Future college students throughout the American Southwest never have to limit themselves to the safest and most popular choices. There are excellent schools that stray from the beaten path and provide a phenomenal and distinctive experience. Each of these twenty-five colleges offers a unique educational atmosphere where individuals are just that—individuals—not only a student ID number. At these schools, students often create their own personalized academic approach. They all employ esteemed faculty members, of which a massive percentage have terminal degrees in their fields of expertise. These institutions of higher education provide much more than just an excellent degree, but a lifetime of experience.
Methodology:
This catalog was built according to the stringent criteria established by the researcher/writers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com, who utilize only the most well-respected resources and high-quality research tools. This list contains higher education institutions that are generally smaller liberal arts schools off the beaten path. The guidelines used to select each college or university were as follows:
- Notability among top higher education resources and statistical databases, such as Niche.com;
- Excellent retention and graduation rates, both of which are pointed signs of academic success and student satisfaction;
- Student reviews;
- Resources that provide enrollees with more than what they need;
- A lively campus atmosphere with opportunities and events that go beyond classroom activities;
- Esteemed faculty members;
- A narrow student-to-teacher ratio;
- And points of pride and superior accolades that set the school apart from others in its state.
For more information please visit the OnlineSchoolsCenter.com Methodology Page .
PRESCOTT COLLEGE
prescott, arizona
Prescott College was established in the early 1960s. Its founder, Dr. Charles Franklin Parker, had the ambition to create the Harvard of the West and drew upon the history of America’s oldest institutions. Prescott College is still quite young compared to schools like Harvard and Dartmouth that were founded in the 1600s. Nonetheless, it provides outstanding academic programs that are well-respected throughout the country. The degrees are highly flexible and allow students to design personalized educational avenues in twenty-one key areas, including Climate Change, Helping People, and Sustainability/Regenerativity. There are fabulous undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates, many of which can be completed entirely online through Prescott’s innovative distance learning platform.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
Affordable, innovative, and supportive, this Southwestern school provides all of the resources and amenities that any student could ask for. The campus buildings are beautiful and modern and set against an incredibly gorgeous red and golden landscape replete with outdoor adventures. The overall environment is calm, warm, and welcoming and offers a distinctly alternative college experience. Prescott focuses a huge amount of attention toward its students’ comfort and supplies state-of-the-art Residence Life & Housing facilities. There is also a strong concentration on sustainability and environmentalism.
Total Enrollment: 324
Most Popular Majors:
- Environmental Science
- Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
- Psychology
Acceptance Rate: 95% Retention Rate: 72% Graduation Rate: 67% Job Placement Rate: 86% (2 years after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT ARIZONA’S HIDDEN GEM: PRESCOTT COLLEGE
NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA
Northern Arizona University is a larger school than most included on these Hidden Gem catalogs, but it is still off the beaten path for most college applicants. NAU is an excellent online school that supplies distance education programs that can be completed either 100% virtually or in a hybrid format. The annual enrollment is so high because the school attracts so many online students! There is a wide variety of world-class undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees instructed by esteemed expert faculty members who are constantly engaged in real-world research projects.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
For readers seeking a Southwestern Hidden Gem specializing in online degree programs, Northern Arizona University is an absolutely unparalleled choice. There are multiple campuses that support the school’s numerous physical and virtual degree programs, all of which are available through strong partnerships at NAU. Students who are attending classes on campus in Flagstaff complete significant portions of their coursework online, as well, while also participating in a fun, friendly, welcoming, and student-driven environment. Enrollees at Northern Arizona are well-disciplined individuals who contribute to a highly focused academic atmosphere.
Total Enrollment: 21,891
Most Popular Majors:
- Business
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Nursing
Acceptance Rate: 83% Retention Rate: 76% Graduation Rate: 53% Job Placement Rate: 94% (6 months after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT ARIZONA’S HIDDEN GEM: NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
YAVAPAI COLLEGE
prescott, arizona
Yavapai College operates six different campuses and centers throughout the state where it provides more than sixty programs that are categorized in six impressive schools, all of which offer both full degrees and certificates alike. There are excellent options for high school students seeking college credit, applicants seeking a two-year degree, and individuals seeking training or certification in a distinctive specialization or profession. Yavapai also has fabulous Lifelong Learning opportunities through the Community Education and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. YC is an incredibly affordable institution with a tuition rate of about $95 per credit hour for most programs, which is an offer that can be found at very few other schools of this caliber throughout the region.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
This small community college in Arizona provides some of the best health care degrees in the Southwest. There are excellent options for EMTs, nurses, nursing assistants, and more! When it comes to affordability, Yavapai College is unmatched in the entire state. There are also incredible options for performing arts students, and the school’s facilities for this discipline and its many subdisciplines are top-notch. Here, students will find highly attentive professors who put a huge amount of effort into each class. Graduates are guaranteed to find a position of employment in their area of expertise after earning a degree from Yavapai College.
