2026 Best Liberal Arts And General Studies Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Liberal Arts And General Studies master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 2221 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To arm you with the information you need, 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Leading the list is The University Of Texas At Austin, our #1 Liberal Arts And General Studies school in the United States. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The University Of Texas At Austin graduates 89% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $19,052. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
You'll be in good company at Northwestern University, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Northwestern University graduates 95% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Northwestern University Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $19,312 in debt. Read more about Northwestern University
American Public University System came in at #3 on this year's Liberal Arts And General Studies ranking in the United States. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Roughly 47% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. American Public University System Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $6,195 in debt. Get the full American Public University System report
A rank of #4 makes North Carolina State University At Raleigh one of the top choices in the United States. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $25,993 in student loans. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
Johns Hopkins University came in at #5 on this year's Liberal Arts And General Studies ranking in the United States. Set in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Johns Hopkins University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. Students from in state pay about $64,730 in tuition and fees. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $13,426. More on Johns Hopkins University
Drexel University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. Drexel University posts a six-year graduation rate of 78%. Students from in state pay about $62,412 in tuition and fees. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $27,154. Read the full report on Drexel University
Georgetown University landed the #7 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,089. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Get the full Georgetown University report
University Of Miami landed the #8 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Coral Gables, FL. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,616. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $28,590. Get the full University Of Miami report
Duke University came in at #9 in this year's ranking. Set in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Duke University graduates 97% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,758. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $13,296. More on Duke University
Wesleyan University did well this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Middletown, CT, Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,042. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $16,125. More on Wesleyan University
University Of St Thomas Texas came in at #11 in this year's ranking. Based in Houston, TX, University Of St Thomas Texas is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,634. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. More on University Of St Thomas Texas
Dartmouth College landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit school based in Hanover, NH. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,019. Graduates carry a median of $16,989 in student loans. Read more about Dartmouth College
Stony Brook University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Located in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. Roughly 76% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $10,931, with out-of-state students paying around $32,741. Students borrow a median of $20,537 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. More on Stony Brook University
University Of Pennsylvania did well this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
Saint Marys College Of California ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Set in Moraga, CA, Saint Marys College Of California is a private not-for-profit institution. Saint Marys College Of California graduates 70% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $57,803. Saint Marys College Of California Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read more about Saint Marys College Of California
Southern Methodist University landed the #16 spot in the United States this year. Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Dallas, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,040. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $20,712. Read more about Southern Methodist University
Excelsior College did well this year, earning the #17 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Albany, NY. Excelsior College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $10,536 in debt. Read the full report on Excelsior College
Rutgers University Camden ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Located in Camden, NJ, Rutgers University Camden is a public institution. Rutgers University Camden graduates 67% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,764, compared with $37,276 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Rutgers University Camden
Villanova University landed the #19 spot in the United States this year. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Villanova University posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Get the full Villanova University report
Texas Christian University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Texas Christian University graduates 85% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $61,740. Texas Christian University Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read more about Texas Christian University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #21 among Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Norman, OK. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Depaul University placed #22 among Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Depaul University posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. Students borrow a median of $42,350 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Read the full report on Depaul University
St Johns College Maryland placed #23 among Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Annapolis, MD. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $40,684. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. See the full St Johns College Maryland profile
University Of Chicago came in at #24 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,324. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $15,854. See the full University Of Chicago profile
University Of Dallas placed #25 among Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Set in Irving, TX, University Of Dallas is a private not-for-profit institution. About 73% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $53,930. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $23,411. Get the full University Of Dallas report
Rest of the Top 50 Best Liberal Arts And General Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. University Of South Florida Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 77%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $30,676. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee landed the #27 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Roughly 53% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $23,011. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Tennessee Technological University landed the #28 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Cookeville, TN. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,376, while out-of-state students pay about $15,576. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. More on Tennessee Technological University
