2026 College Rankings

Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability

Home
College Rankings
Middle Class Affordability

About

Quality education can be affordable and accessible. The Hidden Gem colleges on this Middle Class Affordability list offer both. College Raptor ranks the most affordable colleges based on the estimated net price at each institution for a "typical" middle class family.

"Typical" middle class family values used in the Net Price estimates on this page are:

Number of people in family: 4
Number of students in college: 1
Total income: $80,000
Total assets: $50,000

Students should explore in-state tuition, reciprocity programs, and financial aid to help make college more affordable.

Methodology

Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school's selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. We've outlined our full methodology here.

Sort by:

View as:

Rank	Institution	Middle Class Affordability	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	College of the Ozarks	1	11.99	1,050 – 1,220	12279	36507	#1 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability College of the Ozarks Point Lookout, MO Thanks to a student work program and donations, students don’t have to pay tuition to attend the College of the Ozarks. It has a 14 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 90% first year retention rate. CofO is extremely selective and out of those accepted, 81% decided to attend. Middle Class Affordability 1.00 Acceptance Rate 12.0% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $12,279 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,507
2	Berea College	2	19.34	1,150 – 1,320	4379	35676	#2 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability Berea College Berea, KY Berea College, founded in 1892, was the first integrated, co-educational college in the South. 100% of students who attend receive grant aid, $51,923 on average. The most popular degree programs are Business Administration and Management, General, Computer and Information Sciences, General, Biology/Biological Sciences, and......Read more Middle Class Affordability 2.00 Acceptance Rate 19.3% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $4,379 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,676
3	College of Saint Mary	3	37.72	890 – 1,150	14265	59339	#3 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability College of Saint Mary Omaha, NE The College of Saint Mary is the only Catholic university for women in the Great Plains region. Of attending students, 100% receive grant aid, $19,829 on average. Student athletes at the College of Saint Mary are known as the Flames and they compete in the Great Plains Athletic Conference as members of the NAIA....Read more Middle Class Affordability 3.00 Acceptance Rate 37.7% SAT Score 890 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $14,265 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,339
4	Bryn Mawr College	4	29.43	1,300 – 1,500	39383	53102	#4 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability 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.” Middle Class Affordability 4.00 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
5	Massachusetts Maritime Academy	5	72.07	1,040 – 1,200	20759	80424	#5 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability Massachusetts Maritime Academy Buzzards Bay, MA The second oldest state maritime academy in the country, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy was founded in 1891. Its motto is “Discipline, Knowledge, Leadership.” Students train on the USTS Kennedy and select one of the 7 programs. Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering is the most popular. Middle Class Affordability 5.00 Acceptance Rate 72.1% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $20,759 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $80,424
6	William Jewell College	6	38.36	1,010 – 1,210	17408	54197	#6 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability William Jewell College Liberty, MO William Jewell College dates back to 1849 and was originally associated with the Missouri Baptist Convention. The school became independent in 2003. Out of the accepted students, 33% decide to attend. If taking the ACT, students should aim for between a 19 - 25. Middle Class Affordability 6.00 Acceptance Rate 38.4% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $17,408 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,197
7	Virginia Military Institute	7	71.25	1,110 – 1,330	17229	63545	#7 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability Virginia Military Institute Lexington, VA Abraham Lincoln called the Virginia Military Institute the “West Point of the South.” Located on the Maury River in the Shenandoah Valley, 562 athletes (the Keydets) compete in the NCAA Division I-FCS Big South Conference. Moe the Kangaroo cheers them on. Middle Class Affordability 7.00 Acceptance Rate 71.3% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $17,229 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,545
8	Truman State University	8	83.77	1,210 – 1,400	12798	43966	#8 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability Truman State University Kirksville, MO Originally known as the North Missouri Normal and Commercial School when founded in 1867, the school was renamed the Truman State University (TSU) in 1996 after U.S. President Harry Truman. Athletes, wearing purple and white, are known as the Bulldogs....Read more Middle Class Affordability 8.00 Acceptance Rate 83.8% SAT Score 1,210 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $12,798 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,966
9	Centre College	9	55.53	1,240 – 1,430	23780	50073	#9 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability Centre College Danville, KY Centre College’s motto is “Doctrina Lux Mentis,” or “Learning is the Light of the Mind.” Offering up to Bachelor's degrees, the school has 26 degree programs, with Economics, Other being the most sought after. Centre also has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1. Middle Class Affordability 9.00 Acceptance Rate 55.5% SAT Score 1,240 – 1,430 Avg. Net Price $23,780 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,073
10	The College of Idaho	10	47.22	1,070 – 1,270	22602	42097	#10 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability The College of Idaho Caldwell, ID Founded in 1891, The College of Idaho is the oldest private liberal arts college in the state. The school offers up to Master's degrees, and graduates have entered impressive careers in business, politics, law, and sports. Many students pursue degrees in Business Administration and Management, General. Middle Class Affordability 10.00 Acceptance Rate 47.2% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $22,602 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,097
11	University of Illinois Springfield	11	84.37	1,040 – 1,240	9241	47432	#11 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability University of Illinois Springfield Springfield, IL The University of Illinois Springfield is one of three in the University of Illinois system and is located in the state's capitol city. U of I offers 46 degree programs with Computer Science, Business Administration and Management, General, Psychology, and General being the most sought after....Read more Middle Class Affordability 11.00 Acceptance Rate 84.4% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $9,241 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,432
