2026 College Rankings

Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania (PA)

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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	Grove City College	72.32	1,150 – 1,370	24184	63721	#1 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Grove City College Grove City, PA Grove City College is a non-denominational college founded in 1876. With an 88% first year retention rate, 87% of students will graduate in 4 years. Mechanical Engineering is the most popular undergraduate major. Acceptance Rate 72.3% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $24,184 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
2	Bryn Mawr College	29.43	1,300 – 1,500	39383	53102	#2 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Bryn Mawr College Bryn Mawr, PA Bryn Mawr College is an extremely selective school. Part of the Seven Sisters College Consortium, it has a 92% first year retention rate and an 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. The school motto is “Veritatem Dilexi,” which is Latin for “I Delight in the Truth.” Acceptance Rate 29.4% SAT Score 1,300 – 1,500 Avg. Net Price $39,383 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,102
3	Muhlenberg College	64.01	1,250 – 1,400	31814	53265	#3 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Muhlenberg College Allentown, PA In addition to an 82-acre campus, Muhlenberg College also maintains nearby 60-acre Graver Arboretum and 40-acre Raker Wildlife Preserve. Most of their programs focus on liberal arts and pre-professional education – Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General is a popular area of study....Read more Acceptance Rate 64.0% SAT Score 1,250 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $31,814 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,265
4	Messiah University	78.97	1,130 – 1,360	29882	50192	#4 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Messiah University Mechanicsburg, PA Messiah University has a 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 88% first year retention rate. Originally known as the Messiah Bible School and Missionary Training House in 1909, the school became a college in 1951 and a university in 2020. Incoming students have to sign a Community Covenant. Acceptance Rate 79.0% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $29,882 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,192
5	Ursinus College	91.77	1,220 – 1,390	31625	54542	#5 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Ursinus College Collegeville, PA 100% of students at Ursinus College receive grant aid, around $43,758 per student. The school sits on a 170-acre campus and has several programs that promote STEM, including the Supporting Inclusive Excellence Program and Science in Motion. Applied Economics is a popular area of study among its undergraduates. Acceptance Rate 91.8% SAT Score 1,220 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $31,625 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,542
6	Geneva College	80.35	1,000 – 1,220	22145	46107	#6 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Geneva College Beaver Falls, PA Courses at Geneva College focus on humanities and a Reformed Christian worldview. Its motto is “For Christ and Country.” 99% of attending students receive grant aid, averaging $20,748 each. Athletes, known as the Golden Tornadoes, compete in the Presidents' Athletic Conference. Acceptance Rate 80.4% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $22,145 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,107
7	Elizabethtown College	77.87	1,110 – 1,320	27019	54833	#7 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Elizabethtown College Elizabethtown, PA Although Elizabethtown College has “College” in its name, it grants up to Doctor's degrees. With 19 academic departments and 68 areas of study to choose from, in-demand programs include Business Administration and Management, General, Occupational Therapy/Therapist, and Behavioral Sciences....Read more Acceptance Rate 77.9% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $27,019 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,833
8	Washington & Jefferson College	80.64	1,040 – 1,280	26051	52082	#8 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Washington & Jefferson College Washington, PA Washington & Jefferson College came about in 1865 when Washington College and Jefferson College, both founded in the early 1800s, merged. The 60-acre campus is home to McMillan Hall, which was built in 1793, and the school was featured in the Netflix show, “Mindhunter.” 76% of students graduate within six years. Acceptance Rate 80.6% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $26,051 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,082
9	Saint Francis University	79.16	1,050 – 1,250	27421	56920	#9 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Saint Francis University Loretto, PA Founded in 1847, Saint Francis University is affiliated with the Catholic Church. The 600-acre campus is home to a museum of art, The Institute for Contemporary Franciscan Life, and a 9-hole golf course. SFU is a NCAA Division I-FCS member and the Red Flash compete in the Northeast Conference. Acceptance Rate 79.2% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $27,421 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,920
10	Juniata College	78.91	1,080 – 1,310	28925	48571	#10 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Juniata College Huntingdon, PA Biology/Biological Sciences, General is the most popular major at Juniata College, but many students design their own programs. The school sits on 800 acres and boasts an 11 to 1 student to faculty ratio. Juniata also has an extensive study abroad program and it’s motto is “Veritas Liberat,” or “Truth Sets Free.” Acceptance Rate 78.9% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $28,925 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,571
