2026 Best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 2221 schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to build 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
The University Of Texas At Austin earned the #1 spot in this year's ranking in the United States. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $19,052. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
A rank of #2 makes Northwestern University one of the top choices in the United States. Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Evanston, IL. About 95% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $19,312. Get the full Northwestern University report
American Public University System came in at #3 on this year's Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities ranking 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. Students borrow a median of $6,195 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. See the full American Public University System profile
The strong Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities programs at North Carolina State University At Raleigh earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Students borrow a median of $25,993 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
Out of the 2221 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Johns Hopkins University landed the #5 spot. Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. About 94% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,730. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $13,426. Get the full Johns Hopkins University report
Drexel University did well this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 78% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $62,412 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,154 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Read the full report on Drexel University
Georgetown University did well this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,089 in tuition and fees. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $25,000. More on Georgetown University
University Of Miami did well this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Coral Gables, FL, University Of Miami is a private not-for-profit institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,616. University Of Miami Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $28,590 in debt. More on University Of Miami
Duke University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 97%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $13,296. More on Duke University
Wesleyan University landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. Set in Middletown, CT, Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. Wesleyan University posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,042. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $16,125. See the full Wesleyan University profile
University Of St Thomas Texas ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Based in Houston, TX, University Of St Thomas Texas is a private not-for-profit institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $34,634 in tuition and fees. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $25,000. More on University Of St Thomas Texas
Dartmouth College landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. Based in Hanover, NH, Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Students from in state pay about $68,019 in tuition and fees. Dartmouth College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $16,989 in debt. More on Dartmouth College
Stony Brook University came in at #13 in this year's ranking. Set in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. About 76% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,931, while out-of-state students pay about $32,741. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $20,537. More on Stony Brook University
University Of Pennsylvania did well this year, earning the #14 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. University Of Pennsylvania graduates 96% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. University Of Pennsylvania Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $16,155 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
Saint Marys College Of California did well this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Moraga, CA, Saint Marys College Of California is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $57,803 in tuition and fees. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $27,000. Get the full Saint Marys College Of California report
Southern Methodist University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Set in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Southern Methodist University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,040. Students borrow a median of $20,712 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. More on Southern Methodist University
Excelsior College did well this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Albany, NY, Excelsior College is a private not-for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $10,536 in student loans. See the full Excelsior College profile
Rutgers University Camden did well this year, earning the #18 position. This public school is set in Camden, NJ. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. In-state tuition and fees average $17,764, with out-of-state students paying around $37,276. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. More on Rutgers University Camden
Villanova University placed #19 among Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Get the full Villanova University report
Texas Christian University came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,740. Texas Christian University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Get the full Texas Christian University report
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus did well this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Depaul University landed the #22 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. About 68% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. Students borrow a median of $42,350 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Read the full report on Depaul University
St Johns College Maryland placed #23 among Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in Annapolis, MD, St Johns College Maryland is a private not-for-profit institution. St Johns College Maryland posts a six-year graduation rate of 71%. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,684. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $27,000. Read more about St Johns College Maryland
University Of Chicago landed the #24 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. University Of Chicago posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. University Of Chicago Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $15,854 in debt. See the full University Of Chicago profile
University Of Dallas came in at #25 in this year's ranking. Set in Irving, TX, University Of Dallas is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 73%. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,930. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $23,411. More on University Of Dallas
Rest of the Top 50 Best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities 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, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. University Of South Florida Main Campus Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $30,676 in debt. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee placed #27 among Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. The six-year graduation rate is 53%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $23,011 in debt. See the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee profile
Tennessee Technological University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. This public school is set in Cookeville, TN. Roughly 58% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,376, compared with $15,576 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $21,000. Read the full report on Tennessee Technological University
University Of Southern Indiana did well this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Evansville, IN, University Of Southern Indiana is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 48%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,066, while out-of-state students pay about $22,907. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $17,707. Read more about University Of Southern Indiana
Middle Tennessee State University came in at #30 in this year's ranking. 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. Middle Tennessee State University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $29,723 in debt. See the full Middle Tennessee State University profile
New York University did well this year, earning the #31 position. New York University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. About 88% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $21,787. See the full New York University profile
Wayland Baptist University did well this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Plainview, TX, Wayland Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 19% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,782. Wayland Baptist University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $24,258 in debt. Read more about Wayland Baptist University
Fort Hays State University placed #33 among Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. 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 average $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
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, with out-of-state students paying around $17,155. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $22,688. See the full Texas A And M University Central Texas profile
Western Illinois University came in at #35 in this year's ranking. Western Illinois University is a public school based in Macomb, IL. About 45% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $28,750. Read more about Western Illinois University
Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. This public school is set in Columbus, OH. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Graduates carry a median of $17,625 in student loans. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
Cuny Graduate School And University Center placed #37 among Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Cuny Graduate School And University Center Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $17,921 in debt. Read the full report on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Metropolitan State University did well this year, earning the #38 position. Metropolitan State University is a public school based in Saint Paul, MN. Roughly 44% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,840. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $32,145. Read the full report on Metropolitan State University
Oakland University placed #39 among Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Set in Rochester Hills, MI, Oakland University is a public institution. Oakland University graduates 58% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,167, with out-of-state students paying around $24,735. Oakland University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. More on Oakland University
University Of Illinois At Springfield did well this year, earning the #40 position. Based in Springfield, IL, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 52%. Students from in state pay about $12,557 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,139 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $29,467 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Springfield
Dominican University Of California ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in San Rafael, CA, Dominican University Of California is a private not-for-profit institution. Dominican University Of California posts a six-year graduation rate of 78%. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,161. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $27,000. Read more about Dominican University Of California
Florida State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Based in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. Florida State University graduates 86% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $21,349. More on Florida State University
North Central College landed the #43 spot in the United States this year. North Central College is a private not-for-profit school based in Naperville, IL. About 64% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,726. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $25,699. More on North Central College
Tiffin University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Tiffin, OH. About 40% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,790. Graduates carry a median of $30,977 in student loans. More on Tiffin University
Tennessee State University came in at #45 in this year's ranking. Set in Nashville, TN, Tennessee State University is a public institution. Roughly 35% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $22,416. Graduates carry a median of $38,562 in student loans. See the full Tennessee State University profile
University Of Missouri Kansas City came in at #46 in this year's ranking. Set in Kansas City, MO, University Of Missouri Kansas City is a public institution. 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. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Get the full University Of Missouri Kansas City report
Tulane University Of Louisiana placed #47 among Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Orleans, LA. Tulane University Of Louisiana posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,678. Students borrow a median of $22,077 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Read the full report on Tulane University Of Louisiana
Indiana University South Bend came in at #48 in this year's ranking. Based in South Bend, IN, Indiana University South Bend is a public institution. About 40% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $25,319. Read more about Indiana University South Bend
Montana State University did well this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in Bozeman, MT. Montana State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 57%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,268 in student loans. Read more about Montana State University
University Of Denver did well this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Denver, CO, University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Denver posts a six-year graduation rate of 76%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,398. Graduates carry a median of $22,534 in student loans. More on University Of Denver
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 Associate’s 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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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