2026 Best Liberal Arts And General Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Liberal Arts And General Studies bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 2221 schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Liberal Arts And General Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology tops our 2026 ranking of the best Liberal Arts And General Studies bachelor's degree schools in the United States. Based in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,396. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $11,935 in debt. See the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology profile
The strong Liberal Arts And General Studies programs at American Public University System earned it the #2 place in the United States. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. About 47% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $6,195 in student loans. Get the full American Public University System report
Excelsior College came in at #3 on this year's Liberal Arts And General Studies ranking in the United States. Based in Albany, NY, Excelsior College is a private not-for-profit institution. Excelsior College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $10,536 in debt. See the full Excelsior College profile
Out of the 2221 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #4 spot. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $25,993. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
You'll be in good company at Bentley University, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Waltham, MA, Bentley University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 87% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,000. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $26,000. More on Bentley University
Georgetown University landed the #6 spot in the United States this year. Located in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Georgetown University graduates 95% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $68,089. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. More on Georgetown University
Northwestern University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Based in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,322. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $19,312. Read the full report on Northwestern University
National University came in at #8 in this year's ranking. Set in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. National University graduates 50% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,284. Graduates carry a median of $22,717 in student loans. See the full National University profile
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System landed the #9 spot in the United States this year. Based in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,540. Graduates carry a median of $22,552 in student loans. See the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System profile
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #10 in this year's ranking. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. About 89% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $19,052. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
Columbia College Missouri placed #11 among Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Based in Columbia, MO, Columbia College Missouri is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 43% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,276. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $23,309. More on Columbia College Missouri
University Of Notre Dame placed #12 among Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Notre Dame, IN. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $65,025. Students borrow a median of $18,800 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Get the full University Of Notre Dame report
Drexel University placed #13 among Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. Drexel University graduates 78% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,412. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $27,154. Read the full report on Drexel University
Thomas Edison State College landed the #15 spot in the United States this year. Set in Trenton, NJ, Thomas Edison State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,838, while out-of-state students pay about $8,856. Students borrow a median of $17,883 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Read more about Thomas Edison State College
Depaul University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Located in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Depaul University graduates 68% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,405. Depaul University Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $42,350 in debt. Read the full report on Depaul University
Southern Methodist University placed #17 among Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Dallas, TX. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,040. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $20,712. See the full Southern Methodist University profile
Wayland Baptist University did well this year, earning the #18 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Plainview, TX. Roughly 19% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $23,782 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,258 in student loans. Get the full Wayland Baptist University report
University Of Chicago came in at #19 in this year's ranking. University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,324. Students borrow a median of $15,854 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Get the full University Of Chicago report
Loyola Marymount University placed #21 among Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 79%. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,867. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $22,248. Read more about Loyola Marymount University
Saint Josephs University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 79%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,260. Graduates carry a median of $43,575 in student loans. More on Saint Josephs University
Rider University placed #23 among Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Rider University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lawrenceville, NJ. About 61% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,120. Graduates carry a median of $22,233 in student loans. Get the full Rider University report
University Of Kansas landed the #24 spot in the United States this year. University Of Kansas is a public school based in Lawrence, KS. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. In-state tuition and fees average $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Read more about University Of Kansas
Union College New York placed #25 among Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Based in Schenectady, NY, Union College New York is a private not-for-profit institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,039. Graduates carry a median of $24,500 in student loans. More on Union College New York
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh landed the #26 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Oshkosh, WI. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh posts a six-year graduation rate of 54%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,532, compared with $16,446 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,532 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
University Of Miami did well this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Coral Gables, FL, University Of Miami is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,616. Students borrow a median of $28,590 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Read the full report on University Of Miami
Rest of the Top 50 Best Liberal Arts And General Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
Arizona State University Skysong placed #28 among Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
University Of St Thomas Texas placed #29 among Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Houston, TX. University Of St Thomas Texas posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,634. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of St Thomas Texas
Ashford University placed #30 among Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Located in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 10%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,960. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $31,500. Read the full report on Ashford University
Western Illinois University landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 45%. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. Students borrow a median of $28,750 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. More on Western Illinois University
University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #32 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. About 77% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. University Of South Florida Main Campus Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $30,676 in debt. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Colorado State University Fort Collins did well this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. About 66% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $25,000. Read more about Colorado State University Fort Collins
Champlain College did well this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Burlington, VT, Champlain College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 65% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $47,850 in tuition and fees. Champlain College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $23,949 in debt. Read the full report on Champlain College
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $17,500. More on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Texas A And M University Central Texas did well this year, earning the #36 position. This public school is set in Killeen, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,363, with out-of-state students paying around $17,155. Graduates carry a median of $22,688 in student loans. More on Texas A And M University Central Texas
University Of Mary placed #37 among Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Located in Bismarck, ND, University Of Mary is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $22,356. Graduates carry a median of $26,983 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Mary
University Of Iowa did well this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in Iowa City, IA. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $25,269. Get the full University Of Iowa report
Eastern Mennonite University did well this year, earning the #39 position. Eastern Mennonite University is a private not-for-profit school based in Harrisonburg, VA. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,920. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. More on Eastern Mennonite University
Xavier University landed the #40 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cincinnati, OH. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,425. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Get the full Xavier University report
Villanova University landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. Located in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Villanova University graduates 92% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,776. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $25,000. Read more about Villanova University
William Jewell College landed the #42 spot in the United States this year. William Jewell College is a private not-for-profit school based in Liberty, MO. William Jewell College posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,610. William Jewell College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $26,831 in debt. More on William Jewell College
Fort Hays State University placed #43 among Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Fort Hays State University is a public school based in Hays, KS. Fort Hays State University graduates 46% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $5,923 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $25,592. Read more about Fort Hays State University
Wesleyan University landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit school based in Middletown, CT. Wesleyan University posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. Students from in state pay about $70,042 in tuition and fees. Wesleyan University Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $16,125 in debt. More on Wesleyan University
Charter Oak State College did well this year, earning the #45 position. Located in New Britain, CT, Charter Oak State College is a public institution. Roughly 100% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,506. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $20,205. Get the full Charter Oak State College report
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay did well this year, earning the #46 position. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public school based in Green Bay, WI. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay posts a six-year graduation rate of 53%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,700, while out-of-state students pay about $17,288. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. More on University Of Wisconsin Green Bay
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus came in at #47 in this year's ranking. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. In-state tuition and fees average $21,926, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. Graduates carry a median of $28,467 in student loans. Read more about University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Bridgewater College did well this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Bridgewater, VA, Bridgewater College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 53%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,090. Bridgewater College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Get the full Bridgewater College report
Rochester Institute Of Technology did well this year, earning the #49 position. Rochester Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Rochester, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 72%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,210. Graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. See the full Rochester Institute Of Technology profile
South Dakota State University placed #50 among Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Roughly 62% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $20,866 in student loans. More on South Dakota State University
Morgan State University came in at #51 in this year's ranking. Set in Baltimore, MD, Morgan State University is a public institution. Morgan State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 41%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,229, compared with $19,124 for out-of-state students. Morgan State University Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $32,512 in debt. See the full Morgan State University profile
Belmont University came in at #52 in this year's ranking. Located in Nashville, TN, Belmont University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 70% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $42,540 in tuition and fees. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $29,438. Get the full Belmont University report
Related Liberal Arts And General Studies Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Liberal Arts And General Studies Schools (All Levels)
- Best Liberal Arts And General Studies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Liberal Arts And General Studies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Liberal Arts And General Studies Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Liberal Arts And General Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Liberal Arts And General Studies Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Liberal Arts And General Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 2221 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.