11	Saint Vincent College	61.73	--	23857	47267	#11 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Saint Vincent College Latrobe, PA Saint Vincent College was established in 1846, making it the first Benedictine monastery in the country. The Bearcats are part of the Presidents' Athletic Conference, competing in Football, Basketball, and Lacrosse, among others....Read more Acceptance Rate 61.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $23,857 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,267
12	Westminster College	92.56	1,130 – 1,250	21089	43938	#12 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Westminster College New Wilmington, PA 100% of students attending Westminster College receive grant aid, averaging $30,615 each. Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, the school has an 81% first year retention rate, 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 73% six year graduation rate. 505 athletes, known as the Titans, wear navy blue and white. Acceptance Rate 92.6% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $21,089 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,938
13	Lebanon Valley College	83.77	1,140 – 1,310	28640	54021	#13 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania 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
14	Misericordia University	88.71	1,090 – 1,260	25090	55910	#14 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Misericordia University Dallas, PA Misericordia University is a private liberal arts school located just north of Philadelphia. Many of its students come from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Roman Catholic, College Misericordia was founded in 1924 by the Religious Sisters of Mercy – it became a university in 2007. Acceptance Rate 88.7% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,260 Avg. Net Price $25,090 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,910
15	DeSales University	77.09	1,090 – 1,260	30524	52721	#15 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania DeSales University Center Valley, PA A Catholic liberal arts school, DeSales University offers 54 degree programs—Business Administration and Management, General, and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse being the most sought after. The school has a 12 to 1 student to faculty ratio, 83% first year retention rate, and 63% 4-year graduation rate. Acceptance Rate 77.1% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,260 Avg. Net Price $30,524 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,721
16	Marywood University	60.58	1,070 – 1,250	24712	47000	#16 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Marywood University Scranton, PA Marywood University is a private Catholic school located near the Pocono Mountains. Of attending students, 100% will receive grant aid, about $27,875 on average. Popular majors among students include Business Administration and Management, General, Social Work, and Architecture....Read more Acceptance Rate 60.6% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $24,712 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,000
17	Lycoming College	74.07	1,080 – 1,300	20733	43713	#17 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania 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
18	Immaculata University	85.78	1,160 – 1,330	29499	56416	#18 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Immaculata University Immaculata, PA Founded in 1920, Immaculata University is a private Catholic school. The University's Latin motto is "Scientia floret virtute" which translates to "Knowledge flourishes in virtue." Of attending students, 100% receive grant aid, $15,598 on average and 56% of students will graduate in 4 years. Acceptance Rate 85.8% SAT Score 1,160 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $29,499 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,416
19	King's College	93.05	1,080 – 1,280	25608	51734	#19 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania King's College Wilkes-Barre, PA King's College, founded in 1946, began as a college for men however today men make up 54% of the student population and 45% of enrolled students are women. Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other, Physician Assistant, Business Administration and Management, and General are popular majors and 59% of students will......Read more Acceptance Rate 93.1% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $25,608 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,734
20	Chatham University	61.96	1,080 – 1,320	29051	48709	#20 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Chatham University Pittsburgh, PA Chatham University is a private liberal arts college initially founded in 1869 as a college to empower women. Today, the campus is made up of 63% women and 36% men. Top majors among students include Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapy/Therapist, Psychology, and General. Acceptance Rate 62.0% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $29,051 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,709
21	Seton Hill University	75.79	1,050 – 1,250	23732	43700	#21 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Seton Hill University Greensburg, PA Seton Hill University opened in 1885 as a women’s college. It only became co-educational in 2002 – as a result, a majority of the student body are women. Common majors include Business Administration and Management, General, Physician Assistant, and Art Therapy/Therapist....Read more Acceptance Rate 75.8% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $23,732 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,700
