2026 College Rankings

Top Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability – Private not-for-profit Colleges

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.

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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 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability – Private not-for-profit Colleges 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 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability – Private not-for-profit Colleges 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 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability – Private not-for-profit Colleges 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 Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability – Private not-for-profit Colleges 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	William Jewell College	6	38.36	1,010 – 1,210	17408	54197	#5 Top Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability – Private not-for-profit Colleges 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
6	Centre College	9	55.53	1,240 – 1,430	23780	50073	#6 Top Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability – Private not-for-profit Colleges 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
7	The College of Idaho	10	47.22	1,070 – 1,270	22602	42097	#7 Top Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability – Private not-for-profit Colleges 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
8	Pitzer College	12	25.16	1,190 – 1,370	34801	51784	#8 Top Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability – Private not-for-profit Colleges 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
9	Bellarmine University	13	86.11	1,020 – 1,240	24432	49819	#9 Top Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability – Private not-for-profit Colleges 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
10	Bob Jones University	15	87.29	1,030 – 1,270	19773	40892	#10 Top Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability – Private not-for-profit Colleges 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
11	Asbury University	16	95.4	1,030 – 1,290	21375	35563	#11 Top Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability – Private not-for-profit Colleges 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
12	Buena Vista University	17	77.61	1,010 – 1,240	18156	43572	#12 Top Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability – Private not-for-profit Colleges 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
13	Centenary University	18	96.75	850 – 1,080	22838	46049	#13 Top Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability – Private not-for-profit Colleges 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
14	Cornell College	20	80.66	1,140 – 1,350	25850	39299	#14 Top Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability – Private not-for-profit Colleges 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
15	Scripps College	22	38.29	1,430 – 1,520	45505	68027	#15 Top Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability – Private not-for-profit Colleges 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 – 1,520 Avg. Net Price $45,505 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $68,027
16	Waynesburg University	23	91.69	980 – 1,220	22837	48994	#16 Top Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability – Private not-for-profit Colleges 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
17	Bennington College	24	44.53	1,310 – 1,410	35108	24711	#17 Top Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability – Private not-for-profit Colleges 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
18	Bethany Lutheran College	25	38.97	1,080 – 1,240	19456	40652	#18 Top Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability – Private not-for-profit Colleges 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