2026 Best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities associate’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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 help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to produce 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 Sciences Humanities Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
American Public University System tops our 2026 ranking of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities associate's degree schools in the United States. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. American Public University System posts a six-year graduation rate of 47%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $6,195. More on American Public University System
A rank of #2 makes Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System one of the top choices in the United States. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public school based in Aliso Viejo, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,540. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $22,552 in debt. See the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System profile
The strong Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities programs at Columbia Southern University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. About 26% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,224. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $15,923. Read the full report on Columbia Southern University
Out of the 2221 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Excelsior College landed the #4 spot. Set in Albany, NY, Excelsior College is a private not-for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $10,536 in student loans. Read the full report on Excelsior College
The strong Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities programs at National University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. National University posts a six-year graduation rate of 50%. 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
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex landed the #6 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,750. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $10,700. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex
Northwest Iowa Community College placed #7 among Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Based in Sheldon, IA, Northwest Iowa Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,350, while out-of-state students pay about $7,650. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $8,414. More on Northwest Iowa Community College
Columbia College Missouri did well this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Columbia, MO, Columbia College Missouri is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 43% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $12,276. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $23,309. More on Columbia College Missouri
University Of Maryland University College did well this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. About 20% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $8,136 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,375 in student loans. More on University Of Maryland University College
Anoka Ramsey Community College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Based in Coon Rapids, MN, Anoka Ramsey Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,682. Students borrow a median of $12,943 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Get the full Anoka Ramsey Community College report
Mountwest Community And Technical College landed the #11 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Huntington, WV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,938, while out-of-state students pay about $12,304. Mountwest Community And Technical College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $11,500 in debt. Get the full Mountwest Community And Technical College report
St Cloud Technical And Community College came in at #12 in this year's ranking. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,124. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $15,111. Read the full report on St Cloud Technical And Community College
Northland Community And Technical College landed the #13 spot in the United States this year. Northland Community And Technical College is a public school based in Thief River Falls, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,289. Students borrow a median of $14,875 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Get the full Northland Community And Technical College report
Johnson County Community College landed the #14 spot in the United States this year. Johnson County Community College is a public school based in Overland Park, KS. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,688. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $9,700. Get the full Johnson County Community College report
Central Texas College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Set in Killeen, TX, Central Texas College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,750, with out-of-state students paying around $7,500. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $8,400. Read more about Central Texas College
Century College landed the #16 spot in the United States this year. Century College is a public school based in White Bear Lake, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,214. Century College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $14,264 in debt. Read more about Century College
Rochester Community And Technical College landed the #17 spot in the United States this year. Located in Rochester, MN, Rochester Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,389. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $13,250. See the full Rochester Community And Technical College profile
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh did well this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh graduates 54% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,532, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. Students borrow a median of $21,532 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh report
Edison State College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Set in Fort Myers, FL, Edison State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,401, while out-of-state students pay about $12,979. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $8,000. More on Edison State College
Massachusetts Bay Community College did well this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Wellesley Hills, MA, Massachusetts Bay Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,856, compared with $10,800 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,750 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Read more about Massachusetts Bay Community College
Normandale Community College placed #21 among Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. This public school is set in Bloomington, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,329. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $12,778. Read more about Normandale Community College
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee did well this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. About 53% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $23,011 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Macomb Community College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Set in Warren, MI, Macomb Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. Macomb Community College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $8,250 in debt. Read more about Macomb Community College
El Centro College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. El Centro College is a public school based in Dallas, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,730 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $11,000. Read the full report on El Centro College
North Hennepin Community College came in at #25 in this year's ranking. Based in Brooklyn Park, MN, North Hennepin Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,061. Graduates carry a median of $13,830 in student loans. See the full North Hennepin Community College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
