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2024 Best General Studies Schools

456 Colleges in the United States
125,813 General Studies Degrees Awarded
Ranked #5 in popularity, general studies is one of the most sought-after degree programs in the nation. So, there are lots of possibilities to explore when you're trying to determine where you want to get your degree.

In 2024, College Factual analyzed 456 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best General Studies Schools ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 125,813 degrees in general studies during the 2021-2022 academic year.

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

Choosing a Great General Studies School

Best General Studies Schools Your choice of general studies 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 general studies 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.

General Studies Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in General Studies
Bachelor's Degrees in General Studies
Master's Degrees in General Studies
Doctor's Degrees in General Studies

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best General Studies Schools ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.

Best Schools for General Studies in the United States

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the general studies degrees they offer, see the list below. 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 Schools in General Studies

1
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
36th Most Popular In IL

It's hard to beat University of Chicago if you wish to pursue a degree in general studies. UChicago is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Chicago. A Best Colleges rank of #2 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UChicago is a great university overall.

There were roughly 9 general studies students who graduated with this degree at UChicago in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in general studies from University of Chicago

2
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
11th Most Popular In PA
33.3% Growth in Graduates

Villanova University is a good option for students interested in a degree in general studies. Villanova is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Villanova. A Best Colleges rank of #70 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Villanova is a great university overall.

There were roughly 12 general studies students who graduated with this degree at Villanova in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in general studies from Villanova University

3
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
12th Most Popular In IL
67 General Studies Degrees Awarded

DePaul University is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a degree in general studies. DePaul is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Chicago. A Best Colleges rank of #203 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means DePaul is a great university overall.

There were roughly 67 general studies students who graduated with this degree at DePaul in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in general studies from DePaul University

4
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In WV
1,648 General Studies Degrees Awarded

It's hard to beat American Public University System if you want to pursue a degree in general studies. American Military University is a very large private for-profit university located in the fringe town of Charles Town. A Best Colleges rank of #144 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means American Military University is a great university overall.

There were roughly 1648 general studies students who graduated with this degree at American Military University in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in general studies from American Public University System

5
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In CT
105 General Studies Degrees Awarded

UCONN is a fairly large public university located in the large suburb of Storrs. A Best Colleges rank of #86 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UCONN is a great university overall.

There were roughly 105 general studies students who graduated with this degree at UCONN in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in general studies from University of Connecticut

6
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In NH
1,692 General Studies Degrees Awarded

SNHU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Manchester. A Best Colleges rank of #245 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means SNHU is a great university overall.

There were about 1692 general studies students who graduated with this degree at SNHU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in general studies from Southern New Hampshire University

7
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
7th Most Popular In VA
64 General Studies Degrees Awarded

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 roughly 64 general studies students who graduated with this degree at GMU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in general studies from George Mason University

8
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In UT
4,142 General Studies Degrees Awarded

UVU is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Orem. This university ranks 4th out of 13 schools for overall quality in the state of Utah.

There were about 4142 general studies students who graduated with this degree at UVU in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in general studies from Utah Valley University

9
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
18th Most Popular In MI
50 General Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Ann Arbor, U-M is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #29 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were approximately 50 general studies students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in general studies from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

10
U Miami crest
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In FL
10.3% Growth in Graduates

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 colleges nationwide means U Miami is a great university overall.

There were roughly 29 general studies students who graduated with this degree at U Miami in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in general studies from University of Miami

11
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In TN
139 General Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 12th out of 45 schools for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were about 139 general studies 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 general studies from Middle Tennessee State University

12
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In VA
1,149 General Studies Degrees Awarded

Northern Virginia Community College is a very large public college located in the suburb of Annandale. This college ranks 13th out of 63 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were about 1149 general studies students who graduated with this degree at Northern Virginia Community College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in general studies from Northern Virginia Community College

13
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
61st Most Popular In TX

Located in the city of Houston, UST is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 38th out of 115 colleges for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were roughly 28 general studies students who graduated with this degree at UST in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in general studies from University of St. Thomas

14
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
40th Most Popular In TX
220 General Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the large city of Lubbock, Texas Tech is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #168 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Texas Tech is a great university overall.

There were approximately 220 general studies students who graduated with this degree at Texas Tech in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in general studies from Texas Tech University

14
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
27th Most Popular In IL
106 General Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the suburb of Grayslake, College of Lake County is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 10th out of 85 colleges for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were approximately 106 general studies students who graduated with this degree at College of Lake County in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in general studies from College of Lake County

16
Columbia College Missouri crest
Columbia College
Columbia, MO
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In MO
567 General Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Columbia, Columbia College Missouri is a private not-for-profit college with a medium-sized student population. This college ranks 16th out of 48 schools for overall quality in the state of Missouri.

