--- title: "Dordt named to \"Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region\" rankings" date: 2023-12-04T08:26:00-06:00 author: Sarah Moss canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-named-to-hidden-gem-colleges-in-the-plains-region-rankings" section: News --- [ View Dordt News](https://www.dordt.edu/news) [News](https://www.dordt.edu/news?category=news) Dec 4, 2023 # Dordt named to "Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region" rankings Dordt University was recently named on the "Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region" 2024 rankings, released by College Raptor. ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2022-23/News/2023-09-19_002887.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=66&h=57&f=webp&c=27205c5e&v=86ba682b54578bdbd5316609a1f46740d305b6eeae1c3e0baa4b3d0a3e0c0ae2) ![]()Dordt University was recently named on the "Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region" 2024 rankings, released by [College Raptor.](https://www.collegeraptor.com/find-colleges/articles/hidden-gems-2024/hidden-gem-colleges-in-the-plains-region-2024-rankings?msID=fedcab42-b03c-407d-94af-78d9e5ac00e0) Dordt’s distinction as a “Hidden Gem” can be attributed to the overwhelming nature of the college search process for high school students, says Greg Van Dyke, director of admissions at Dordt. "While it may not be the largest or widely recognizable institution, those who choose Dordt often love it here," he says. "A compelling statistic supporting this claim is the impressive 85% freshman-to-sophomore retention rate, which means that the majority of freshman decide to return to Dordt for their sophomore year. That's not the case at every school." Visiting Dordt’s campus is essential for students who have an interest in the university, he adds. "Every school will claim to be known for many things, but you don’t get a real feel for that until you visit campus. I believe it is the people, culture, and mission of Dordt University that makes this place special and you need to experience that firsthand to know if that is for you." Dordt placed third on the list, with [Luther College](https://www.luther.edu/) of Decorah, Iowa, placing first, and [Simpson College](https://simpson.edu/) of Indianola, Iowa, placing second. "These colleges are standouts for a reason, and, while they may not be household names, they’re definitely worth a look when you want to further your education," writes College Raptor. "These schools in the Midwest deserve more attention than they receive." **About Dordt University** As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review. --- [Previous Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2022-23/News/SodakStays2023-36.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=11dd04f5&v=7e3a20298d66cf0d63c83ba4b9285d0e8f84ada4348af270303df29db02b2a54) Alumni Voice Dec 06, 2023 ## It's the little things Kayla (Scholten, ‘16) Huizing is the co-founder of SoDak Stays, a collection of 25 of South Dakota’s finest short-term rentals ranging in size from studio apartments to homes that sleep more than 12 people. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/its-the-little-things) [Next Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2022-23/News/aaron-burden-3PYAcPLceO4-unsplash.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=3f922765&v=99673f86bbd8a64fcd23472aa2708b7c0f7480905fa2b269207188ef6b112473) Music Dec 01, 2023 ## Dordt University to hold four ensemble concerts in December Dordt University will hold four ensemble concerts in the month of December. All four concerts will be available on livestream. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-to-hold-four-ensemble-concerts-in-december) [ ![]() ## View All Dordt News View News ](https://www.dordt.edu/news) Aug 19 General #### [International Student Orientation ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/international-student-orientation-2026-08-19) Aug 20 General #### [International Student Orientation ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/international-student-orientation-2026-08-20) Aug 20 Athletics Men's Soccer #### [8/20 8:00 PM Dordt University Men's Soccer at Carroll - Nelson Stadium ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/8-22-100-pm-dordt-university-mens-soccer-at-carroll) ![A picture of campus behind yellow prairie flowers](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2021-22/Buildings-and-Campus/2021-09-23_001574-1.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&f=webp&c=3d670641&v=d2bdb7cbdc83e5be46d3a10afe8a1214a0e770536697eb0ddbe29e017d2e9577) <![CDATA[YII-BLOCK-BODY-END]]>