Total Enrollment: 1,646
Most Popular Majors:
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT Paramedic)
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Nursing Assistant
Acceptance Rate: 100% Retention Rate: 58% Graduation Rate: 21% Job Placement Rate: 78% (2 years after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT ARIZONA’S HIDDEN GEM: YAVAPAI COLLEGE
HARVEY MUDD COLLEGE
CLAREMONT, cALIFORNIA
Harvey Mudd College is a small, competitive, and immensely successful educational institution, which can be seen quite plainly through its superb retention and graduation rates. It is one of the best returns on investment for alumni of any college at a staggering $87,000 average annual salary for graduates, which is unheard of at most any other school. The curricula at Harvey Mudd are strongly geared toward science, mathematics, and engineering disciplines. However, each major includes significant coursework in liberal arts subjects in order to create the most well-rounded degrees possible. There are undergraduate and graduate programs available in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Liberal Arts, Mathematics, and Physics, all of which educate future leaders in the field.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
Harvey Mudd is a challenging, intensive, and extremely inclusive academic environment. Those attending Mudd all agree that professors put an enormous amount of effort into each class and while working with individual students. The average person attending this excellent school is highly science-concentrated with a deep passion for STEM subjects. While vigorously promoting an atmosphere of focused determination, the campus also has a lively vibe where students find a great deal of inspiration and comfort in their social lives. Academically speaking, there are world-renowned research opportunities through the Mudd Clinical Program, which is considered one of the most fabulous across the globe.
Total Enrollment: 887
Most Popular Majors:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Physics
Acceptance Rate: 14% Retention Rate: 97% Graduation Rate: 93% Job Placement Rate: 89% (2 years after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT CALIFORNIA’S HIDDEN GEM: HARVEY MUDD COLLEGE
VANGUARD UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
costa mesa, california
Since its founding as the Southern California Bible College in 1920, when it was established to educate Christian workers in various areas of Church-based professionalism, the Vanguard University of Southern California has developed a profoundly well-established position as an excellent Southwestern school. To this day, the school maintains its Christian heritage, and Pentecostal faith is massively entrenched in its traditions and campus culture. There are fascinating topics available in the twenty-six undergraduate, six graduate, and six professional studies programs, such as the Anti-Human Trafficking Certificate. Each program can be personalized to reflect individual pursuits, class sizes are small, and faculty members are outstanding.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
Located in the vibrant city of Costa Mesa and firmly rooted in discipleship, Vanguard University of Southern California is a fantastic choice for Christian students to expand, not only their minds, but their professional and ministerial opportunities, as well. On campus, Vanguard students participate in traditions that are over 100 years old and the community is one of strong faith in Christ. The robust Student Life Department provides fun and exciting opportunities to engage with the community, each other, and the Church during parties, volunteerism, and more!
Total Enrollment: 2,115
Most Popular Majors:
- Business
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
Acceptance Rate: 40% Retention Rate: 75% Graduation Rate: 56% Job Placement Rate: 92% (2 years after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT CALIFORNIA’S HIDDEN GEM: VANGAURD UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
SAINT MARY’S COLLEGE OF CALIFORNIA
MORAGA, CALIFORNIA
Saint Mary’s College of California is an extremely selective and highly comprehensive academic institution with phenomenal degree programs for undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, and professional studies students. A large part of this school’s traditions and history are connected to Saint John the Baptist de La Salle, the patron saint of teachers, who was the founder of Saint Mary’s Lasallian educational tradition. Under such a plan, the curricula strongly emphasize faith, individuality, service, social justice, and inclusion. Founded in 1863, this most excellent college has been educating a wide variety students for nearly 160 years.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
The Saint Mary’s approach is incredibly unique and has a longstanding tradition of making stronger academic connections through the Collegiate Seminar. This conversation-based teaching strategy provides a firm foundation in communication, argumentation, leadership, teamwork, and intellectual discourse. SMCC is also highly committed to sustainability and addressing imminent environmental issues through its coursework, research, and campus, which is Green Space Certified. It is a widely diverse and inclusive in its support of all cultures and the LGBTQ community. While Saint Mary’s is indeed a small school, exciting opportunities await academically, professionally, and socially across the Bay in San Francisco!
