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2025 Best Liberal Arts Schools in the Southeast Region

247 Colleges in the Southeast Region
112,117 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded
If you pursue a degree in liberal arts, you won't be alone. The field of study is the #2 most popular program in the country. This makes choosing the right school a hard decision.

For its 2025 ranking, College Factual looked at 247 schools in the Southeast Region to determine which ones were the best for liberal arts students pursuing a degree. Combined, these schools handed out 112,117 degrees in liberal arts to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Liberal Arts School

Best Liberal Arts Schools in the Southeast Region Your choice of liberal arts school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for liberal arts schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Pick Your Liberal Arts Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Liberal Studies
Bachelor's Degrees in Liberal Studies
Master's Degrees in Liberal Studies

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we've developed a number of rankings, including this Best Liberal Arts Schools in the Southeast Region list, to help you choose the best school for you. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.

Best Schools for Liberal Arts in the Southeast Region

Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the liberal studies degree levels they offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Southeast Region Schools in Liberal Studies

1
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
17th Most Popular In VA
93 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

George Mason University is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in liberal arts. Located in the large suburb of Fairfax, GMU is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #92 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means GMU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 93 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at GMU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from George Mason University

2
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
25th Most Popular In FL
402 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

It's hard to beat University of South Florida - Main Campus if you want to pursue a degree in liberal arts. Located in the large city of Tampa, USF Tampa is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #198 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means USF Tampa is a great university overall.

There were about 402 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at USF Tampa in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from University of South Florida - Main Campus

Sponsored
Associates Degree Type
AA in Liberal Arts Program Name

Strengthen your communication and critical-thinking skills with this online associate in liberal arts degree from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in AA in Liberal Arts from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

3
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
66th Most Popular In NC
6.9% Growth in Graduates

North Carolina State University is a wonderful decision for students interested in a degree in liberal arts. Located in the city of Raleigh, NC State is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #122 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means NC State is a great university overall.

There were about 29 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at NC State in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from North Carolina State University

4
Valencia College crest
Valencia College
Orlando, FL
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In FL
7,147 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Valencia College is a great decision for students pursuing a degree in liberal arts. Valencia College is a fairly large public college located in the large city of Orlando. A Best Colleges rank of #130 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Valencia College is a great college overall.

There were about 7147 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at Valencia College in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Valencia College

5
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In GA
441 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Oxford College is a fairly small private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Oxford. A Best Colleges rank of #118 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Oxford College is a great university overall.

There were roughly 441 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at Oxford College in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Oxford College of Emory University

6
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
16th Most Popular In TN

Located in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 18th out of 41 colleges for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were about 21 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at Middle Tennessee State University in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Middle Tennessee State University

7
JMU crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
8th Most Popular In VA
243 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the small city of Harrisonburg, JMU is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #141 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means JMU is a great university overall.

There were about 243 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at JMU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from James Madison University

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BA in General Studies Program Name

Maximize your transfer credits and complete your bachelor's degree faster with this flexible online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BA in General Studies from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

8
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
10th Most Popular In FL
1,927 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Seminole State is a fairly large public college located in the small city of Sanford. This college ranks 16th out of 70 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were approximately 1927 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at Seminole State in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Seminole State College of Florida

9
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In FL
3,463 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Palm Beach State College is a fairly large public college located in the large suburb of Lake Worth. A Best Colleges rank of #258 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Palm Beach State College is a great college overall.

There were roughly 3463 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at Palm Beach State College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Palm Beach State College

10
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
5th Most Popular In FL
3,128 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

HCC is a very large public college located in the city of Tampa. A Best Colleges rank of #247 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means HCC is a great college overall.

There were roughly 3128 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at HCC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Hillsborough Community College

11
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In WV

WVU is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Morgantown. This university ranks 2nd out of 25 colleges for overall quality in the state of West Virginia.

There were approximately 12 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at WVU in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from West Virginia University

12
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
6th Most Popular In FL
2,140 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

FSCJ is a very large public college located in the large city of Jacksonville. This college ranks 19th out of 70 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were about 2140 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at FSCJ in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Florida State College at Jacksonville

13
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
18th Most Popular In NC
275 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the fringe town of Statesville, Mitchell Community College is a public college with a small student population. This college ranks 8th out of 93 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were about 275 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at Mitchell Community College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Mitchell Community College

14
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
8th Most Popular In FL
2,169 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the midsize city of Tallahassee, Tallahassee Community College is a public college with a large student population. This college ranks 17th out of 70 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were about 2169 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at Tallahassee Community College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Tallahassee Community College

15
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
14th Most Popular In TN
82 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Memphis, UofM is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 12th out of 41 schools for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were about 82 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at UofM in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from University of Memphis

16
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
16th Most Popular In NC
258 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the medium-sized suburb of Graham, ACC is a public college with a small student population. This college ranks 9th out of 93 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were about 258 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at ACC in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Alamance Community College

17
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
35th Most Popular In FL
185 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Florida State is a very large public university located in the medium-sized city of Tallahassee. A Best Colleges rank of #117 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Florida State is a great university overall.

