Exploring the realm of higher education often leads us to well-known and prestigious institutions, but sometimes the true treasures lie in the lesser-known, underrated universities that boast exceptional programs and opportunities.
In this guide, we delve into a selection of hidden gems – universities that may not be in the spotlight but shine brightly when it comes to academic excellence, innovative research, and unique offerings.
Clark University
Clark University, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, could be a perfect fit for the Hidden Gems series. Here’s a breakdown of its key details:
- Type: Private research university (one of the first in the US!)
- Founded: 1887
- Size: Small, with roughly 2,300 undergrads and 1,100 grad students on a 50-acre campus [US News]
- Location: Urban setting in Worcester, MA, with access to a consortium of 11 other colleges and universities [US News]
- Academics: Strong liberal arts curriculum with a focus on research and addressing global challenges. Offers bachelor’s, master’s, certificates, and doctoral degrees in a wide range of disciplines [Clark University]. Popular undergrad majors include Psychology, Economics, Political Science, Business Administration, and Biology [Wikipedia].
- Student Life: 100% of undergrads participate in internships or experiential learning before graduation [Clark University]. Diverse student body with 26% BIPOC and 7% international students [Clark University]. Mascot: Cougars!
- Cost and Admissions: Relatively expensive with tuition and fees around $55,187 (but likely less with financial aid). The acceptance rate is around 50% [US News].
Why it’s a Hidden Gem: Clark University offers a rich research-oriented liberal arts education with a focus on real-world application. Its location allows for access to a wider academic and cultural network, and its focus on global issues prepares students to be engaged citizens.
While respected, it doesn’t have the same name recognition as some other universities, making it a strong contender for the Hidden Gems list.
Binghamton University
Binghamton University, part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, could be another fascinating entry for your Hidden Gems series. Here’s a look at its key features:
- Type: Public research university
- Founded: 1946
- Size: Large, with over 14,400 undergraduates and nearly 4,000 graduate students on a sprawling 930-acre campus [US News]
- Location: Suburban setting in Vestal, New York, near Binghamton (despite the name). Offers access to outdoor recreation opportunities [US News].
- Academics: Renowned for its strong interdisciplinary education and vibrant research programs. Provides a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across various disciplines [Binghamton University]. Particularly notable programs include School of Management (ranked #27 by Poets & Quants, 2022) and engineering programs (ranked #120 by US News, 2024).
- Student Life: Diverse student body with a strong focus on research and internships. Boasts a high freshman retention rate (92% compared to the national average of 62%) [Wikipedia, US News]. Mascot: Bearcats!
- Cost and Admissions: Relatively affordable, especially for in-state students (tuition and fees around $10,363). Acceptance rate is moderately selective at 38% (Fall 2023) [US News].
Why it’s a Hidden Gem: Binghamton University offers a high-quality education at a public university price tag. Its research focus and strong programs in business, engineering, and other areas make it a competitive choice. While well-respected, it might not have the national profile of some private universities, potentially qualifying it as a Hidden Gem.
SUNY at Purchase College
State University of New York (SUNY) at Purchase College, nestled in suburban Purchase, New York, could be a strong contender for your Hidden Gems series.
- Type: Public College within the SUNY system
- Founded: 1967 (relatively young compared to other SUNY schools)
- Size: Small, with roughly 3,145 undergraduates fostering a close-knit community on a 500-acre campus ([US News]).
- Location: Suburban setting near Westchester County, offering easy access to New York City for cultural experiences and internships ([SUNY Purchase]).
- Academics: Focuses on a unique blend of rigorous liberal arts and sciences with world-class conservatory programs in the arts ([SUNY Purchase]). Offers bachelor’s degrees in 47 majors and 32 minors, with opportunities for interdisciplinary exploration ([Purchase College]). Particularly strong programs include Film & Media Studies, Performing Arts, and Visual Arts.
- Student Life: Vibrant and artistic atmosphere with a strong emphasis on creativity and individuality. Diverse student body with 17% coming from outside New York ([Wikipedia]). Mascot: Panthers!
- Cost and Admissions: Relatively affordable, especially for in-state students (tuition and fees around $8,953 for in-state, $18,863 for out-of-state). Acceptance rate is moderately selective at 52% (Fall 2022) ([US News]).
Why it’s a Hidden Gem: SUNY Purchase College offers a unique educational experience that merges traditional academics with a conservatory-style arts education. The suburban setting provides a beautiful campus with easy access to the cultural hub of New York City. While respected for its arts programs, it might be overshadowed by bigger SUNY schools or private art schools, making it a potential Hidden Gem.