Total Enrollment: 2,618
Most Popular Majors:
- Business
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Psychology
Acceptance Rate: 77% Retention Rate: 85% Graduation Rate: 73% Job Placement Rate: 89% (immediately after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT CALIFORNIA’S HIDDEN GEM: SAINT MARY’S COLLEGE OF CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY
THOUSAND OAKS, CALIFORNIA
California Lutheran University supports a relatively small student body of around 2,804 undergraduates and 1,223 graduates in forty-one majors and forty-one minors. The numerous bachelor’s and master’s degrees are separated into five distinctive schools. These include the Graduate School of Education, the Graduate School of Psychology, the School of Management, the School for Professional & Continuing Studies, and the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, the last of which is particularly unique. Students here develop powerful academic relationships with faculty mentors who guide them throughout their entire educational careers as they grow into professional individuals.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
A warm, welcoming, and friendly environment, California Lutheran provides superb academics and an excellent college experience. The party scene at this school is not very lively, and the atmosphere maintains more quiet focus and involvement. Due to its close proximity to Hollywood, this school provides excellent opportunities at companies such as Disney, Netflix, and ESPN, among many others. As the name implies, Cal Lutheran has a strong affiliation with the Church and keeps up traditions that are over 500 years old. However, even with its Christian connections, the school is culturally, ethnically, and religiously diverse to an incredible level.
Total Enrollment: 4,027
Most Popular Majors:
- Business
- Communications
- Psychology
Acceptance Rate: 71% Retention Rate: 83% Graduation Rate: 72% Job Placement Rate: 97% (9 months after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT CALIFORNIA’S HIDDEN GEM: CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY
OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE
los angeles, california
Occidental College, or Oxy, as it is better known by students and alumni, is a small yet prominent liberal arts school with comprehensive program options. Located on a 120-acre campus in the center of one of the country’s most popular cities with the greatest connections, the school has an incredibly far reach into a massive amount of areas. Oxy emphasizes fieldwork, research, classroom work, and hands-on learning equally, and each program utilizes a distinctive global interdisciplinary approach. There is a significant concentration on undergraduate research, and the school operates state-of-the-art facilities in support of its ambitions.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
Oxy provides once-in-a-lifetime opportunities offered nowhere else. Some examples include the Kahane United Nations Program and the Campaign Semester, both of which give students the chance to work alongside political experts and politicians directly. The internships and study abroad opportunities are unmatched, as well! Each choice takes students to corners of the country and the world unvisited by many other schools. Occidental College also provides unique scholarship opportunities, such as the Barack Obama Scholars Program. Students at this school explore interests that were previously nonexistent. For example, one student discovered a passion for marine biology and diving that was then immensely supported by the school.
Total Enrollment: 1,907
Most Popular Majors:
- Biology
- Economics
- International Relations
Acceptance Rate: 37% Retention Rate: 90% Graduation Rate: 81% Job Placement Rate: 95% (1 year after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT CALIFORNIA’S HIDDEN GEM: OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE
COLORADO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
lakewood, colorado
This excellent school is the Rocky Mountain Region’s flagship Christian university. Its degrees are highly sought-after locally, nationally, and globally by students of considerable faith. There are ninety programs available for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students, degrees specifically designed for working adults, and dual enrollment programs for high schoolers. Each course at Colorado Christian University includes a strong foundation in Biblical principles, and many students choose to complete their studies entirely online. CCU has received special acknowledgment for its achievements as an academic institution of faith by U.S. News and World Report, the National Council on Teacher Quality, and The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
CCU has been educating interdenominational Christian students since 1914. Over the last 106 years, the school has earned numerous achievements in both education and mission work. It operates a department called The Strobel Center for Applied Apologetics, which actively identifies Christians in a vast network of individuals engaged in the church and community-based “marketplace of ideas.” Despite their learning format, both online and on-campus students feel a part of a massively supportive learning environment populated by friendly, determined, church-loving students of Christ. Interested readers need only view CCU’s high-quality accolades for more confidence that it is, indeed, the right choice.
