University of Evansville Named One of 2026’s Hidden Gem Colleges

The University of Evansville (UE) has been recognized as one of College Raptor’s 2026 “Hidden Gem Colleges” in the Great Lakes Region. This is an honor given to schools that meet certain criteria, including academics, strong student outcomes, and a personalized learning experience.

College Raptor’s Hidden Gems list has been around for more than a decade, showing some love to colleges that might not always grab national headlines but deserve the recognition for the quality of education they offer.

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How Colleges Earn the Hidden Gem Title

To qualify to be an official Hidden Gem, schools usually have fewer than 7,000 undergraduates, accept more than 10 percent of applicants, and receive fewer than 5,000 applications each year. The ranking takes into account important factors like graduation and retention rates, student-to-faculty ratios, endowment per student, and overall selectivity.

Helping Students Find the Right Fit

For students and families navigating the college search, College Raptor helps match students with schools that fit their goals, budgets, and personal preferences. And with more than 37 million users so far, it’s clear families rely on College Raptor to find schools that combine quality with opportunity.

Why the University of Evansville Truly Deserves the Spotlight

For the University of Evansville, being named a “Hidden Gem” isn’t just a title - it’s recognition that the school offers an exceptional, student-focused experience here in Southern Indiana. Smaller class sizes, supportive faculty, and a beautiful campus community make UE a place where students can really thrive academically and personally.

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For anyone curious about what makes UE a Hidden Gem or interested in exploring other standout schools, College Raptor has all the details on its rankings and methodology at CollegeRaptor.com.