2027 College Rankings

Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Ohio

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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	Kenyon College	30.15	1,400 – 1,510	46859	46627	#1 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Ohio Kenyon College Gambier, OH Kenyon College has produced Rhodes Scholars, Truman Scholarship winners, Fulbright recipients, and Marshall Scholarship winners. Famous alumni include Rutherford B. Hayes, Paul Newman, and Bill Watterson. The school is extremely selective and has a 91% first year retention rate. Acceptance Rate 30.2% SAT Score 1,400 – 1,510 Avg. Net Price $46,859 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,627
2	John Carroll University	77.32	1,210 – 1,360	30030	53187	#2 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Ohio John Carroll University University Heights, OH John Carroll University was founded in 1886 as the St. Ignatius College. It changed its name to its current moniker in 1923 and became coeducational in 1968. Many of the buildings on the 65-acre campus are of Collegiate Gothic architecture. JCU has a first year retention rate of 85%. Acceptance Rate 77.3% SAT Score 1,210 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $30,030 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,187
3	The College of Wooster	64.38	1,260 – 1,440	28004	43895	#3 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Ohio The College of Wooster Wooster, OH Located in Wooster, The College of Wooster accepted 64% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students attending The College of Wooster currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Acceptance Rate 64.4% SAT Score 1,260 – 1,440 Avg. Net Price $28,004 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,895
4	Cedarville University	65.29	1,120 – 1,350	27150	47937	#4 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Ohio Cedarville University Cedarville, OH Cedarville University first opened in 1887. One famous alumnus is Grace Norman, who won a gold medal and bronze medal for the United States in the 2016 Paralympics, for the triathlon and 400m respectively. 100% of students receive institutional grant aid from Cedarville, around $20,740 per student on average. Acceptance Rate 65.3% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $27,150 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,937
5	Franciscan University of Steubenville	58.36	1,110 – 1,350	23086	42037	#5 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Ohio Franciscan University of Steubenville Steubenville, OH “Fortitude and Prudence” is the motto of the Franciscan University of Steubenville. Located along the Ohio River, the school has a first year retention rate of 87% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1. The Barons participate in the NCAA Division III without football Presidents' Athletic Conference. Acceptance Rate 58.4% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $23,086 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,037
6	Ohio Northern University	73.84	1,090 – 1,320	25941	62686	#6 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Ohio Ohio Northern University Ada, OH Ohio Northern University has a 13 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 84% first year retention rate. Pharmacy, Mechanical Engineering, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration, and Other are among the most common academic programs. ONU’s motto is “Out of diversity strength” in Latin. Acceptance Rate 73.8% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $25,941 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,686
7	Ohio Wesleyan University	64.41	1,180 – 1,390	23006	42495	#7 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Ohio Ohio Wesleyan University Delaware, OH Found in Delaware, Ohio Wesleyan University accepted 64% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be offered. Approximately 100% of students attending Ohio Wesleyan University currently receive institutional grant aid to make......Read more Acceptance Rate 64.4% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $23,006 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,495
8	Baldwin Wallace University	77.39	1,120 – 1,300	27991	44972	#8 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Ohio Baldwin Wallace University Berea, OH Baldwin Wallace University is a private liberal arts and sciences university found in 1845. The school boasts a 12 to 1 student to faculty ratio and 75% first year retention rate....Read more Acceptance Rate 77.4% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $27,991 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,972
9	Otterbein University	83.88	950 – 1,340	20457	44539	#9 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Ohio 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 83.9% SAT Score 950 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $20,457 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,539
10	Mount Vernon Nazarene University	84.15	990 – 1,230	22961	43046	#10 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Ohio Mount Vernon Nazarene University Mount Vernon, OH Based in Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon Nazarene University accepted 84% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. About 99% of students at Mount Vernon Nazarene University currently receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 79%....Read more Acceptance Rate 84.2% SAT Score 990 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $22,961 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,046
11	The University of Findlay	67.48	970 – 1,210	27297	49757	#11 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Ohio The University of Findlay Findlay, OH Located in Findlay, The University of Findlay accepted 67% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 100% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. The college’s first year retention rate is 80% and 47%......Read more Acceptance Rate 67.5% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $27,297 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,757
12	Marietta College	78.2	970 – 1,210	22007	51252	#12 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Ohio Marietta College Marietta, OH Marietta College’s earliest roots date back to 1797, when it was first known as Muskingum Academy. 100% of students receive grant aid, averaging $31,554 each. The 480 student-athletes, called Pioneers, wear navy blue and white while completing in the Ohio Athletic Conference. Acceptance Rate 78.2% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $22,007 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,252
13	Ashland University	76.4	1,040 – 1,210	22610	47722	#13 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Ohio Ashland University Ashland, OH Found in Ashland, Ashland University’s acceptance rate is 76% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 99% of students attending Ashland University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The college’s first year retention rate is 77% and its......Read more Acceptance Rate 76.4% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $22,610 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,722
14	University of Mount Union	78.2	960 – 1,220	23616	45919	#14 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Ohio University of Mount Union Alliance, OH 23% of accepted students enroll in the University of Mount Union, a somewhat selective liberal arts school. The 123-acre campus is home to two buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Kehres Stadium is the oldest college stadium in the state. The university also has a 162-acre nature center. Acceptance Rate 78.2% SAT Score 960 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $23,616 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,919
15	Walsh University	70.74	1,040 – 1,280	23933	50090	#15 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Ohio Walsh University North Canton, OH Found in North Canton, Walsh University accepted 71% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 96% of students at Walsh University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 72% of students continued their......Read more Acceptance Rate 70.7% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $23,933 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,090
16	Capital University	65.01	920 – 1,170	22395	45767	#16 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Ohio Capital University Columbus, OH Found in Columbus, Capital University accepts 65% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 99% of students attending Capital University will receive institutional grant aid. At Capital University, there is a 73% first year retention rate and around 50% of students will graduate......Read more Acceptance Rate 65.0% SAT Score 920 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $22,395 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,767
17	Wittenberg University	80.46	1,080 – 1,290	23537	42437	#17 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Ohio Wittenberg University Springfield, OH Found in Springfield, Wittenberg University’s acceptance rate is 80% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 100% of students attending Wittenberg University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Acceptance Rate 80.5% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $23,537 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,437
18	Ursuline College	74.79	1,030 – 1,200	16350	45646	#18 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Ohio Ursuline College Pepper Pike, OH Ursuline College is a private liberal arts school founded in 1871 as a Catholic women's college. While men can attend, the school continues to provide a woman-focused education and the majority of students are women. A top area of study at Ursuline College is Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. Acceptance Rate 74.8% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $16,350 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,646
19	Heidelberg University	82	900 – 1,150	19447	41440	#19 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Ohio Heidelberg University Tiffin, OH Found in Tiffin, Heidelberg University accepted 82% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 99% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Acceptance Rate 82.0% SAT Score 900 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $19,447 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,440
20	Malone University	76.23	960 – 1,200	22390	43056	#20 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Ohio Malone University Canton, OH Malone University offers up to Post-master's certificates. Affiliated with the Evangelical Friends Church, the school’s motto is “Christ’s Kingdom First.” A part of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, 427 Pioneers compete in sports, such as Basketball, Track and Field and Cross Country (combined), and Lacrosse. Acceptance Rate 76.2% SAT Score 960 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $22,390 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,056