Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Best Underrated College in Each State - Recommendations?

Hi there! I'm trying to cast a wide net here. As I'm not certain about which state I'd like to attend college in. Therefore, I'm looking for a list or your personal suggestions of the most underrated colleges in each state. Any insights?

a year ago

While it would be very time-consuming to give a suggestion for each of the 50 states, I'd be more than happy to share underrated schools in a few regions across the U.S. Here are some suggestions:

Northeast: This region has many notable colleges known worldwide, but there are plenty of 'hidden gems' too. For instance, Clark University in Massachusetts is a great institution known for its excellent Psychology and Geography programs.

Southeast: Apart from schools like Duke and UVA, there are underrated institutions like Furman University in South Carolina. Furman offers a robust liberal arts curriculum and is also renowned for their music and philosophy programs.

Midwest: Known for large public institutions like University of Michigan and Ohio State, but smaller schools like Beloit College in Wisconsin tend to fall under the radar. It's known for its emphasis on experiential learning and strong programs in Anthropology.

Southwest: A lot of focus goes to UT Austin or Texas A&M, but Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, is a fantastic small liberal arts college with strong programs in Business and Engineering.

West: Everyone talks about the UCs, but one underrated school would be Whitman College in Washington. Known for environmental studies, it gives students ample opportunities for research and fieldwork.

Keep in mind, the "best" college for you depends on what you're looking for in a school. Size, location, academic programs, and campus culture are only a few factors to consider. It would help if you did thorough research on each institution before deciding to apply. Also, 'underrated' does not mean lesser-than in any way. Smaller, lesser-known schools often offer unique opportunities that big-name schools cannot provide. Always prioritize fit over rankings or prestige.

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.