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2024 Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Southeast Region

307 Colleges in the Southeast Region
153,413 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$25,772 Avg Early-Career Salary
Ranked #1 in popularity, liberal arts general studies is one of the most sought-after degree programs in the nation. This makes choosing the right school a hard decision.

For its 2024 ranking, College Factual looked at 307 schools in the Southeast Region to determine which ones were the best for liberal arts general studies students pursuing a degree. Combined, these schools handed out 153,413 degrees in liberal arts general studies to qualified students.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Liberal Arts General Studies School

Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Southeast Region The liberal arts program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Liberal Arts General Studies rankings. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for liberal arts general studies schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Pick Your Liberal Arts General Studies Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Liberal Arts
Bachelor's Degrees in Liberal Arts
Master's Degrees in Liberal Arts
Doctor's Degrees in Liberal Arts

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Southeast Region list to help you make the college decision. 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 General Studies in the Southeast Region

The schools below may not offer all types of liberal arts degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do 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 Arts

1
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
52 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
1.9% Growth in Graduates

It's difficult to beat North Carolina State University if you want to pursue a degree in liberal arts general studies. NC State is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Raleigh. A Best Colleges rank of #92 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means NC State is a great university overall.

There were approximately 52 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at NC State in the most recent year we have data available. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from North Carolina State University receive $23,806 more than the typical liberal arts student.

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

2
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,675 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$55,338 Median Starting Salary

Any student pursuing a degree in liberal arts general studies has to take a look at American Public University System. Located in the fringe town of Charles Town, American Military University is a private for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #144 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means American Military University is a great university overall.

There were about 1675 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at American Military University in the most recent data year. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from American Public University System earn $29,566 more than the standard liberal arts student.

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

3
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
$46,818 Median Starting Salary

Every student who is interested in liberal arts general studies needs to look into Duke University. Located in the large city of Durham, Duke is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #7 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Duke is a great university overall.

There were about 12 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies program at Duke University make $21,046 more than the standard graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Duke University

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
322 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$34,587 Median Starting Salary

George Mason University is a wonderful option for students pursuing a degree in liberal arts general studies. GMU is a fairly large public university located in the suburb of Fairfax. A Best Colleges rank of #117 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means GMU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 322 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at GMU in the most recent year we have data available. Liberal Arts General Studies degree recipients from George Mason University earn a boost of about $8,815 above the average income of liberal arts general studies graduates.

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

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
$46,012 Median Starting Salary

Tulane is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New Orleans. A Best Colleges rank of #78 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Tulane is a great university overall.

There were about 25 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Tulane in the most recent year we have data available. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from Tulane University of Louisiana receive $20,240 more than the standard liberal arts student.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Tulane University of Louisiana

6
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
45 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$33,170 Median Starting Salary

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

There were about 45 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies program at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill get $7,398 more than the standard graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

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

7
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
416 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$38,340 Median Starting Salary

USF Tampa is a very large public university located in the large city of Tampa. This university ranks 8th out of 77 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were about 416 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at USF Tampa in the most recent year we have data available. Liberal Arts General Studies degree recipients from University of South Florida - Main Campus earn a boost of approximately $12,568 over the typical earnings of liberal arts general studies graduates.

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

8
U Miami crest
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
39 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$47,378 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Coral Gables, U Miami is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #91 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means U Miami is a great university overall.

There were approximately 39 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at U Miami in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies degree recipients from University of Miami receive an earnings boost of approximately $21,606 above the average income of liberal arts general studies graduates.

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

9
JMU crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
243 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$32,885 Median Starting Salary

JMU is a fairly large public university located in the city of Harrisonburg. A Best Colleges rank of #169 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means JMU is a great university overall.

There were about 243 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at JMU in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies degree recipients from James Madison University get an earnings boost of about $7,113 over the average earnings of liberal arts general studies graduates.

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

10
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
160 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$45,132 Median Starting Salary

Middle Tennessee State University is a fairly large public university located in the medium-sized city of Murfreesboro. This university ranks 12th out of 45 schools for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were approximately 160 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Middle Tennessee State University in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies major at Middle Tennessee State University earn $19,359 more than the typical college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

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

11
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
3,745 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
3.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Annandale, Northern Virginia Community College is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 13th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were about 3745 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Northern Virginia Community College in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies major at Northern Virginia Community College earn $2,648 above the typical college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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

12
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
34 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
23.5% Growth in Graduates

Eastern Mennonite is a small private not-for-profit university located in the small city of Harrisonburg. This university ranks 15th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were approximately 34 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Eastern Mennonite in the most recent year we have data available. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from Eastern Mennonite University receive $16,429 more than the typical liberal arts student.