Total Enrollment: 1,824
Most Popular Majors:
- Business
- Nursing
- Psychology
Acceptance Rate: 63% Retention Rate: 78% Graduation Rate: 38% Job Placement Rate: 90% (6 months after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT COLORADO’S HIDDEN GEM: COLORADO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
PICKENS TECHNICAL COLLEGE
aurora, colorado
Pickens Technical College is well-known for its professional programs and career education. There is an excellent supply (almost fifty) of Arts & Communication, Business & Marketing, Construction & Development, Health, Human Services, Landscaping & Environmental, and Transportation associate’s degrees and certificates. There are also courses, programs, and executive internships available for high school students seeking advanced placement and college credit. The curricula revolving automotive mechanics are extremely popular and attracts more majors than any other area at PTC.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
Pickens is perhaps the most highly respected two-year higher educational institution in the whole of Colorado. Its high-quality programs are respected by all other colleges and universities throughout the state, and students can easily continue their academic careers at the university of their choice. Each class is instructed by expert faculty members who bring entire worlds of information to their students. Those who are enrolled at PTC easily get all of their preferred courses and undertake a very manageable workload. They can expect to gain tremendous experience both inside and outside their programs as Pickens is heavily connected to its surrounding communities.
Total Enrollment: 1,157
Most Popular Majors:
- Automotive Mechanics
- Machine and Metal Working
- Medical Assistant
Acceptance Rate: 100% Retention Rate: 66% Graduation Rate: 81% Job Placement Rate: % (2 years after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT COLORADO’S HIDDEN GEM: PICKENS TECHNICAL COLLEGE
FORT LEWIS COLLEGE
durango, colorado
Fort Lewis College is tightly entwined with the surrounding state and has a rich history in higher education that dates back to the 1930’s when Fort Lewis High School transitioned to a two-year institution. Today, FLC provides a wide variety of superb undergraduate and graduate degrees in disciplines such as Business, Gender & Sexuality Studies, and Chemistry. There are additional exciting opportunities to expand individual programs, such as the Liberal Arts Core Concentration, which nurtures interdisciplinary skills highly valued by employers. Faculty members at Fort Lewis are engaged continuously in pivotal research projects in which graduate students have active roles.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
The academics at this excellent college in southwestern Colorado are separated into three distinctive schools, which include the Schools of Arts & Sciences, Business Administration, and Education. Some of the most riveting programs are those in the education department, such as the Adventure Education program. Nestled between snowcapped peaks in Durango, the campus offers unparalleled opportunities inside and outside of the classroom. For the outdoorsy types, there are over 300 miles of trails in the surrounding area. FLC sponsors the championship cycling program wherein students take part in local races and a strong cycling community. For the city folk, there are excellent restaurants, galleries, shops, and music that support a thriving nightlife.
Total Enrollment: 2,883
Most Popular Majors:
- Biology
- Business
- Kinesiology and Exercise Science
Acceptance Rate: 91% Retention Rate: 62% Graduation Rate: 44% Job Placement Rate: 92% (2 years after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT COLORADO’S HIDDEN GEM: FORT LEWIS COLLEGE
SIERRA NEVADA UNIVERSITY
incline village, nevada
While heavily involved in outdoor experiences throughout the gorgeous surrounding region, Sierra Nevada University also maintains a fabulous College of Entrepreneurial Leadership that transforms students from novice learners into expert professionals. There is a humongous focus on creativity, leadership, and sustainability, and enrollees are guaranteed to achieve their individual goals with ease. There are twenty-eight undergraduate degrees, including the highly applicable Bachelor in Ski Area & Resort Management, and two Masters of Fine Arts programs in Creative Writing and Interdisciplinary Arts. Despite their program of choice, students at SNU are incredibly well-connected and have the knowledge and skills to achieve greatness after graduation.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
Who loves the outdoors? How about snow sports like skiing? Sierra Nevada University provides unmatched opportunities in the surrounding area and is a big believer in adventurous, hands-on academics rather than day-to-day classroom learning. The Outdoor Adventure program has a full calendar throughout every academic year that provides experiences that range from cushy resorts, such as Diamond Peak down the street from campus, to backcountry huts in the woods! Popular activities include rafting, paddle boarding, climbing, biking, hiking, backpacking, skiing, snowboarding trips, and many, many others!
Total Enrollment: 372
Most Popular Majors:
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- International Business
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
Acceptance Rate: 64% Retention Rate: 93% Graduation Rate: 57% Job Placement Rate: –% (2 years after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT NEVADA’S HIDDEN GEM: SIERRA NEVADA UNIVERSIT Y
CARRINGTON COLLEGE
reno, nevada
Carrington College is a scholastic system that operates massively popular campuses throughout the Southwestern and Northwestern regions of the United States, including this fabulous location in Reno, Nevada. Carrington is hyper-focused on providing a high-quality small college experience, and there are particularly excellent degrees in health care disciplines. Its various educational programs are designed to provide as much hands-on experience as possible and include exciting opportunities through internships, externships, and clinical rotations throughout the surrounding areas.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
At Carrington College – Reno, students have access to outstanding facilities, including a state-of-the-art science laboratory equipped with industry-standard equipment. Aside from the high-quality health-focused degrees that span an incredibly comprehensive array of options, there are fabulous programs for students in veterinary science, criminal justice, and various trades, such as training as an HVAC Technician. Past and present students develop strong relationships with professors who get to know them as individuals, rather than just students, and who are immensely helpful outside of school as well as inside the classroom.
Total Enrollment: 357
Most Popular Majors:
- Nursing
- Medical Assistant
- Phlebotomy Technician
Acceptance Rate: 96% Retention Rate: 76% Graduation Rate: 46% Job Placement Rate: 86% (2 years after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT NEVADA’S HIDDEN GEM: CARRINGTON COLLEGE
NEVADA STATE COLLEGE
HENDERSON, nevada
Nevada State College supplies thirty-six undergraduate majors, twenty-six minors, and one graduate program. The various disciplines are separated into three schools: the School of Education, the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, and the School of Nursing. No one area is better than the other at this school. All of its programs are phenomenal, and its most popular options represent each department! Creative workshops, lectures, film viewings, seminars, and performances are scheduled throughout the entire academic year, which bring brilliant persons of interest to campus as unique resources for all students.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
Henderson is Nevada’s second-largest city, and, given its incredible proximity (15 miles) to Las Vegas, the Neon Capital of the World, it supplies a lively atmosphere for students of Nevada State College. The campus itself and the surrounding local community are warm and friendly environments where students can feel safe and secure. The school is replete with exciting opportunities, such as its numerous Community Engagement and Diversity Initiatives. Students, professors, and Henderson residents often interact throughout each year in efforts to address cultural and ethnic diversity issues throughout the country.
Total Enrollment: 1,805
Most Popular Majors:
- Business
- Nursing
- Psychology
Acceptance Rate: 81% Retention Rate: 70% Graduation Rate: 22% Job Placement Rate: 87% (2 years after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT NEVADA’S HIDDEN GEM: NEVADA STATE COLLEGE
EASTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY
PORTALES, NEW MEXICO
Eastern New Mexico University is well-known throughout the state and the country as one of the nation’s fabulous online schools. Of the ninety available degrees and 1,200 courses, over forty programs can be completed entirely online, which includes bachelors, masters, minors, and certificates. A variety of excellent student resources are available to students of all levels, including both on-campus and online learners. According to the school website, ENMU maintains a 97% student satisfaction rate, which is incredibly boast worthy. The school is also one of the most affordable universities in the Southwest, with a per credit hour tuition of less than $300 for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
ENMU is one of the only schools on this list of Hidden Southwestern Gems to supply such high-quality distance education programs in such quantity. Many students choose to take at least some, if not all, of their courses online in a hybrid format that includes both distance and physical approaches. There are numerous academic opportunities offered at very few other higher education institutions, such as the immensely popular Speech-Language Pathology degree. Of those students who learn on campus, plenty say that there are excellent opportunities to find a supportive group or niche and that the atmosphere is both supportive and very friendly.
Total Enrollment: 2,488
Most Popular Majors:
- Business
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Speech Language Pathology
Acceptance Rate: 60% Retention Rate: 61% Graduation Rate: 36% Job Placement Rate: 84% (2 years after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT NEW MEXICO’S HIDDEN GEM: EASTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY
ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
Students attending St. John’s University, who are known fondly around campus as “Johnnies,” can rest assured that they are receiving a top-quality education that utilizes a comprehensive academic approach. Despite their subject or program of choice, all enrollees develop the knowledge and skill to engage in complex dialogues with those from any other area. Many graduates choose to continue their studies in prominent law schools, and St. John’s maintains a 100% transfer rate for these individuals. All curricula have an incredibly distinctive approach wherein students do not choose an actual major, per se, but rather multiple subjects or focus areas that expand upon the already in-depth foundational coursework.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
St. John’s curriculum alone makes it a hidden gem among schools across the entire nation, not just the Southwest. Its approach reflects that of the oldest and most well-respected schools in the world, such as Harvard, yet at a much more affordable tuition rate. The campus attracts highly dedicated students who are deeply involved in their academic pursuits. The environment nurtures interactions between learners of all disciplines, including lawyers, doctors, engineers, psychiatrists, and others. Most students agree that St. John’s superbly enhances their critical thinking and communication skills, and employers are always on the lookout for Johnnies to join their team.
Total Enrollment: 317
Most Popular Majors:
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- The Natural Sciences
- Philosophy, Theology, and Psychology
Acceptance Rate: 67% Retention Rate: 76% Graduation Rate: 47% Job Placement Rate: 84% (2 years after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT NEW MEXICO’S HIDDEN GEM: ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE
SAN JUAN COLLEGE
FARMINGTON, NEW MEXICO
San Juan College began its journey as a branch of New Mexico State University when it had approximately twenty-five students. Today, SJC is ranked among the top schools in the state. It maintains a small campus of about 2,000 students yet educates more than 15,000 individuals annually. There are seven distinct pathways through which anyone can earn a high-quality degree. Focus areas include Arts, Communication, and Humanities; Business and Entrepreneurship; Computer Science, Information Technology, and Cyber Security; Education, Social Services, and Public Safety; Energy, Manufacturing, and Transportation; Health Science; or Science, Math, and Engineering. SJC also supplies excellent online degrees and certificates, which are available as alternatives to its on-campus programs.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
This phenomenal college operates under the raider while also providing esteemed educational degrees, professional retraining programs, and more. The campus offers outstanding resources, amenities, and facilities, such as the fully-equipped professional climbing wall, which has seventeen rope stations, twelve lead lines, two roofs, a running crack, and a 600-square-foot bouldering station. Many students choose to take advantage of San Juan’s excellent online programs in either a hybrid approach or entirely at a distance. The most popular major, the Veterinary Technician and Assistant program, is rarely offered at other schools and attracts students from throughout the entire region and beyond!
Total Enrollment: 2,374
Most Popular Majors:
- Automotive Mechanics
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Veterinary Technician and Assistant
Acceptance Rate: 100% Retention Rate: 57% Graduation Rate: 26% Job Placement Rate: 79% (2 years after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT NEW MEXICO’S HIDDEN GEM: SAN JUAN COLLEGE
OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma City University is one of the region’s most fabulous schools of liberal arts and sciences, and it attracts individuals from throughout the state, the country, and the world. Founded in 1904, this institution is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It has been acknowledged as one of the most excellent Christian colleges by Forbes and has been educating students for nearly 120 years. At an average of seventeen students, class sizes at OKCU are small, and the student-to-teacher ratio is 11:1. There are seventy undergraduate degrees and twenty graduate degrees offered throughout five impressive schools and colleges, including the Kramer School of Nursing, the Petree College of Performing Arts, the Petree College of Arts & Sciences, the Meinders School of Business, and the OKCU School of Law.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
Located in Uptown Oklahoma City in a hip and exciting area, this school sits on 104 beautiful acres of serene, park-like land. There is a lively atmosphere on campus where there are six national sororities and fraternities and over sixty student-led organizations. OKCU is extremely monetarily supportive of its students, of whom 90% receive financial aid. The entire school is active in a huge amount of professional and civic opportunities for students and faculty. There are also outstanding service-learning programs such as OCULEADS or the OCU-Doers Taiwan Study Program. All professors at Oklahoma City University are well-decorated in awards and accolades for their achievements in professionalism and academia.
Total Enrollment: 1,591
Most Popular Majors:
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Music Performance
- Nursing
Acceptance Rate: 76% Retention Rate: 82% Graduation Rate: 60% Job Placement Rate: 93% (2 years after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT OKLAHOMA’S HIDDEN GEM: OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY
EAST CENTRAL UNIVERSITY
ADA, OKLAHOMA
East Central University is the result of the efforts put forth by local community members and the 25,000 Club in 1909 to unite multiple teacher’s colleges, or “normal schools” as they were once known, and create one fabulous higher education institution. Today, ECU is a highly diverse academic environment with students from twenty-five states and thirty countries. There are more than seventy undergraduate degree options and sixteen graduate programs. The most popular majors at ECU represent the excellent range of this phenomenal school, and, additionally, there are fantastic distance education options for students who prefer online learning.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
ECU has educated an impressive number of high profile graduates, including two governors of Oklahoma, two governors of the Chickasaw Nation, and one governor of Arizona. It is incredibly well-known for its outstanding achievements in men’s and women’s sports, such as baseball, basketball, soccer, track, and much more. The Honors Program is of particular note and prepares students for a smooth and easy transition into graduate school and medical programs at universities like Dartmouth, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins. East Central is also a big believer in worldly life experiences and an international education and therefore supplies one of the most exciting, cross-cultural study abroad programs at any school in the Southwest.