22	Mercyhurst University	81.02	1,080 – 1,300	26962	39565	#22 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Mercyhurst University Erie, PA Based in Erie, Mercyhurst University’s acceptance rate is 81%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 95% of students at Mercyhurst University will receive institutional grant aid. They are given $28,508 on average. The first year retention rate is 79%....Read more Acceptance Rate 81.0% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $26,962 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,565
23	Gwynedd Mercy University	89.63	1,040 – 1,190	26733	65976	#23 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Gwynedd Mercy University Gwynedd Valley, PA Found in Gwynedd Valley, Gwynedd Mercy University accepted 90% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. Approximately 100% of students attending Gwynedd Mercy University will receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 78%....Read more Acceptance Rate 89.6% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $26,733 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $65,976
24	Cairn University-Langhorne	88.17	1,000 – 1,160	27603	37077	#24 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Cairn University-Langhorne Langhorne, PA Based in Langhorne, Cairn University-Langhorne accepted 88% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. About 62% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Acceptance Rate 88.2% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $27,603 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,077
25	York College of Pennsylvania	94.2	1,030 – 1,240	21036	50940	#25 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania York College of Pennsylvania York, PA Based in York, York College of Pennsylvania accepts 94% of applicants. They require unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 98% of students at York College of Pennsylvania will receive institutional grant aid. 76% of students continued studying at York College of Pennsylvania after completing their first year....Read more Acceptance Rate 94.2% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $21,036 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,940
26	Cedar Crest College	99.13	980 – 1,210	23036	48295	#26 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Cedar Crest College Allentown, PA Based in Allentown, Cedar Crest College accepts 99% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 99% of students at Cedar Crest College will receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 75%....Read more Acceptance Rate 99.1% SAT Score 980 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $23,036 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,295
27	Waynesburg University	91.69	980 – 1,220	22837	48994	#27 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Waynesburg University Waynesburg, PA 100% of Waynesburg University’s students receive grant aid, averaging $18,778 each. Many undergraduates major in Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. The campus is home to four parks, totalling 15 acres. Statue Park is dedicated to Civil War casualties. Waynesburg is non selective. Acceptance Rate 91.7% SAT Score 980 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $22,837 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,994
28	La Salle University	95.52	900 – 1,110	20119	53701	#28 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania La Salle University Philadelphia, PA Located in Philadelphia, La Salle University accepted 96% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. About 92% of students at La Salle University currently receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 73%....Read more Acceptance Rate 95.5% SAT Score 900 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $20,119 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,701
29	Holy Family University	71.04	910 – 1,150	13016	55285	#29 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Holy Family University Philadelphia, PA Based in Philadelphia, Holy Family University’s acceptance rate is 71% and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and $80 for graduate applications. Approximately 100% of students attending Holy Family University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Acceptance Rate 71.0% SAT Score 910 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $13,016 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,285
30	Eastern University	90.96	1,020 – 1,190	21900	41580	#30 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Eastern University Saint Davids, PA Found in Saint Davids, Eastern University’s acceptance rate is 91%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be requested. About 83% of students at Eastern University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Acceptance Rate 91.0% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $21,900 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,580
31	Lancaster Bible College Capital Seminary & Graduate School	95.19	1,010 – 1,220	22872	36747	#31 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Lancaster Bible College Capital Seminary & Graduate School Lancaster, PA Located in Lancaster, Lancaster Bible College Capital Seminary & Graduate School accepted 95% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. About 99% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Acceptance Rate 95.2% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $22,872 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,747
32	Chestnut Hill College	79.13	900 – 1,090	28583	45221	#32 Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Pennsylvania Chestnut Hill College Philadelphia, PA Located in Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill College accepted 79% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $25 for undergraduate applications and $55 for graduate applications. About 100% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. At Chestnut Hill College, there is a 67%......Read more Acceptance Rate 79.1% SAT Score 900 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $28,583 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,221