Collin County Community College District came in at #26 in this year's ranking. Set in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,014, with out-of-state students paying around $6,064. Graduates carry a median of $9,250 in student loans. Read the full report on Collin County Community College District
Northern Virginia Community College placed #27 among Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. This public school is set in Annandale, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,891, with out-of-state students paying around $12,410. Northern Virginia Community College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $10,875 in debt. Read more about Northern Virginia Community College
South Texas College did well this year, earning the #28 position. Based in McAllen, TX, South Texas College is a public institution. Roughly 20% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $4,920, while out-of-state students pay about $7,620. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $7,500. More on South Texas College
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire did well this year, earning the #29 position. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $9,642 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $16,708 in debt. See the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire profile
Dakota College At Bottineau came in at #30 in this year's ranking. Set in Bottineau, ND, Dakota College At Bottineau is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,388, while out-of-state students pay about $6,294. Students borrow a median of $11,500 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. See the full Dakota College At Bottineau profile
Austin Community College District ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Set in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,550 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,590. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Read more about Austin Community College District
Metropolitan Community College Area ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $10,214. Read the full report on Metropolitan Community College Area
Harper College landed the #33 spot in the United States this year. Harper College is a public school based in Palatine, IL. Students from in state pay about $3,894 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,874. Students borrow a median of $7,500 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Get the full Harper College report
Mesa Community College placed #34 among Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Set in Mesa, AZ, Mesa Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Graduates carry a median of $10,500 in student loans. Read more about Mesa Community College
Hillsborough Community College placed #35 among Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Based in Tampa, FL, Hillsborough Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,491, while out-of-state students pay about $9,088. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $11,000. More on Hillsborough Community College
Northern Maine Community College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Based in Presque Isle, ME, Northern Maine Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,156, with out-of-state students paying around $7,036. Graduates carry a median of $16,013 in student loans. Read more about Northern Maine Community College
Lincoln Land Community College landed the #37 spot in the United States this year. Based in Springfield, IL, Lincoln Land Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,744, with out-of-state students paying around $10,464. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $11,022. More on Lincoln Land Community College
Cuyahoga Community College District landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. Set in Cleveland, OH, Cuyahoga Community College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,249 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,249 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $11,000. More on Cuyahoga Community College District
Chandler Gilbert Community College came in at #39 in this year's ranking. Set in Chandler, AZ, Chandler Gilbert Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Students borrow a median of $6,625 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. See the full Chandler Gilbert Community College profile
Baltimore City Community College landed the #40 spot in the United States this year. Located in Baltimore, MD, Baltimore City Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,314 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,394. Students borrow a median of $8,850 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Read more about Baltimore City Community College
Winona State University placed #41 among Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. About 56% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Students borrow a median of $13,062 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. See the full Winona State University profile
Bismarck State College placed #42 among Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in Bismarck, ND, Bismarck State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,247, compared with $7,331 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $12,000. See the full Bismarck State College profile
St Petersburg College placed #43 among Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. This public school is set in St. Petersburg, FL. Students from in state pay about $2,682 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,286. St Petersburg College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $13,699 in debt. Read the full report on St Petersburg College
Lone Star College System did well this year, earning the #44 position. Based in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,664 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $9,689. Read more about Lone Star College System
Wayland Baptist University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Wayland Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Plainview, TX. Wayland Baptist University graduates 19% of students within six years. 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
Union University landed the #46 spot in the United States this year. Located in Jackson, TN, Union University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 66% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,398. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Union University
Bellevue College came in at #47 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Bellevue, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,436, compared with $10,502 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,598 in student loans. Get the full Bellevue College report
Inver Hills Community College placed #48 among Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Inver Hills Community College is a public school based in Inver Grove Heights, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,146. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $14,575. Read more about Inver Hills Community College
Mclennan Community College placed #49 among Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Set in Waco, TX, Mclennan Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,660 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,910 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,843 in student loans. See the full Mclennan Community College profile
Bluegrass Community And Technical College came in at #50 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Lexington, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,808, with out-of-state students paying around $6,512. Bluegrass Community And Technical College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Read the full report on Bluegrass Community And Technical College
Related Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Rankings
See rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Schools (All Levels)
- Best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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