UE Recognized as 2026 "Hidden Gem" by College Raptor
Evansville, Ind. (10/29/2025) — The University of Evansville (UE) has been recognized as one of College Raptor's 2026 "Hidden Gem Colleges" in the Great Lakes Region. The designation highlights outstanding institutions that deliver exceptional academic quality, student outcomes, and personalized education experiences.
Now in its eleventh year, College Raptor's Hidden Gems list celebrates colleges and universities that combine excellence with attainability. Institutions selected typically enroll fewer than 7,000 undergraduate students, receive fewer than 5,000 applications annually, and maintain an acceptance rate above 10 percent. Rankings are based on factors such as retention and graduation rates, student-to-faculty ratio, endowment per student, and overall selectivity.
College Raptor is a leading college planning platform that uses AI-driven tools to help students and families identify colleges that align with their academic goals, financial resources, and personal preferences. The Hidden Gems list is designed to highlight exceptional schools that may not always appear in traditional national rankings but provide strong academic programs and supportive campus communities.
More than 37 million students and families have used College Raptor's platform to explore personalized college matches, estimate costs, and plan for success in higher education. Full details on the Hidden Gem methodology and rankings are available at CollegeRaptor.com.
The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university with a solid foundation in the arts and sciences and professional schools in business, engineering, education, and health sciences. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and dynamic campus community of #Changemakers.
Home of the Purple Aces, UE is located in the southwestern region of Indiana and offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University's very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.
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Noah Alatza, Chief Communications Officer
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