--- title: "Dordt University named \"Hidden Gem College in the U.S.” by College Raptor" date: 2025-10-13T13:07:00-05:00 author: Sarah Moss canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-named-hidden-gem-colleges-in-the-u-s-by-college-raptor" section: News --- [ View Dordt News](https://www.dordt.edu/news) [Academics](https://www.dordt.edu/news?category=academics) [Rankings](https://www.dordt.edu/news?category=rankings) Oct 13, 2025 # Dordt University named "Hidden Gem College in the U.S.” by College Raptor College Raptor named Dordt University Iowa’s Hidden Gem for its exceptional education and Christ-centered community. ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/20250823-_DSC9463.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=66&h=57&f=webp&c=e9156d68&v=687931304a829669110e0875707f502cdb3e11bd72172902f29b8ae28eecbf82) ![]()Dordt University has been recognized as Iowa’s Hidden Gem on College Raptor’s “Hidden Gem Colleges of the U.S.” list, which highlights standout schools across the nation that offer exceptional education and community while maintaining a lower public profile. ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/20250823-_DSC7687.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=57&h=65&c=51699697&v=ab4de883da58915fee02def4e0f6cc3645dc7392febeae633891b7465060f23f) College Raptor’s “Hidden Gem Colleges in the U.S.” rankings identify one exceptional college from each state and Washington, D.C. that offers students high-quality education, strong outcomes, and distinctive campus experiences. To qualify, schools must receive fewer than 5,000 applications per year, enroll fewer than 7,000 undergraduate students, and rank within the top half of College Raptor’s overall national rankings, among other factors. “Being recognized as Iowa’s hidden gem college shows Dordt University is committed to providing a Christ-centered, high-quality education that is noticed beyond campus,” says Orrie Rodriguez, Dordt’s director of admissions. “It highlights the strong sense of purpose, academic excellence, and supportive community that make Dordt stand out throughout our great state and region.” Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt serves more than 2,000 students from nearly every U.S. state and more than 25 countries. The university is known for its close-knit, faith-based community and holistic approach to education. “Dordt is a great place for students to live and learn because it offers a close-knit, faith-based community where professors, staff, and the community genuinely care about our students’ success—academically, personally, and spiritually,” Rodriguez adds. “The campus provides opportunities for growth through meaningful relationships, active learning, and a shared mission to glorify God in all areas of life.” To view College Raptor’s “Hidden Gem Colleges of the U.S*.*” list, visit [collegeraptor.com](https://www.collegeraptor.com/best-colleges/hidden-gems-2026/united-states/). --- **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 U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review. --- [Previous Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/Untitled-design.jpg?mode=crop&pos=0.4694-0.381&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=93989250&v=4cee892f2bade917a65c27709807093443e0ac6cb47ded40535faea11fc5fac1) Academics Arts Oct 20, 2025 ## Dordt’s David Platter awarded first prize in Sioux City Art Center’s regional exhibit Dordt University Professor of Art and Design David Platter received first prize at the Sioux City Art Center’s Local Perspectives exhibition for Myself and Other, a stainless-steel and cedar sculpture exploring themes of identity and reflection. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordts-david-platter-awarded-first-prize-in-sioux-city-art-centers-regional-exhibit) [Next Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/20250203-_DSC2091-1.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=735ffa05&v=463e8274926c26b8029ab705167f465e4bc9ac45b59eab41e5b8bad04370513c) Academics Events Research and Scholarship Oct 13, 2025 ## Dordt University to host "Dordt Writes" event Dordt University will host Dordt Writes: Creative Works and Community Engagement on Friday, October 17, at 3:30 p.m. in the Hulst Library, featuring lightning talks and projects that showcase how faculty connect research, creativity, and community engagement in innovative ways. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-to-host-dordt-writes-event) [ ![]() ## 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]]>