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2024 Best Liberal Arts Schools in the Southeast Region

234 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 2024 ranking, College Factual looked at 234 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 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Southeast Region Schools in Liberal Studies

1
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 pursuing a degree in liberal arts. Located in the large city of Raleigh, NC State is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #92 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means NC State is a great university overall.

There were approximately 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

2
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 United States for getting a degree in liberal arts. Located in the large suburb of Fairfax, GMU is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #117 out of 2,217 schools 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

3
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
16th Most Popular In TN

It is difficult to beat Middle Tennessee State University if you want to pursue a degree in liberal arts. Located in the medium-sized city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 12th out of 45 colleges for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

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

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

4
U Miami crest
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
43rd Most Popular In FL

University of Miami is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in liberal arts. U Miami is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Coral Gables. A Best Colleges rank of #91 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means U Miami is a great university overall.

There were about 10 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at U Miami in the most recent data year.

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

5
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
61st Most Popular In NC
45 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the small city of Chapel Hill, UNC Chapel Hill is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #43 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UNC Chapel Hill is a great university overall.

There were roughly 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

6
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
25th Most Popular In FL
402 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the large city of Tampa, USF Tampa is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #229 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means USF Tampa is a great university overall.

There were roughly 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

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 city of Harrisonburg, JMU is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #169 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means JMU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 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

8
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
25th Most Popular In VA
33 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the small city of Harrisonburg, Eastern Mennonite is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. A Best Colleges rank of #497 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Eastern Mennonite is a great university overall.

There were about 33 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at Eastern Mennonite in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Eastern Mennonite University

9
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In WV

WVU is a fairly large public university located in the city of Morgantown. This university ranks 2nd out of 28 schools 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

10
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
12th Most Popular In SC
113 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the midsize city of Columbia, UofSC is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #152 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UofSC is a great university overall.

There were roughly 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

11
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
26th Most Popular In FL
1,132 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the suburb of Orlando, UCF is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #193 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UCF is a great university overall.

There were roughly 1132 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at UCF in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from University of Central Florida

12
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
24th Most Popular In FL
400 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the suburb of Miami, FIU is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #183 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means FIU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 400 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at FIU in the most recent year we have data available.

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

13
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
35th Most Popular In FL
185 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Florida State is a fairly large public university located in the midsize city of Tallahassee. A Best Colleges rank of #121 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Florida State is a great university overall.

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

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

14
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
18th Most Popular In VA
76 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the midsize suburb of Fredericksburg, UMW is a public university with a small student population. This university ranks 21st out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were approximately 76 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at UMW in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from University of Mary Washington

15
Union crest
Union University
Jackson, TN
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
20th Most Popular In TN

Located in the small city of Jackson, Union is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 7th out of 45 colleges for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were about 15 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at Union in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Union University

16
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 very large student population. This university ranks 9th out of 45 colleges for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were approximately 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

17
Lee University crest
Lee University
Cleveland, TN
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
18th Most Popular In TN
66 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Lee University is a small private not-for-profit university located in the small city of Cleveland. This university ranks 15th out of 45 colleges for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were about 66 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at Lee University in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Lee University

18
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In GA
2,164 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Georgia State University-Perimeter College is a large public university located in the large city of Atlanta. This university ranks 10th out of 68 schools for overall quality in the state of Georgia.

There were about 2164 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at Georgia State University-Perimeter College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Georgia State University-Perimeter College

19
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
19th Most Popular In KY
35 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

UofL is a fairly large public university located in the city of Louisville. A Best Colleges rank of #338 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UofL is a great university overall.

There were roughly 35 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at UofL in the most recent data year.

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

20
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
46th Most Popular In NC
160 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Beaufort County Community College is a small public college located in the rural area of Washington. This college ranks 16th out of 93 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were approximately 160 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at Beaufort County Community College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Beaufort County Community College

21
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In AR
537 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the small city of Jonesboro, A-State is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 34 colleges for overall quality in the state of Arkansas.

There were roughly 537 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at A-State in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Arkansas State University - Main Campus

22
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 very large public college located in the city of Orlando. This college ranks 14th out of 77 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

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

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Valencia College

23
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
6th Most Popular In NC
597 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Hickory, CVCC is a public college with a small student population. This college ranks 14th out of 93 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were approximately 597 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at CVCC in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from Catawba Valley Community College

24
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In AR
836 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

NWACC is a medium-sized public college located in the city of Bentonville. This college ranks 5th out of 34 colleges for overall quality in the state of Arkansas.

There were about 836 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at NWACC in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from NorthWest Arkansas Community College

25
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In GA
641 Liberal Studies Degrees Awarded

UNG is a large public university located in the town of Dahlonega. This university ranks 28th out of 68 colleges for overall quality in the state of Georgia.

There were approximately 641 liberal arts students who graduated with this degree at UNG in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in liberal arts from University of North Georgia

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

26
27
28
BC crest
Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, FL
29
Gaston College crest
Gaston College
Dallas, NC
30
31
32

33

34
McNeese crest
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA
34
35

 

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.

RankCollegeLocation
36Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights, KY
37Hillsborough Community CollegeTampa, FL
38Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton, FL
39University of Arkansas at Little RockLittle Rock, AR
40Tallahassee Community CollegeTallahassee, FL
41Jefferson State Community CollegeBirmingham, AL
42Forsyth Technical Community CollegeWinston-Salem, NC
43Florida SouthWestern State CollegeFort Myers, FL
44Johnston Community CollegeSmithfield, NC
45Chattanooga State Community CollegeChattanooga, TN
46Wake Technical Community CollegeRaleigh, NC

Best Liberal Arts Colleges by State

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

StateCollegesDegrees Awarded
Florida71563,684
North Carolina71016,095
Georgia6906,524
Virginia6305,953
Tennessee6248,135
South Carolina5304,103
Kentucky5185,734
Mississippi5011,680
Alabama500957
Louisiana489105
Arkansas4662,166
West Virginia410483

View All Rankings >

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

Related MajorAnnual Graduates
General Studies27,992
Individualized Studies12,609
Humanities695

View All Liberal Studies Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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