Total Enrollment: 2,456
Most Popular Majors:
- Accounting
- Business
- Nursing
Acceptance Rate: 83% Retention Rate: 55% Graduation Rate: 33% Job Placement Rate: 88% (2 years after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT OKLAHOMA’S HIDDEN GEM: EAST CENTRAL UNIVERSITY
ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY
TULSA, OKLAHOMA
Considering its enrollment, Oral Roberts University is a comparatively small school. However, its sheer amount of programs set it far apart from many other schools and hidden gems in the Southwestern region. There are undergraduate and graduate majors, minors, specializations, and pre-professional concentration programs that tally over 150 in number! ORU is decisively committed to providing real-world experiences through hands-on projects and well-established mentorships between students and professors who are innovative leaders in their individual areas of expertise.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
At Oral Roberts, students take part in pivotal solo research projects as well as those alongside faculty mentors. For example, numerous individuals at ORU have made significant headway into cancer research, and others engage in high-level entrepreneurial workshops in the ONEOK Shark Tank. All departments at this excellent university are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, and student nurses, for example, are trained in recently upgraded and super-advanced Nursing Simulation labs. Impressive works of architecture can be found across campus, such as the Niko Njotorahardjo Hall, which is an up-scale, apartment-style residence hall built only one year ago in 2019!
Total Enrollment: 2,851
Most Popular Majors:
- Business
- Divinity, Ministry, and Pre-Theology
- Nursing
Acceptance Rate: 81% Retention Rate: 83% Graduation Rate: 44% Job Placement Rate: % (2 years after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT OKLAHOMA’S HIDDEN GEM: ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY
WESTMINSTER COLLEGE
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
Westminster College provides a holistic approach to higher education that seeks to improve all aspects of the individual. Through in-depth, hands-on projects that draw from a variety of disciplines and an extensive diversity of thought, students broaden significant horizons in their area of focus as well as others. WC provides two pathways to obtain a degree, one of which is a general liberal education program known as WCore, and the other is the Honors College. The latter is reserved for students of particular distinction who are prepared for a more demanding course load. There are fifty undergraduate majors dispersed throughout five schools at Westminster. Many students choose to customize their own major and create an individualized educational pathway.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
Westminster is an excellent school for undergraduate and graduate students who prefer either on-campus or online classes. There are four fabulous distance degrees, including a Bachelor of Business Administration, an RN to BSN, a Master of Strategic Communication, and a Project-Based MBA. Despite their learning format of choice, all students receive the same high-quality instruction in competency-based programs. Student Life at WC is replete with personal growth opportunities in independent clubs, programs, or organizations, and the campus is situated closely to downtown Salt Lake City, which provides a wide array of exciting events at all times.
Total Enrollment: 1,865
Most Popular Majors:
- Finance
- Nursing
- Research and Experimental Psychology
Acceptance Rate: 93% Retention Rate: 82% Graduation Rate: 65% Job Placement Rate: 96% (6 months after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT UTAH’S HIDDEN GEM: WESTMINSTER COLLEGE
NIGHTINGALE COLLEGE
OREM, utah
Nightingale College is an excellent school that is entirely geared toward the nursing profession. There are four programs available that provide associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s education levels. Each curriculum can be completed in under two years, aside from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing full program, which is a 32-month degree. Nightingale has online and on-campus options for all students, and each degree includes invaluable Supervised On-ground Field Experiences (SOFEs). The administration is extremely understanding of individual schedules and offers numerous pathways through which students can complete their degree on time while also maintaining their professional responsibilities.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
At this Hidden Gem of the Southwestern United States, students receive personalized attention from faculty and staff who are profoundly committed to the success of each learner. To facilitate closer collaboration, Nightingale implements smaller clinical groups wherein professors have much more in-depth one-on-one time with all students. Online learners utilize state-of-the-art resources and high-tech simulations to complete their studies at a distance and work with the administration directly to establish clinicals and other experiential learning opportunities in their home communities. All students have access to outstanding NCLEX preparation resources, and the school maintains an excellent passing rate.