University Of Southern Indiana came in at #29 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Evansville, IN. University Of Southern Indiana posts a six-year graduation rate of 48%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,066, compared with $22,907 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $17,707. More on University Of Southern Indiana
Middle Tennessee State University did well this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Murfreesboro, TN, Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution. Middle Tennessee State University graduates 54% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,266, with out-of-state students paying around $31,574. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $29,723. Read more about Middle Tennessee State University
New York University placed #31 among Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 88% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $21,787. Get the full New York University report
Wayland Baptist University did well this year, earning the #32 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Plainview, TX. Wayland Baptist University posts a six-year graduation rate of 19%. Students from in state pay about $23,782 in tuition and fees. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $24,258. Get the full Wayland Baptist University report
Fort Hays State University did well this year, earning the #33 position. Fort Hays State University is a public school based in Hays, KS. The six-year graduation rate is 46%. In-state tuition and fees average $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $25,592. Read the full report on Fort Hays State University
Texas A And M University Central Texas did well this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Killeen, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,363, while out-of-state students pay about $17,155. Graduates carry a median of $22,688 in student loans. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Central Texas
Western Illinois University came in at #35 in this year's ranking. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 45%. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,750 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Read more about Western Illinois University
Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 88%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Graduates carry a median of $17,625 in student loans. Read more about Ohio State University Main Campus
Cuny Graduate School And University Center ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Students borrow a median of $17,921 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile
Metropolitan State University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Roughly 44% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $9,840. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $32,145. More on Metropolitan State University
Oakland University landed the #39 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Rochester Hills, MI. About 58% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,167, with out-of-state students paying around $24,735. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Read more about Oakland University
University Of Illinois At Springfield placed #40 among Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Springfield, IL. The six-year graduation rate is 52%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,557, while out-of-state students pay about $20,139. Students borrow a median of $29,467 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. See the full University Of Illinois At Springfield profile
Dominican University Of California ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Based in San Rafael, CA, Dominican University Of California is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 78%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,161. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. See the full Dominican University Of California profile
Florida State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Florida State University is a public school based in Tallahassee, FL. Florida State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $21,349. Get the full Florida State University report
North Central College did well this year, earning the #43 position. North Central College is a private not-for-profit school based in Naperville, IL. North Central College graduates 64% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,726. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $25,699. More on North Central College
Tiffin University did well this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Tiffin, OH, Tiffin University is a private not-for-profit institution. Tiffin University posts a six-year graduation rate of 40%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,790. Tiffin University Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $30,977 in debt. More on Tiffin University
Tennessee State University did well this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Nashville, TN, Tennessee State University is a public institution. About 35% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $22,416. Students borrow a median of $38,562 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Read the full report on Tennessee State University
University Of Missouri Kansas City did well this year, earning the #46 position. University Of Missouri Kansas City is a public school based in Kansas City, MO. University Of Missouri Kansas City posts a six-year graduation rate of 54%. In-state tuition and fees average $13,371, while out-of-state students pay about $32,271. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $25,000. Read more about University Of Missouri Kansas City
Tulane University Of Louisiana did well this year, earning the #47 position. Set in New Orleans, LA, Tulane University Of Louisiana is a private not-for-profit institution. Tulane University Of Louisiana graduates 86% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,678. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $22,077. More on Tulane University Of Louisiana
Indiana University South Bend came in at #48 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in South Bend, IN. The six-year graduation rate is 40%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,424, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. Students borrow a median of $25,319 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Read the full report on Indiana University South Bend
Montana State University placed #49 among Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Set in Bozeman, MT, Montana State University is a public institution. Roughly 57% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $33,287. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $19,268. Get the full Montana State University report
University Of Denver placed #50 among Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Located in Denver, CO, University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Denver graduates 76% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $61,398. University Of Denver Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $22,534 in debt. More on University Of Denver
Related Liberal Arts And General Studies Rankings
Compare rankings at 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Liberal Arts And General Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Liberal Arts And General Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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).
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