UNH Manchester Named a 2026 “Hidden Gem” by College Raptor
We are proud to share that UNH Manchester has been selected as a 2026 Hidden Gem College in a recent announcement by College Raptor, a leading college planning platform that helps families discover college matches using AI-driven tools to find the best colleges at the best price.
UNH Manchester was recognized in the category of Hidden Gem Colleges in New England, a distinction that highlights institutions offering exceptional academic experiences while remaining accessible and affordable. Hidden Gems are typically schools with fewer than 7,000 undergraduate students, fewer than 5,000 applications annually, and an acceptance rate above 10%.
“For today's students, expanding the definition of ‘dream school’ to include attainable options that align with family income, grades, and additional factors can help more students arrive at college with confidence,” says William Staib, co-founder and president of College Raptor, Citizens' college planning platform. “That's what our Hidden Gems list and College Match tool aim to do.”
UNH Manchester’s designation as a Hidden Gem highlights its strong ties to the city and its focus on preparing students for high-demand careers. That impact is especially evident in initiatives like the Biofabrication Innovation Center (BIC) and the Millyard Scholars Program, which offer students hands-on experience in biotechnology, biological sciences, computer science, and engineering technology. Through research opportunities, industry internships, and scholarships covering up to 94% of tuition for New Hampshire residents, students are equipped to lead in fast-growing fields and contribute directly to Manchester’s innovation economy.
“We’re delighted that more people are discovering what makes UNH Manchester such a remarkable place to learn and work,” says Dawn Albertson, associate dean of UNH Manchester. “While being named a ‘Hidden Gem’ is an absolute honor, our impact has never been hidden to the city we serve. UNH Manchester is deeply woven into the fabric of this community. Our students, faculty, and staff show up every day to strengthen Manchester’s role as the state’s industrial hub, advancing innovation through programs aligned with the region’s TechHub designation in biofabrication and preparing the skilled and knowledgeable workforce that keeps New Hampshire strong.”
About College Raptor, Inc.
The full methodology of College Raptor’s rankings is outlined here. College Raptor’s annual Hidden Gem research complements its annual “Best College” rankings. When used with College Raptor’s College Match Tool, these lists empower students and families to curate their own best colleges lists based on unique campus preferences, academic performance, and goals, as well as financial circumstances. College Raptor is the most evolved, accurate, and comprehensive college search site with tools to empower students, parents, counselors, and colleges with college planning. It is the only college search platform that enables students and families to discover quality, affordable college options based on personalized estimates of financial aid, scholarships, academic match, and acceptance odds at every 4-year college in the country. More than 35 million students and families have used College Raptor to find cost-effective and academically suitable college options that prepare them for their future careers.
UNH Manchester offers affordable career-driven programs in today's high-demand fields, from biotechnology to psychology to communications and more. Find your major