2026 Best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities bachelor’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 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 Sciences Humanities Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology earned the #1 spot in this year's ranking in the United States. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,396. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $11,935. Read the full report on Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
You'll be in good company at American Public University System, which ranked #2 this year. 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. Graduates carry a median of $6,195 in student loans. Read more about American Public University System
Out of the 2221 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Excelsior College landed the #3 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Albany, NY. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $10,536. Read more about Excelsior College
You'll be in good company at North Carolina State University At Raleigh, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $25,993 in debt. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
The strong Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities programs at Bentley University earned it the #5 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Waltham, MA. About 87% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,000. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. More on Bentley University
Georgetown University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. In-state tuition and fees average $68,089. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Get the full Georgetown University report
Northwestern University came in at #7 in this year's ranking. Located in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Northwestern University graduates 95% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $19,312 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. 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 posts a six-year graduation rate of 50%. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,717 in student loans. Get the full National University report
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Set in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,540 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,552 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Read more about Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #10 among Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. The University Of Texas At Austin posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $19,052. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
Columbia College Missouri landed the #11 spot in the United States this year. Columbia College Missouri is a private not-for-profit school based in Columbia, MO. Columbia College Missouri graduates 43% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,276. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $23,309. Read more about Columbia College Missouri
University Of Notre Dame did well this year, earning the #12 position. University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit school based in Notre Dame, IN. University Of Notre Dame graduates 95% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $65,025 in tuition and fees. University Of Notre Dame Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $18,800 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Notre Dame
Drexel University came in at #13 in this year's ranking. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 78% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,412. Students borrow a median of $27,154 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. More on Drexel University
Thomas Edison State College landed the #15 spot in the United States this year. Thomas Edison State College is a public school based in Trenton, NJ. Students from in state pay about $6,838 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,856. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $17,883. More on Thomas Edison State College
Depaul University placed #16 among Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Depaul University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $42,350 in debt. More on Depaul University
Southern Methodist University landed the #17 spot in the United States this year. Located in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Southern Methodist University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,040. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $20,712. Get the full Southern Methodist University report
Wayland Baptist University came in at #18 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Plainview, TX. Wayland Baptist University posts a six-year graduation rate of 19%. In-state tuition and fees average $23,782. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $24,258. See the full Wayland Baptist University profile
University Of Chicago placed #19 among Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Based in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,324. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $15,854. More on University Of Chicago
Loyola Marymount University landed the #21 spot in the United States this year. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 79% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $61,867 in tuition and fees. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $22,248. Read the full report on Loyola Marymount University
Saint Josephs University landed the #22 spot in the United States this year. Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Roughly 79% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,260. Saint Josephs University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $43,575 in debt. Read the full report on Saint Josephs University
Rider University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Lawrenceville, NJ, Rider University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,120. Graduates carry a median of $22,233 in student loans. Get the full Rider University report
University Of Kansas came in at #24 in this year's ranking. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $22,500. Read more about University Of Kansas
Union College New York ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Based in Schenectady, NY, Union College New York is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,039. Graduates carry a median of $24,500 in student loans. See the full Union College New York profile
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%. In-state tuition and fees average $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $21,532 in debt. See the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh profile
University Of Miami landed the #27 spot in the United States this year. Based in Coral Gables, FL, University Of Miami is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,616. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $28,590. See the full University Of Miami profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
Arizona State University Skysong did well this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $31,000. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
University Of St Thomas Texas did well this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Houston, TX, University Of St Thomas Texas is a private not-for-profit institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,634. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. See the full University Of St Thomas Texas profile
Ashford University came in at #30 in this year's ranking. This private for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. About 10% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,960. Students borrow a median of $31,500 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. See the full Ashford University profile
Western Illinois University came in at #31 in this year's ranking. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Western Illinois University posts a six-year graduation rate of 45%. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Students borrow a median of $28,750 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Get the full Western Illinois University report
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. About 77% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Students borrow a median of $30,676 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus
Colorado State University Fort Collins came in at #33 in this year's ranking. Based in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. About 66% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $25,000. Read the full report on Colorado State University Fort Collins
Champlain College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Set in Burlington, VT, Champlain College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,850. Graduates carry a median of $23,949 in student loans. More on Champlain College
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #35 in this year's ranking. 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. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. See the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo profile
Texas A And M University Central Texas ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Texas A And M University Central Texas is a public school based in Killeen, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,363, compared with $17,155 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $22,688. Read more about Texas A And M University Central Texas
University Of Mary came in at #37 in this year's ranking. Based in Bismarck, ND, University Of Mary is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Mary graduates 67% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $22,356. Graduates carry a median of $26,983 in student loans. Get the full University Of Mary report
University Of Iowa did well this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. University Of Iowa graduates 75% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Students borrow a median of $25,269 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. More on University Of Iowa
Eastern Mennonite University landed the #39 spot in the United States this year. Eastern Mennonite University is a private not-for-profit school based in Harrisonburg, VA. Eastern Mennonite University posts a six-year graduation rate of 67%. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,920. Eastern Mennonite University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read the full report on Eastern Mennonite University
Xavier University did well this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Cincinnati, OH, Xavier University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $49,425. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $23,250. More on Xavier University
Villanova University landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Villanova, PA. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Get the full Villanova University report
William Jewell College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. 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%. Students from in state pay about $20,610 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,831 in student loans. Read the full report on William Jewell College
Fort Hays State University landed the #43 spot in the United States this year. Based in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. Fort Hays State University graduates 46% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. Fort Hays State University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $25,592 in debt. Get the full Fort Hays State University report
Wesleyan University came in at #44 in this year's ranking. Located in Middletown, CT, Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,042. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $16,125. Read more about Wesleyan University
Charter Oak State College landed the #45 spot in the United States this year. Charter Oak State College is a public school based in New Britain, CT. Charter Oak State College posts a six-year graduation rate of 100%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,506. Charter Oak State College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $20,205 in debt. See the full Charter Oak State College profile
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay placed #46 among Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Based in Green Bay, WI, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public institution. Roughly 53% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,700, compared with $17,288 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. See the full University Of Wisconsin Green Bay profile
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $28,467. More on University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Bridgewater College landed the #48 spot in the United States this year. Bridgewater College is a private not-for-profit school based in Bridgewater, VA. Roughly 53% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $16,090. Bridgewater College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Get the full Bridgewater College report
Rochester Institute Of Technology ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Set in Rochester, NY, Rochester Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. About 72% of students finish within six years. 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 landed the #50 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. About 62% of students finish within six years. 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. Read the full report 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 graduates 41% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,229, compared with $19,124 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $32,512. More on Morgan State University
Belmont University placed #52 among Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nashville, TN. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $42,540 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,438 in student loans. See the full Belmont University profile
Related Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Rankings
Compare rankings at 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 Associate’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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