There were about 567 general studies students who graduated with this degree at Columbia College Missouri in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in general studies from Columbia College

17
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In NJ
230 General Studies Degrees Awarded

FDU is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Teaneck. This university ranks 19th out of 44 colleges for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were about 230 general studies students who graduated with this degree at FDU in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in general studies from Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus

18
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
13th Most Popular In TX
664 General Studies Degrees Awarded

Central Texas College is a moderately-sized public college located in the suburb of Killeen. This college ranks 13th out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were approximately 664 general studies students who graduated with this degree at Central Texas College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in general studies from Central Texas College

19
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
19th Most Popular In TX
459 General Studies Degrees Awarded

UNT is a very large public university located in the city of Denton. This university ranks 14th out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were roughly 459 general studies students who graduated with this degree at UNT in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in general studies from University of North Texas

20
National University crest
National University
San Diego, CA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In CA
146 General Studies Degrees Awarded

National University is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of San Diego. A Best Colleges rank of #196 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means National University is a great university overall.

There were about 146 general studies students who graduated with this degree at National University in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in general studies from National University

21
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In WV
138 General Studies Degrees Awarded

WVU is a very large public university located in the small city of Morgantown. This university ranks 2nd out of 28 schools for overall quality in the state of West Virginia.

There were roughly 138 general studies students who graduated with this degree at WVU in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in general studies from West Virginia University

22
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In OR
910 General Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Portland, Portland Community College is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 5th out of 30 colleges for overall quality in the state of Oregon.

There were approximately 910 general studies students who graduated with this degree at Portland Community College in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in general studies from Portland Community College

23
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In UT
870 General Studies Degrees Awarded

USU is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Logan. This university ranks 5th out of 13 colleges for overall quality in the state of Utah.

There were roughly 870 general studies students who graduated with this degree at USU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in general studies from Utah State University

24
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In NM
1,777 General Studies Degrees Awarded

CNM is a fairly large public college located in the city of Albuquerque. This college ranks 2nd out of 23 colleges for overall quality in the state of New Mexico.

There were about 1777 general studies students who graduated with this degree at CNM in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in general studies from Central New Mexico Community College

25
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
61st Most Popular In TX
51 General Studies Degrees Awarded

TCU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Fort Worth. A Best Colleges rank of #80 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means TCU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 51 general studies students who graduated with this degree at TCU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in general studies from Texas Christian University

Rest of the Top Best General Studies Schools

26
27
Marshall University crest
Marshall University
Huntington, WV
28
29
30
31
UMary crest
University of Mary
Bismarck, ND
32

33

34
35
36
37
Rowan crest
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ
38
39
40
Salt Lake Community College crest
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UT
41

42

43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50

Additional Award Winners

This section shows the rest of the colleges awarded a Best General Studies Schools badge. Showing in this list means the school was ranked in the top 15% of the 456 different United States general studies schools we analyzed.

RankCollegeLocation
51Siena Heights UniversityAdrian, MI
52South Texas CollegeMcAllen, TX
53El Centro CollegeDallas, TX
54University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, AL
55Texas A&M University - CommerceCommerce, TX
56San Antonio CollegeSan Antonio, TX
57Otero Junior CollegeLa Junta, CO
57Community College of Rhode IslandWarwick, RI
58Front Range Community CollegeWestminster, CO
59Houston Community CollegeHouston, TX
60Suffolk County Community CollegeSelden, NY
61Brandman UniversityIrvine, CA
62Indiana Wesleyan University - National & GlobalMarion, IN
63City Colleges of Chicago - Harold Washington CollegeChicago, IL
64Eastern Connecticut State UniversityWillimantic, CT
65Illinois State UniversityNormal, IL
66Southern Utah UniversityCedar City, UT
67Wichita State UniversityWichita, KS
68College of Southern NevadaLas Vegas, NV

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for General Studies students that almost earned our Best General Studies Schools award.

RankCollegeLocation
69Central Arizona CollegeCoolidge, AZ
70University of Nebraska at OmahaOmaha, NE
71Catawba Valley Community CollegeHickory, NC
72Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro, GA
73NorthWest Arkansas Community CollegeBentonville, AR
74Waubonsee Community CollegeSugar Grove, IL
75University of MississippiUniversity, MS
76Murray State UniversityMurray, KY
77City Colleges of Chicago - Olive-Harvey CollegeChicago, IL
78Oakland Community CollegeAuburn Hills, MI
79University of Missouri - ColumbiaColumbia, MO
80Chandler-Gilbert Community CollegeChandler, AZ
81Eastern Arizona CollegeThatcher, AZ
82Community College of AuroraAurora, CO
83Indiana Wesleyan UniversityMarion, IN
84Austin Community College DistrictAustin, TX
85McHenry County CollegeCrystal Lake, IL
86Tarrant County College DistrictFort Worth, TX
87Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids, MI
88Phoenix CollegePhoenix, AZ
89Kent State University at KentKent, OH
90Aims Community CollegeGreeley, CO
91South Dakota State UniversityBrookings, SD

General Studies by Region

View the Best General Studies Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

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

Related MajorAnnual Graduates
Liberal Arts354,866
Individualized Studies36,716
Humanities21,530

View All General Studies Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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