Rochester Institute of Technology
- Type: Private research university
- Founded: 1829
- Size: Medium, with over 18,632 students, including roughly 16,000 undergraduates and 3,000 graduate students on a 1,300-acre campus [Wikipedia].
- Location: Located in Henrietta, a town within the Rochester, New York, metropolitan area [US News].
- Academics: Known for its focus on technology, the arts, and design. Offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including engineering, computer science, business, art and design, science, and health professions [Top Universities]. RIT has the fourth-oldest and one of the largest cooperative education programs in the world, providing students with paid work experience in their field of study [Top Universities].
Here are some of RIT’s particularly notable programs:
- Imaging science: RIT offers the only Bachelor’s (BS) and Master’s (MS) degree programs in imaging science in the country [Wikipedia].
- Computer Science: BS in Computer Science recorded the highest number of student enrolment in 2021 [collegedunia.com].
- Industrial Design and Computer Security: These are among RIT’s programs that are ranked in the top 10 nationally [collegedunia.com].
- Student Life: Diverse student body with a strong focus on experiential learning through co-ops and internships. Active campus life with over 300 student clubs and organizations [RIT]. Mascot: Tigers!
- Cost and Admissions: Relatively expensive with tuition and fees around $57,016 (but likely less with financial aid). Acceptance rate is moderately selective at 67.2% (Fall 2022) [US News].
Why it’s a Hidden Gem:
While RIT is a well-respected institution, it might not have the same name recognition as some other universities with a strong focus on technology, arts, and design. The university’s exceptional co-op program and its range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields make it a strong contender for the Hidden Gems list.
University of Maine
- Type: Public land-grant research university
- Founded: 1865
- Size: Large, with over 11,500 students, including roughly 9,774 undergraduates on a 660-acre campus ([US News]).
- Location: Orono, Maine, a town about 60 miles from the Atlantic coast and 100 miles from the Canadian border. The rural setting offers a beautiful natural environment.
- Academics: Offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in over 90 fields of study. UMaine is particularly known for its programs in:
- Marine sciences
- Forestry
- Engineering
- Agriculture
- Wildlife ecology
- Business
- Nursing
- Student Life: Diverse student body with a strong emphasis on research and outdoor activities. The university boasts over 200 student clubs and organizations, catering to a variety of interests. 15 miles of trails weave through the campus, offering opportunities for running, biking, and cross-country skiing. Mascot: Black Bears!
- Cost and Admissions: Relatively affordable, especially for in-state students (tuition and fees around $12,606 for in-state, $35,346 for out-of-state). Acceptance rate is around 81% (Fall 2022) ([US News]).
Why UMaine could be a Hidden Gem:
While UMaine is a well-respected public university, it might be overshadowed by larger or more well-known universities. However, UMaine offers a high-quality education at an affordable cost, with exceptional programs in specific areas and a strong focus on research.
The beautiful rural setting and the focus on outdoor activities add to the unique appeal. All these factors make UMaine a strong contender for the Hidden Gems list.
Marymount Manhattan College
Marymount Manhattan College (MMC) could be a fascinating entry for your Hidden Gems series, offering a unique blend of urban vibrancy and strong liberal arts education.
- Type: Private college
- Founded: 1936
- Size: Small, with roughly 1,600 undergraduate students, fostering a close-knit community on a 2-acre campus in NYC’s Upper East Side ([US News]).
- Location: Prime location in New York City allows students to immerse themselves in the city’s cultural scene, internship opportunities, and diverse experiences ([Marymount Manhattan College]).
- Academics: Focuses on a strong liberal arts curriculum with an emphasis on integrating the city into the learning experience. Offers bachelor’s degrees in over 25 majors across various disciplines, including the arts, humanities, social sciences, business, and education ([Marymount Manhattan College]). Particularly strong programs include:
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Theatre Arts
- Fashion Design
- Student Life: Active and diverse student body with a strong focus on social justice and community engagement. The college facilitates numerous cultural events and utilizes NYC itself as a learning resource. Mascot: Griffins!
- Cost and Admissions: Relatively expensive with tuition and fees around $40,260 (but likely less with financial aid). Acceptance rate is moderately selective at 72.1% (2022) ([US News]).
Why it’s a Hidden Gem:
Marymount Manhattan College offers a unique educational experience that blends a traditional liberal arts curriculum with the unparalleled opportunities and resources of New York City.
While respected for its programs in specific areas, it might be overshadowed by larger NYC universities. The focus on social justice, the integration of NYC into academics, and the close-knit community make MMC a strong contender for the Hidden Gems list.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Type: Private research university
- Founded: 1865 (one of the United States’ first engineering and technology universities)
- Size: Medium, with over 6,642 students, including roughly 5,246 undergraduates on a 95-acre hilltop campus ([Wikipedia]).
- Location: Worcester, Massachusetts, New England’s second-largest city. Offers a mix of urban and suburban environments.
- Academics: WPI is a global leader in project-based learning, where students work on real-world problems alongside faculty and industry partners. This approach fosters innovation, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. WPI offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across four schools:
- School of Engineering
- School of Arts & Sciences
- School of Business
- Global School
Here are some of WPI’s particularly notable programs:
- Robotics Engineering
- Interactive Media & Game Design
- Biomedical Engineering
- Student Life: Active and diverse student body with a strong focus on project-based learning and research. Over 130 student-run organizations provide opportunities for various interests. WPI has a strong emphasis on global engagement, with over 50 global project centers on six continents, allowing students to gain international experience. Mascot: Gobblers!
- Cost and Admissions: Relatively expensive with tuition and fees around $58,870 (but likely less with financial aid). Acceptance rate is moderately selective at 57.5% (2022) ([US News]).
Why WPI could be a Hidden Gem:
While WPI is a well-respected institution with a strong focus on STEM fields and project-based learning, it might be overshadowed by some other prestigious technological universities.
However, WPI offers a unique educational experience that prepares students to be innovative problem-solvers and global citizens. The emphasis on practical, hands-on learning and global engagement opportunities make WPI a strong contender for the Hidden Gems list.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Type: Public land-grant research university (the flagship campus of the UMass system)
- Founded: 1863 (originally established as Massachusetts Agricultural College)
- Size: Large, with over 28,635 students, including roughly 24,391 undergraduates on a sprawling 1,463-acre campus ([US News])
- Location: Amherst, Massachusetts, nestled within the Pioneer Valley. The area offers a mix of rural and college town atmosphere.
- Academics: UMass Amherst offers a comprehensive curriculum with academic strengths in a wide range of disciplines, including:
- Life sciences
- Physical sciences
- Engineering
- Social sciences & humanities
- Public health
The university offers over 109 undergraduate degrees, 77 master’s degrees, and 48 doctoral programs, housed within nine schools and colleges. UMass Amherst is known for its:
- Student Life: UMass Amherst fosters a vibrant and diverse student body. The university offers over 400 student clubs and organizations catering to various interests. The surrounding Pioneer Valley provides opportunities for outdoor activities, while the nearby cities of Northampton and Amherst offer cultural experiences and nightlife. Mascot: Sam the Minuteman!
- Cost and Admissions: Relatively affordable, especially for in-state students (tuition and fees around $16,952 for in-state, $38,171 for out-of-state). Acceptance rate is moderately selective at 63.5% (2022) ([US News]).
Why UMass Amherst Could Be a Hidden Gem:
While UMass Amherst is a well-respected public university with a large student body, it might be overshadowed by some elite private universities. However, UMass Amherst offers a high-quality education at a more affordable cost, with exceptional programs in various fields and a strong research focus.
The beautiful campus setting, vibrant student life, and commitment to social justice add to the university’s appeal. All these factors make UMass Amherst a strong contender for the Hidden Gems list.
Fashion Institute of Technology
The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is a public college in New York City. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and focuses on art, business, design, mass communication, and technology connected to the fashion industry. It was founded in 1944.
Here’s a breakdown of its key details:
- Type: Public college of design, fashion, and art
- Founded: 1944
- Size: Medium, with over 8,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs ([US News])
- Location: Chelsea neighborhood in New York City. This prime location provides students with unparalleled access to museums, fashion houses, and other industry resources.
- Academics: FIT offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion design, textiles, jewelry design, fashion business, graphic design, photography, advertising, and more. The college is well-known for its:
- Focus on practical, hands-on learning
- Industry collaborations and internships
- Renowned faculty with extensive professional experience
- Student Life: Diverse student body with a strong focus on creativity and career preparation. The college offers various student clubs and organizations, including the FIT Design Council and the Student Government Association.
- Cost and Admissions: Relatively affordable, especially for in-state students (tuition and fees around $6,170 for in-state, $16,750 for out-of-state). The acceptance rate is moderately selective (around 30% for undergraduate programs). ([US News])
Why FIT Could Be a Hidden Gem:
While FIT is a well-respected institution within the fashion industry, it might be overshadowed by other prestigious art and design schools.
However, FIT offers a high-quality, practical education at a more affordable cost, with exceptional programs and unparalleled access to the resources of New York City. The focus on industry connections and career preparation makes FIT a strong contender for the Hidden Gems list.
