Best Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities [2025 Guide]
A liberal arts degree offers a comprehensive approach to education, encompassing diverse subjects across multiple disciplines.
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Students in this program explore topics in the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and arts. This broad curriculum fosters critical thinking, effective communication, and creative problem-solving skills.
Online liberal arts degrees provide additional flexibility for students. These programs allow learners to access a wide range of courses and pursue their educational goals on a schedule that suits their needs. The versatility of a liberal arts education prepares graduates for various career paths and further academic pursuits.
Key Points
- Liberal arts degrees provide a well-rounded education across multiple disciplines
- Students develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Online programs offer flexibility and diverse course options for learners
Ranking Methodology
- Average Net Price $20,000 or less
- 75% or higher acceptance rate
7 Best Liberal Arts Schools
Charter Oak State College
Location: New Britain, CT
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,426
Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $18,386
In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,254
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $10,796
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $18,683
Median Earnings (10 years): $64,209
St. Mary's College of Maryland
Location: St. Mary's City, MD
Admission Rate: 77%
Average SAT Score: 1261
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,476
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $30,421
In-state Tuition and Fees: $15,184
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $31,260
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $60,110
New College of Florida
Location: Sarasota, FL
Admission Rate: 75%
Average SAT Score: 1236
Undergraduate Enrollment: 669
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $22,236
In-state Tuition and Fees: $6,916
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $29,944
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $17,375
Median Earnings (10 years): $48,082
University of Minnesota-Morris
Location: Morris, MN
Admission Rate: 78%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,024
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $25,262
In-state Tuition and Fees: $14,120
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $16,250
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $18,995
Median Earnings (10 years): $50,919
University of New Hampshire at Manchester
Location: Manchester, NH
Admission Rate: 85%
Average SAT Score: 1090
Undergraduate Enrollment: 507
Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $27,263
In-state Tuition and Fees: $15,804
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $34,664
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $26,814
Median Earnings (10 years): $66,479
University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg
Location: Greensburg, PA
Admission Rate: 98%
Average SAT Score: 1158
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,323
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $28,051
In-state Tuition and Fees: $14,630
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $26,504
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $24,250
Median Earnings (10 years): $66,125
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Location: North Adams, MA
Admission Rate: 92%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 760
Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $25,160
In-state Tuition and Fees: $11,590
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $20,535
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $23,750
Median Earnings (10 years): $48,102
What Does a Liberal Arts Degree Cover?
A liberal arts degree offers a wide-ranging education across many fields. Students explore art, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and math. This broad approach lets learners develop diverse skills and knowledge.
Schools offer liberal arts degrees at various levels:
- Associate's
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Many universities have liberal arts programs. Some schools are dedicated liberal arts colleges. At these schools, all students take classes in many subjects. They also pick a main focus area like English or sociology.
The terms "liberal arts" and "liberal studies" often mean the same thing. But some schools use "liberal studies" to describe programs that compare different liberal arts subjects.
Liberal arts graduates have many career options. Their broad skills can be applied in various fields. In 2019, liberal arts majors earned a median salary of $50,000 per year.
Liberal Arts Degree Options
Liberal arts programs offer a wide range of majors. Students can choose from many fields of study. Some popular choices include:
- Art History
- Psychology
- English Literature
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Anthropology
- Music
These degrees help students develop critical thinking and communication skills.
Why Accreditation Counts for Liberal Arts Programs
Accreditation plays a key role in liberal arts education. It shows that a school meets high academic standards. This matters for students and employers alike.
Many liberal arts majors have special accreditations:
- Journalism programs may be certified by expert groups
- Other majors may have field-specific stamps of approval
These extra checks help ensure quality teaching.
Employers value liberal arts skills highly. A recent poll found:
| Skill | % of Employers Rating as "Very Important" |
|---|---|
| Teamwork | Over 50% |
| Critical thinking | Over 50% |
This shows how a strong liberal arts degree can boost job prospects. Accredited programs often teach these vital skills best.
Career Paths for Liberal Arts Graduates
Liberal arts degrees open doors to many career opportunities. Graduates gain a wide range of knowledge and develop valuable skills that employers value. Critical thinking and creativity are key strengths that prepare students for diverse roles across industries.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (2021-2031) | Education Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Manager | $135,030 | 10% | Bachelor's |
| Statistician | $95,570 | 33% | Master's |
| Psychologist | $81,040 | 6% | Master's or doctorate |
| Technical Writer | $78,060 | 6% | Bachelor's |
| Zoologist/Wildlife Biologist | $64,650 | 1% | Bachelor's |
| Editor | $63,350 | -5% | Bachelor's |
| Public Relations Specialist | $62,800 | 8% | Bachelor's |
| High School Teacher | $61,820 | 5% | Bachelor's |
| Graphic Designer | $50,710 | 3% | Bachelor's |
| Interpreter/Translator | $49,110 | 20% | Bachelor's |
These careers span various fields, showcasing the flexibility of a liberal arts degree. Graduates can pursue roles in marketing, statistics, psychology, writing, biology, education, and more.
Common Questions About Liberal Arts Education
How Do Liberal Arts Colleges Differ From Universities?
Liberal arts colleges focus on broad education across many subjects. They often have smaller class sizes than universities. Students take courses in different areas like history, science, and writing. Universities may offer more specialized programs and larger student bodies.
Are Companies Looking for Liberal Arts Graduates?
Many employers value the skills liberal arts students gain. These include critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. A study found that 93% of employers think these skills matter more than a student's specific major.
Which Liberal Arts Major Should I Choose?
The best major depends on your interests and goals. If you want a higher salary, consider majors like:
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Biology
These often lead to well-paying jobs. But pick a subject you enjoy and excel in for the best results.
What Are Some High-Paying Jobs for Liberal Arts Graduates?
Liberal arts graduates can find good pay in various fields. Some top-paying jobs include:
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Marketing Manager | $135,030 |
| Software Developer | $120,730 |
| Administrative Services Manager | $100,170 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $99,270 |
| Social and Community Service Manager | $74,000 |
Is Getting a Liberal Arts Degree a Good Choice?
A liberal arts degree can be a smart move. It gives you a wide range of knowledge and skills. You'll learn about many subjects and develop key abilities like:
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Problem-solving
These skills are useful in many jobs. Liberal arts graduates often see their salaries grow over time. On average, they earn $20,000 more than high school graduates. Their pay tends to increase quickly in their 30s and 40s.
Online learning lets you get a U.S. liberal arts education from home. Many schools offer full degree programs online. This option gives you flexibility to study when and where you want.
