2027 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 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	Yeshiva University	49.85	1,340 – 1,490	39681	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 49.9% SAT Score 1,340 – 1,490 Avg. Net Price $39,681 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $60,252
2	Union College	43.42	1,330 – 1,480	42137	63219	#2 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Union College Schenectady, NY Union College was founded in 1795 and is known as the “Mother of Fraternities” – several of the earliest Fraternities got their starts on campus. A highly selective school, it has a first year retention rate of 89%, and 66% will graduate within four years. 80% graduate in six. Acceptance Rate 43.4% SAT Score 1,330 – 1,480 Avg. Net Price $42,137 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,219
3	St Lawrence University	54.34	1,290 – 1,430	33216	55037	#3 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York St Lawrence University Canton, NY Found in Canton, St Lawrence University accepts 54% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. Approximately 99% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Acceptance Rate 54.3% SAT Score 1,290 – 1,430 Avg. Net Price $33,216 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,037
4	Clarkson University	82.5	1,190 – 1,380	32406	76970	#4 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Clarkson University Potsdam, NY Clarkson University opened as the Thomas S. Clarkson Memorial School of Technology in 1896, becoming a university in 1984. Many of the school’s 49 programs are still based in technology including Mechanical Engineering, the most popular major....Read more Acceptance Rate 82.5% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $32,406 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $76,970
5	Siena University	84.64	1,190 – 1,440	32955	56526	#5 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Siena University Loudonville, NY Located in Loudonville, Siena University accepted 85% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to pay $50 to apply. About 96% of students attending Siena University currently receive grant aid from the school. At Siena University, there is a 83% first year retention rate and around......Read more Acceptance Rate 84.6% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,440 Avg. Net Price $32,955 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,526
6	Bard College	52.12	1,290 – 1,450	29320	31072	#6 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Bard College Annandale-On-Hudson, NY Located in Annandale-On-Hudson, Bard College’s acceptance rate is 52%. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. About 74% of students attending Bard College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 52.1% SAT Score 1,290 – 1,450 Avg. Net Price $29,320 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,072
7	Hobart William Smith Colleges	66.7	1,200 – 1,400	34170	62416	#7 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Hobart William Smith Colleges Geneva, NY Located in Geneva, Hobart William Smith Colleges accepted 67% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. At Hobart William Smith Colleges, there is a 88% first year retention......Read more Acceptance Rate 66.7% SAT Score 1,200 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $34,170 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,416
8	St. John Fisher University	66.07	1,110 – 1,320	30540	61198	#8 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York St. John Fisher University Rochester, NY St. John Fisher University accepts around 66% of applicants – 20% of which enroll. 100% of students receive grant aid, with an average of $24,530 per student. Many undergraduates declare their major in Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. Acceptance Rate 66.1% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $30,540 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $61,198
9	School of Visual Arts	94.67	1,080 – 1,380	61337	31855	#9 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York School of Visual Arts New York, NY The School of Visual Arts is a Private institution, but it’s currently in the process of transitioning to a nonprofit organization. SVA NYC awards up to Master's degrees, with 10 majors to choose from. Illustration is a popular option. Acceptance Rate 94.7% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $61,337 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,855
10	Nazareth University	74.09	1,210 – 1,340	30785	47717	#10 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Nazareth University Rochester, NY Based in Rochester, Nazareth University accepts 74% of applicants. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 95% of students at Nazareth University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Acceptance Rate 74.1% SAT Score 1,210 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $30,785 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,717
11	Pratt Institute-Main	86.38	1,120 – 1,410	54150	45060	#11 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Pratt Institute-Main Brooklyn, NY Located in Brooklyn, Pratt Institute-Main accepts 86% of applicants. They request $50 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 74% of students at Pratt Institute-Main currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is......Read more Acceptance Rate 86.4% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $54,150 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,060
12	Le Moyne College	67.82	1,170 – 1,330	23702	53493	#12 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Le Moyne College Syracuse, NY Located in Syracuse, Le Moyne College’s acceptance rate is 68%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 100% of students attending Le Moyne College will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Acceptance Rate 67.8% SAT Score 1,170 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $23,702 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,493
13	SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry	63.28	1,150 – 1,330	19814	48327	#13 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, Environmental Science, and Environmental Biology. Located next to Syracuse University, it also has research and education facilities in Adirondack Park, central New York, the Thousand Islands, and Costa Rica. Acceptance Rate 63.3% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $19,814 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,327
14	Houghton University	89	1,180 – 1,380	21274	36376	#14 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 98% of students at Houghton University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Acceptance Rate 89.0% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $21,274 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,376
15	Wagner College	88	1,180 – 1,300	28033	63439	#15 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 88.0% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $28,033 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,439
16	St Bonaventure University	85.33	1,070 – 1,260	27373	48559	#16 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York St Bonaventure University Saint Bonaventure, NY St. Bonaventure University has a first year retention rate of 83%, a 13 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, and a 69% 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 85.3% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,260 Avg. Net Price $27,373 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,559
17	Molloy University	66.33	1,070 – 1,310	24405	78372	#17 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Molloy University Rockville Centre, NY Molloy University was founded as the Molloy Catholic College for Women in 1955. The school became fully co-educational in 1982, and would be known as Molloy University in 2022. Cheered on by their mascot, Victor E. Lion, student athletes are known as the Lions....Read more Acceptance Rate 66.3% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $24,405 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $78,372
18	Niagara University	87.6	1,070 – 1,270	16613	48289	#18 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 non selective and has a 15% yield. 100% of students receive grant aid, with each financial aid package averaging $33,575. NU’s Purple Eagles participate in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Acceptance Rate 87.6% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $16,613 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,289
19	SUNY at Purchase College	74.05	1,210 – 1,380	18211	31229	#19 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York SUNY at Purchase College Purchase, NY Found in Purchase, SUNY at Purchase College accepts 74% of applicants and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 69% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Acceptance Rate 74.1% SAT Score 1,210 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $18,211 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,229
20	St. Joseph's University-New York	70.39	1,110 – 1,280	19422	50759	#20 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 40 major and degree programs with Special Education and Teaching, General being the most popular. St. Joseph's University has a 12 to 1 student to faculty ratio, 79% first year retention rate, and 50% 4-year graduation rate. Acceptance Rate 70.4% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $19,422 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,759
21	SUNY Old Westbury	83.52	1,010 – 1,210	10944	43671	#21 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York SUNY Old Westbury Old Westbury, NY Based in Old Westbury, SUNY Old Westbury’s acceptance rate is 84% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 72% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 83.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $10,944 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,671
22	Canisius University	73.23	1,060 – 1,320	19666	46089	#22 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, $24,972 on average. The school also offers athletic scholarships, as it's a NCAA Division I without football school....Read more Acceptance Rate 73.2% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $19,666 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,089
23	Manhattanville University	86.88	1,050 – 1,230	21690	45056	#23 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 99% of students at Manhattanville University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. They are given $27,521 on average. The first year retention rate is 78%....Read more Acceptance Rate 86.9% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $21,690 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,056
24	Iona University	86.94	1,120 – 1,310	29978	51218	#24 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Iona University New Rochelle, NY Found in New Rochelle, Iona University’s acceptance rate is 87%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. About 100% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Iona University, there is a 77% first year retention......Read more Acceptance Rate 86.9% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $29,978 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,218
25	SUNY Maritime College	78.5	1,050 – 1,280	20312	83439	#25 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 78.5% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $20,312 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $83,439
26	Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology	83.78	1,020 – 1,270	40301	48890	#26 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology Flushing, NY Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, classified within the "Specialized Institutions—Schools of engineering and technology" category, is located next to LaGuardia Airport....Read more Acceptance Rate 83.8% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $40,301 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,890
27	Mount Saint Mary College	89.2	1,010 – 1,310	26896	59588	#27 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 89.2% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $26,896 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,588
28	Elmira College	80.54	1,310 – 1,510	23682	49057	#28 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Elmira College Elmira, NY Located in Elmira, Elmira College accepts 81% 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 $25,189 on average. The first year retention rate is 75%....Read more Acceptance Rate 80.5% SAT Score 1,310 – 1,510 Avg. Net Price $23,682 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,057
29	Russell Sage College	59.77	1,090 – 1,160	21046	51139	#29 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Russell Sage College Troy, NY Found in Troy, Russell Sage College accepted 60% 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 76% first year retention rate and a 49% four......Read more Acceptance Rate 59.8% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $21,046 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,139
30	Hartwick College	84.82	1,190 – 1,290	31712	50452	#30 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Hartwick College Oneonta, NY Found in Oneonta, Hartwick College’s acceptance rate is 85% 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. 73% of students continued studying at Hartwick College after completing......Read more Acceptance Rate 84.8% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $31,712 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,452
31	Alfred University	48	1,130 – 1,330	26470	41703	#31 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York Alfred University Alfred, NY Found in Alfred, Alfred University accepts 48% of applicants. They request $50 for undergraduate applications and $60 for graduate applications. Approximately 100% of students attending Alfred University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Alfred University, there is a 76%......Read more Acceptance Rate 48.0% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $26,470 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,703
32	SUNY College at Potsdam	82.41	970 – 1,150	13730	39440	#32 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York SUNY College at Potsdam Potsdam, NY Part of the State University of New York system (SUNY), Potsdam offers up to Post-master's certificates. With 82% returning after they complete their first year, many undergraduates go onto major in Music Teacher Education. Potsdam’s motto is “To Learn - To Search - To Serve.” Acceptance Rate 82.4% SAT Score 970 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $13,730 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,440
33	SUNY at Fredonia	77.7	1,160 – 1,360	16023	40580	#33 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York SUNY at Fredonia Fredonia, NY Found in Fredonia, SUNY at Fredonia accepted 78% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 95% of students attending SUNY at Fredonia will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At SUNY at Fredonia, there is......Read more Acceptance Rate 77.7% SAT Score 1,160 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $16,023 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,580
34	State University of New York at Plattsburgh	78.41	1,090 – 1,260	15412	48089	#34 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York State University of New York at Plattsburgh Plattsburgh, NY Found in Plattsburgh, State University of New York at Plattsburgh accepts 78% of applicants and requests $50 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 80% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 78.4% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,260 Avg. Net Price $15,412 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,089
35	SUNY Polytechnic Institute	81.42	1,040 – 1,370	14782	58662	#35 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in New York SUNY Polytechnic Institute Utica, NY Found in Utica, SUNY Polytechnic Institute accepted 81% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students attending SUNY Polytechnic Institute currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 81.4% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $14,782 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,662
36	Daemen University	73.75	950 – 1,150	19102	59912	#36 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 99% 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 950 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $19,102 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,912