Total Enrollment: 415
Most Popular Majors:
- ADN Program
- RN to BSN Program
- MSN ED Program
Acceptance Rate: 100% Retention Rate: 88% Graduation Rate: 75% Job Placement Rate: –% (2 years after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT UTAH’S HIDDEN GEM: NIGHTINGALE COLLEGE
SNOW COLLEGE
ephraim, utah
Snow College is a small school that mainly offers two-year degrees, diplomas, proficiency certificates, and certificates of completion. Additionally, there are two four-year degrees, as well, in Music and Software Engineering. The college was founded in 1888 as the Sanpete Stake Academy by members of the Mormon Church. It was renamed the Snow Academy and became a teacher’s college in the early 1900s, and then reached its current status as an institution of higher education in 1931. To this day, Snow is still very much affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It offers a considerable amount of associates degrees in a vast number of disciplines. These range from Farm and Ranch Management to Outdoor Leadership to Chemistry.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
The number of exciting programs available at Snow College alone sets it apart from many other colleges and universities in Utah. Students have outstanding opportunities to discover new passions and find their calling at this excellent school, all of which are firmly rooted in LDS faith and practices. Located in the stunning mountain valley of central Utah, students have access to unmatched outdoor trips on the hiking, biking, and four-wheeling trails, and there are innumerable other activities planned throughout every year, such as sporting events, dances, service opportunities, and more! Community Engagement is a big part of student life at Snow. The Civic Engagement & Service Learning Program, for example, keeps many students involved in highly rewarding experiences.
Total Enrollment: 3,226
Most Popular Majors:
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Music History and Literature
- Nursing
Acceptance Rate: 100% Retention Rate: 64% Graduation Rate: 50% Job Placement Rate: –% (2 years after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT UTAH’S HIDDEN GEM: SNOW COLLEGE
SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
GEORGETOWN, TEXAS
Southwestern is perhaps the most incredibly distinctive university in the entire state. It was the first college ever to be established, and is also the alma mater of the first three Rhodes Scholars, in Texas. The school uses a educational system known as Paideia, which is the Greek word for the education of an ideal citizen. In this way, all students gain a strong grasp of the arts, humanities, and natural and social sciences. All programs t this fine school utilize a holistic and integrated approach that cultivates curiosity and nurture broad critical thinking skills. Southwestern College has forty academic majors and thirty-six minors offered throughout twenty-six departments and class sizes average about fifteen students.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
The academic style of all curricula at Southwestern University is phenomenally distinctive. Students are exposed to deeply meaningful and massively rewarding educational experiences that have real-world impacts. The programs are arranged in a way that gives students complete control over their coursework and the ability to create their own personalized approach. The historic campus is located in the well-known city of Georgetown, Texas, which is proximal to Austin, has legendary live music, and is surrounded by scenic natural surroundings where exciting outdoor recreational adventures await!
Total Enrollment: 1,416
Most Popular Majors:
- Business
- Communications
- Psychology
Acceptance Rate: 45% Retention Rate: 85% Graduation Rate: 72% Job Placement Rate: 90% (2 years after graduation)
LEARN MORE ABOUT TEXAS’ HIDDEN GEM: SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY
LONGVIEW, TEXAS
LeTourneau University was originally known as the LeTourneau Technical Institute. It was founded by the godfather of modern, earthmoving machinery, R.G. LeTourneau, in 1946 when it was open to men only. In 1961, the school pivoted to become a co-ed, four-year institution of higher education with degrees in engineering and technology, as well as liberal arts, business, education, science, and more. The programs are divided between eight schools, including several considerably unique examples, such as the School of Theology & Vocation and the School of Aviation & Aeronautical Science. According to the school website, LeTourneau University is nondenominational yet “unapologetically Christian.” Students can be sure that their education is firmly rooted in devout biblical principles.
Why Is It A Hidden Gem?
One of the main draws of this fabulous Hidden Gem in Texas is its unparalleled distance education opportunities. A huge number of students choose to complete their degrees entirely online, and LeTourneau provides outstanding resources in support of these particular pursuits. Campus life for those attending school physically offers exciting opportunities to engage and commune both recreationally and spiritually with peers, friends, classmates, professors, and community and ministry members. Experiences on campus at LeTourneau foster a deeper relationship between students and with God.
Total Enrollment: 1,315
Most Popular Majors:
- Business
- Elementary Education
- Mechanical Engineering
Acceptance Rate: 46% Retention Rate: 78% Graduation Rate: 64% Job Placement Rate: 93% (2 years after graduation)