12	Pitzer College	12	25.16	1,190 – 1,370	34801	51784	#12 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability 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, 34% enrolled. 81% of undergraduates graduate in four years, 88% in six. Pitzer is part of the Claremont Colleges consortium. Middle Class Affordability 12.00 Acceptance Rate 25.2% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $34,801 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,784
13	Bellarmine University	13	86.11	1,020 – 1,240	24432	49819	#13 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability Bellarmine University Louisville, KY Bellarmine University is a private Catholic university providing a liberal arts education. The school has a 12 to 1 student to faculty ratio, 75% first year retention rate, and 65% six year graduation rate. BU is located in the Highlands neighborhood of Louisville right near the Bardstown Road corridor. Middle Class Affordability 13.00 Acceptance Rate 86.1% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $24,432 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,819
14	University of Maine at Farmington	14	96.72	1,000 – 1,250	15383	31513	#14 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability University of Maine at Farmington Farmington, ME The University of Maine at Farmington opened in 1864, originally known as the Western State Normal School. It underwent several name changes over the following century. The school newspaper is “The Farmington Flyer,” and the Beavers wear maroon, gold, and gray, and compete in the North Atlantic Conference. Middle Class Affordability 14.00 Acceptance Rate 96.7% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $15,383 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,513
15	Bob Jones University	15	87.29	1,030 – 1,270	19773	40892	#15 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability Bob Jones University Greenville, SC “Petimus Credimus” is the Latin motto of Bob Jones University, which means “We Seek, We Trust.” The school offers up to the doctor’s degree, though most of the students study at the undergraduate level. Many undergraduates will study Business Administration and Management, Accounting, and Registered Nursing....Read more Middle Class Affordability 15.00 Acceptance Rate 87.3% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $19,773 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,892
16	Asbury University	16	95.4	1,030 – 1,290	21375	35563	#16 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability Asbury University Wilmore, KY Asbury University is a private Christian university located 20 minutes southwest of Lexington. The school's motto is "Academic Excellence & Spiritual Vitality. Of attending students, 100% receive grant aid — $24,903 on average. Popular majors among students include andGeneral Studies. Middle Class Affordability 16.00 Acceptance Rate 95.4% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $21,375 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,563
17	Buena Vista University	17	77.61	1,010 – 1,240	18156	43572	#17 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability Buena Vista University Storm Lake, IA Buena Vista University has a 13 to 1 student to faculty ratio, 77% first year retention rate, and 56% 4-year graduation rate. Every year BVU students volunteer at Buenafication Day, the school's annual day of community service. Popular majors among students include Elementary Education and Teaching, Human Services, and General. Middle Class Affordability 17.00 Acceptance Rate 77.6% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $18,156 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,572
18	Centenary University	18	96.75	850 – 1,080	22838	46049	#18 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability Centenary University Hackettstown, NJ Centenary University was originally founded in 1867 as a preparatory school. Today, the school is known for being a non-selective university, with an acceptance rate of 97%. Of attending students 87% stay after the first year and 59% will graduate within 4 years....Read more Middle Class Affordability 18.00 Acceptance Rate 96.8% SAT Score 850 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $22,838 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,049
19	California State University Maritime Academy	19	98.73	930 – 1,210	16081	84676	#19 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability California State University 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 7 programs. Middle Class Affordability 19.00 Acceptance Rate 98.7% SAT Score 930 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $16,081 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $84,676
20	Cornell College	20	80.66	1,140 – 1,350	25850	39299	#20 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability Cornell College Mount Vernon, IA Students at Cornell College follow a “block plan,” where they attend one course at a time over a few weeks. In a year, students can expect to finish eight blocks, or courses. Classes tend to be smaller, with a 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. King Chapel on campus is home to an over 3,000-piped organ. Middle Class Affordability 20.00 Acceptance Rate 80.7% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $25,850 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,299
21	Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts	21	92.35	960 – 1,180	17705	36803	#21 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts North Adams, MA Business Administration and Management, General is a commonly chosen area of study at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. The school is non selective and offers rolling admissions. Murdock the Mountain Lion cheers on the Trailblazers who play in Ice Hockey, Soccer, and Basketball, among others. Middle Class Affordability 21.00 Acceptance Rate 92.4% SAT Score 960 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $17,705 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,803
22	Scripps College	22	38.29	1,430 – 1,530	45505	68027	#22 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability 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 94% first year retention rate. Middle Class Affordability 22.00 Acceptance Rate 38.3% SAT Score 1,430 – 1,530 Avg. Net Price $45,505 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $68,027
23	Waynesburg University	23	91.69	980 – 1,220	22837	48994	#23 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability 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. Middle Class Affordability 23.00 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
24	Bennington College	24	44.53	1,310 – 1,410	35108	24711	#24 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability Bennington College Bennington, VT Bennington College, sitting on 440 acres, was originally a women’s college when it was founded in 1932 and became coeducational in 1969. Today, the school is still predominantly female (78% of undergraduates are women). Of attending students, 98% receive grant aid — $47,860 on average. Middle Class Affordability 24.00 Acceptance Rate 44.5% SAT Score 1,310 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $35,108 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,711
25	Bethany Lutheran College	25	38.97	1,080 – 1,240	19456	40652	#25 Top 25 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, MN Bethany Lutheran College has a 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 72% first-year retention rate. 53% of students will graduate within 4 years. The school offers generous aid packages. In fact, 100% of students who attend receive grant aid, $20,192 on average. Middle Class Affordability 25.00 Acceptance Rate 39.0% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $19,456 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,652