There were about 185 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at Florida State in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Florida State University

18
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
12th Most Popular In SC
113 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Columbia, UofSC is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #99 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UofSC is a great university overall.

There were approximately 113 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at UofSC in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from University of South Carolina - Columbia

19
BC crest
Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In FL
4,761 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the midsize city of Fort Lauderdale, BC is a public college with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #291 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means BC is a great college overall.

There were roughly 4761 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at BC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Broward College

20
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In VA
328 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Southside Virginia Community College is a small public college located in the remote area of Alberta. This college ranks 12th out of 57 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were about 328 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at Southside Virginia Community College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Southside Virginia Community College

21
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
61st Most Popular In NC
45 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Chapel Hill, UNC Chapel Hill is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #38 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UNC Chapel Hill is a great university overall.

There were approximately 45 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

22
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
11th Most Popular In FL
1,657 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the suburb of Fort Myers, FSW is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 20th out of 70 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were about 1657 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at FSW in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Florida SouthWestern State College

23
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In FL
8,584 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

MDC is a very large public college located in the large city of Miami. This college ranks 18th out of 70 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were approximately 8584 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at MDC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Miami Dade College

24
SPC crest
St Petersburg College
St. Petersburg, FL
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
7th Most Popular In FL
2,875 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

SPC is a fairly large public college located in the city of St. Petersburg. This college ranks 23rd out of 70 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were roughly 2875 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at SPC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from St Petersburg College

25
Santa Fe College crest
Santa Fe College
Gainesville, FL
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
9th Most Popular In FL
2,030 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the suburb of Gainesville, Santa Fe College is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 21st out of 70 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were about 2030 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at Santa Fe College in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Santa Fe College

Rest of the Top Best Liberal Arts Schools in the Southeast Region

26
27
28
29
Union crest
Union University
Jackson, TN
30
31
32

33

34
35
36
37
Gaston College crest
Gaston College
Dallas, NC
38
UMW crest
University of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA
39
40
41

42

43
Thomas More crest
Thomas More University
Crestview Hills, KY
44
Longwood crest
Longwood University
Farmville, VA
45
46
47
48
49

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Liberal Arts Schools in the Southeast Region award.

Rank College Location
50 Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Asheville, NC
51 East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TN
52 Lee University Cleveland, TN
53 NorthWest Arkansas Community College Bentonville, AR
54 Lenoir Community College Kinston, NC
55 Wallace Community College, Dothan Dothan, AL
56 Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, KY
57 Chattanooga State Community College Chattanooga, TN
58 Patrick Henry Community College Martinsville, VA
59 Catawba Valley Community College Hickory, NC
60 Lurleen B Wallace Community College Andalusia, AL
61 Brunswick Community College Bolivia, NC
62 Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Martinsburg, WV
63 University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NC
64 Daytona State College Daytona Beach, FL
65 College of Central Florida Ocala, FL
66 Florida College Temple Terrace, FL
67 Georgia Highlands College Rome, GA
68 Pasco-Hernando State College New Port Richey, FL
69 Bevill State Community College Jasper, AL
70 Southwest Tennessee Community College Memphis, TN
71 Gadsden State Community College Gadsden, AL
72 Cleveland Community College Shelby, NC
73 Coastal Alabama Community College Bay Minette, AL
74 Jackson State Community College Jackson, TN
75 Lord Fairfax Community College Middletown, VA
76 The University of West Florida Pensacola, FL
77 Wallace Community College, Selma Selma, AL
78 North Carolina A & T State University Greensboro, NC
79 Richmond Community College Hamlet, NC
80 Lawson State Community College - Birmingham Campus Birmingham, AL
81 University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College North Little Rock, AR
82 Florida Gateway College Lake City, FL

Best Liberal Arts Colleges by State

Explore the best liberal arts colleges for a specific state in the Southeast Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Florida 715 63,684
North Carolina 710 16,095
Georgia 690 6,524
Virginia 630 5,953
Tennessee 624 8,135
South Carolina 530 4,103
Kentucky 518 5,734
Mississippi 501 1,680
Alabama 500 957
Louisiana 489 105
Arkansas 466 2,166
West Virginia 410 483

View All Rankings >

Liberal Arts is one of 3 different types of Liberal Arts General Studies programs to choose from.

Related Major Annual Graduates
General Studies 27,992
Individualized Studies 12,609
Humanities 695

View All Liberal Studies Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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