For students who love the outdoors, sustainability, or agriculture, a college orchard can be much more than a pretty backdrop. Orchards serve as living classrooms, research hubs, and community resources where students study biodiversity, sustainable farming, and food systems in real time. They also connect campuses to their local regions, often donating produce to food banks or selling fruit to support community initiatives. These five U.S. colleges highlight how something as simple as an apple orchard can enrich education and campus life:

For students passionate about global affairs, human rights, and diplomacy, the United Nations can feel like the ultimate classroom. While many schools offer international relations programs, a select few in the United States stand out for their direct connections to the UN. These colleges and universities provide unique access to briefings, internships, and academic programs tied to the UN’s mission, giving undergraduates a front-row seat to international policy in action.  Here are 5 U.S. colleges and universities with strong ties to the United Nations:

For some students, food is more than a quick bite between classes—it’s part of the college experience. From iconic local specialties to campus dining programs that emphasize sustainability and creativity, these colleges stand out for offering meals worth remembering. Whether you are drawn to global flavors, farm-to-table dining, or legendary local eats, these campuses give food lovers plenty to savor.  Here are 8 colleges for hardcore foodies:

For students dreaming of medical school, the undergraduate experience can be just as important as the MCAT score. Families often assume Ivy League or flagship universities are the only path, but many smaller or lesser-known schools provide outstanding preparation for future doctors. These colleges stand out for their quality advising, research opportunities, access to clinical experiences, and strong medical school acceptance rates. Students at these schools often benefit from smaller class sizes and closer faculty mentorship, making them excellent hidden gems for pre-med success. Here are 10 hidden gem colleges with strong pre-med preparation outside the Ivy League: 

For high-achieving students, an honors college can transform the undergraduate experience. These programs often provide smaller classes, seminar-style learning, faculty mentorship, and special research or travel opportunities. While many families immediately think of highly selective universities when considering honors programs, there are hidden gems across the country that offer exceptional honors education with more accessible admission rates. These schools combine strong academics with an environment where motivated students can thrive.  Here are 12 hidden gems with exceptional honors colleges:

Public health is a rapidly growing field that blends science, policy, and service to improve community well-being. For high school students drawn to healthcare but not necessarily to clinical medicine, public health programs offer an exciting pathway into careers that focus on prevention, equity, and systemic change. While major universities and schools of public health are well-known, there are hidden gems across the country where undergraduates can gain early research opportunities, strong mentorship, and hands-on community engagement. Here are 10 hidden gem colleges for students interested in public health: 

For students who love both creative expression and scientific discovery, choosing just one path can feel limiting. Fortunately, some colleges make it easier to combine majors in both the arts and STEM fields. Whether it’s pairing computer science with music, biology with studio art, or physics with theater, these schools encourage students to pursue interdisciplinary passions and build unique academic identities. The result is a well-rounded education that prepares graduates for innovative careers in emerging fields where creativity and technical skills overlap.  Here are 12 hidden gem colleges that excel in supporting double majors in arts and STEM:

For students interested in government, law, or public policy, location matters. Political science programs based near state capitals often give undergraduates direct access to legislators, agencies, nonprofits, and advocacy groups. These opportunities allow students to move seamlessly between classroom theory and real-world application. Whether through internships, research, or networking, studying political science in a capital city can launch careers in politics, law, or public service. Here are 13 schools with strong political science programs in state capitals: 

Marine biology is a dream field for students who want to combine science with a love of the ocean. The best programs go far beyond classroom lectures, offering direct experience in the field, on the water, and in research labs. For students who learn best by doing, these colleges provide immersive opportunities to study marine ecosystems, conduct research, and prepare for careers in science, conservation, and environmental leadership.  Here are 9 schools excelling in hands-on marine biology learning: