptance Rate 62.0% SAT Score 1,290 – 1,450 Avg. Net Price $25,934 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,510
4	The New School	83.33	1,170 – 1,370	62226	38210	#4 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York The New School New York, NY University professors and researchers, which included faculty from Columbia University, founded The New School in 1919. Some famous alumni include Marlon Brando, Jack Kerouac, and Kevin Smith. Classes are on the small side, with a 9 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio....Read more Acceptance Rate 83.3% SAT Score 1,170 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $62,226 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,210
5	Canisius University	72.24	1,010 – 1,250	19321	46089	#5 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Canisius University Buffalo, NY Founded in 1870, Canisius College became Canisius University in 2023. 100% of students receive grant aid to help offset the cost of attending Canisius University, $22,779 on average. The school also offers athletic scholarships, as it's a NCAA Division I without football school....Read more Acceptance Rate 72.2% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $19,321 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,089
6	Wagner College	83.46	1,150 – 1,310	28109	63439	#6 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Wagner College Staten Island, NY Wagner College’s 105-acre campus overlooks the New York Harbor, Downtown Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan, and the Verrazzano Bridge. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the school opened in 1883. It's a member of the NCAA Division I-FCS, and the Seahawks participate in the Northeast Conference. Acceptance Rate 83.5% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $28,109 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,439
7	Niagara University	39.72	650 – 1,250	17495	48289	#7 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Niagara University Niagara University, NY Niagara University is a Roman Catholic private school, run by the Vincentian Fathers. It’s highly selective and has a 32% yield. 100% of students receive grant aid, with each financial aid package averaging $31,682. NU’s Purple Eagles participate in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Acceptance Rate 39.7% SAT Score 650 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $17,495 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,289
8	St Bonaventure University	81.65	1,090 – 1,300	27659	48559	#8 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York St Bonaventure University Saint Bonaventure, NY St. Bonaventure University has a first year retention rate of 86%, a 13 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, and a 71% six year graduation rate. A NCAA Division I without football school, student-athletes compete in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Basketball, Lacrosse, and Soccer are popular sports. Acceptance Rate 81.7% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $27,659 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,559
9	St. Joseph's University-New York	69.51	1,140 – 1,360	18324	50759	#9 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York St. Joseph's University-New York Brooklyn, NY St. Joseph's University-New York is a private university founded in 1916. The school offers 38 major and degree programs with Special Education and Teaching, General being the most popular. St. Joseph's University has a 9 to 1 student to faculty ratio, 75% first year retention rate, and 62% 4-year graduation rate. Acceptance Rate 69.5% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $18,324 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,759
10	SUNY Maritime College	72.42	1,130 – 1,300	20398	83439	#10 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York SUNY Maritime College Throggs Neck, NY SUNY Maritime College, founded in 1847, is located about 30 minutes from Midtown Manhattan. Students at SUNY Maritime College can "Chart Your Own Course," which means they can choose from one of two different experiences—the Traditional Lifestyle (a more traditional campus experience) or the Regiment Lifestyle (preparing cadets......Read more Acceptance Rate 72.4% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $20,398 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $83,439
11	Houghton University	88.66	1,180 – 1,380	22358	36376	#11 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Houghton University Houghton, NY Located in Houghton, Houghton University accepted 89% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 95% of students at Houghton University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Acceptance Rate 88.7% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $22,358 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,376
12	Elmira College	76.96	1,140 – 1,370	24551	49057	#12 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Elmira College Elmira, NY Located in Elmira, Elmira College accepts 77% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students at Elmira College will receive grant aid from the school. They receive $23,140 on average. The first year retention rate is 70%....Read more Acceptance Rate 77.0% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $24,551 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,057
13	SUNY Polytechnic Institute	78.44	1,160 – 1,330	14646	58662	#13 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York SUNY Polytechnic Institute Utica, NY Found in Utica, SUNY Polytechnic Institute accepted 78% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications. About 89% of students attending SUNY Polytechnic Institute currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 78.4% SAT Score 1,160 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $14,646 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,662
14	Roberts Wesleyan University	70.58	1,020 – 1,330	24202	56275	#14 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Roberts Wesleyan University Rochester, NY Acceptance Rate 70.6% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $24,202 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,275
15	Alfred University	73.84	1,110 – 1,320	26127	41703	#15 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Alfred University Alfred, NY Found in Alfred, Alfred University accepts 74% of applicants. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and $60 for graduate applications. Approximately 99% of students attending Alfred University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Alfred University, there is a......Read more Acceptance Rate 73.8% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $26,127 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,703
16	Manhattanville University	87.34	1,060 – 1,230	25017	45056	#16 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Manhattanville University Purchase, NY Based in Purchase, Manhattanville University’s acceptance rate is 87%. They request $75 for undergraduate applications. About 95% of students at Manhattanville University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. They are given $25,197 on average. The first year retention rate is 74%....Read more Acceptance Rate 87.3% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $25,017 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,056
17	Mount Saint Mary College	88.88	1,010 – 1,170	24588	59588	#17 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Mount Saint Mary College Newburgh, NY Located in Newburgh, Mount Saint Mary College’s acceptance rate is 89% and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 99% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 88.9% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $24,588 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,588
18	Hartwick College	69.5	960 – 1,290	26818	50452	#18 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Hartwick College Oneonta, NY Found in Oneonta, Hartwick College’s acceptance rate is 70% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 100% of students at Hartwick College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 70% of students continued studying at Hartwick College after completing......Read more Acceptance Rate 69.5% SAT Score 960 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $26,818 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,452
19	Russell Sage College	53.26	1,020 – 1,250	23588	51139	#19 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Russell Sage College Troy, NY Found in Troy, Russell Sage College accepted 53% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 100% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. At Russell Sage College, there is a 78% first year retention rate and a 52% four......Read more Acceptance Rate 53.3% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $23,588 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,139
20	Daemen University	73.75	1,110 – 1,310	18944	59912	#20 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Daemen University Amherst, NY Located in Amherst, Daemen University’s acceptance rate is 74% and requires $25 for undergraduate applications and $25 for graduate applications. Approximately 100% of students at Daemen University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is 75%....Read more Acceptance Rate 73.8% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $18,944 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,912
21	St. Thomas Aquinas College	93.05	880 – 1,090	21257	44908	#21 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York St. Thomas Aquinas College Sparkill, NY Found in Sparkill, St- Thomas Aquinas College’s acceptance rate is 93%. They charge $30 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 100% of students attending St- Thomas Aquinas College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The school’s......Read more Acceptance Rate 93.1% SAT Score 880 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $21,257 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,908
22	Utica University	86.79	1,030 – 1,210	22510	57422	#22 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Utica University Utica, NY Located in Utica, Utica University accepted 87% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $40 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. Approximately 95% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 86.8% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $22,510 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,422