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

13
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
150 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$26,570 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Morgantown, WVU is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 28 colleges for overall quality in the state of West Virginia.

There were approximately 150 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at WVU in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the liberal arts program earn around $26,570 in their early career salary.

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

14
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
120 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$30,327 Median Starting Salary

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

There were about 120 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at UofSC in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies degree recipients from University of South Carolina - Columbia get an earnings boost of about $4,555 over the average income of liberal arts general studies majors.

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

15
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,140 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
62.8% Growth in Graduates

UCF is a fairly large public university located in the suburb of Orlando. A Best Colleges rank of #193 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UCF is a great university overall.

There were roughly 1140 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at UCF in the most recent year we have data available. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from University of Central Florida make $14,800 more than the typical liberal arts student.

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

16
Marshall University crest
Marshall University
Huntington, WV
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
177 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$30,418 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Huntington, Marshall University is a public university with a large student population. This university ranks 4th out of 28 colleges for overall quality in the state of West Virginia.

There were approximately 177 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Marshall University in the most recent year we have data available. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from Marshall University receive $4,646 more than the typical liberal arts graduate.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Marshall University

17
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
250 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$28,381 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #121 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Florida State is a great university overall.

There were about 250 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Florida State in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies degree recipients from Florida State University earn a boost of approximately $2,609 above the average earnings of liberal arts general studies graduates.

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

18
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
400 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$29,015 Median Starting Salary

FIU is a fairly large public university located in the large suburb of Miami. A Best Colleges rank of #183 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means FIU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 400 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at FIU in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies degree program at Florida International University make $3,243 above the standard college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

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

19
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
115 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$40,014 Median Starting Salary

UofM is a very large public university located in the large city of Memphis. This university ranks 9th out of 45 colleges for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were roughly 115 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at UofM in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies program at University of Memphis make $14,242 more than the average college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

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

20
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
114 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$34,236 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 114 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at UMW in the most recent data year. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from University of Mary Washington earn $8,464 more than the typical liberal arts grad.

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

21
Lee University crest
Lee University
Cleveland, TN
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
68 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
11.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of Cleveland, Lee University is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 15th out of 45 schools for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were roughly 68 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Lee University in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies degree recipients from Lee University earn a boost of around $9,227 above the average earnings of liberal arts general studies majors.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Lee University

22
Union crest
Union University
Jackson, TN
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
46 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$36,483 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 46 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Union in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies degree program at Union University make $10,711 more than the standard college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Union University

23
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
95 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$29,046 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize city of Birmingham, UAB is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 40 schools for overall quality in the state of Alabama.

There were about 95 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at UAB in the most recent year we have data available. Liberal Arts General Studies degree recipients from University of Alabama at Birmingham get an earnings boost of about $3,274 above the typical earnings of liberal arts general studies graduates.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from University of Alabama at Birmingham

24
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
2,164 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$26,302 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 2164 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Georgia State University-Perimeter College in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, liberal arts degree recipients typically make an average of $26,302 in the first five years of their career.

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

25
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
777 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
14.5% Growth in Graduates

A-State is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Jonesboro. This university ranks 2nd out of 34 schools for overall quality in the state of Arkansas.

There were approximately 777 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at A-State in the most recent year we have data available. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from Arkansas State University - Main Campus receive $2,366 more than the typical liberal arts graduate.

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

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

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28
Valencia College crest
Valencia College
Orlando, FL
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35
BC crest
Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, FL
36
Gaston College crest
Gaston College
Dallas, NC
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38
39
40
41

42

43
44
45
46
NKU crest
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY

Additional Noteworthy Schools

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 General Studies Schools in the Southeast Region award.

RankCollegeLocation
47Harding UniversitySearcy, AR
48Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond, KY
49Austin Peay State UniversityClarksville, TN
50Hillsborough Community CollegeTampa, FL
51Tennessee Technological UniversityCookeville, TN
52Tallahassee Community CollegeTallahassee, FL
53Shorter UniversityRome, GA
54Jefferson State Community CollegeBirmingham, AL
55Tennessee State UniversityNashville, TN
56Forsyth Technical Community CollegeWinston-Salem, NC
57Florida SouthWestern State CollegeFort Myers, FL
58Johnston Community CollegeSmithfield, NC
59Chattanooga State Community CollegeChattanooga, TN
60Wake Technical Community CollegeRaleigh, NC
61Greenville Technical CollegeGreenville, SC

Best Liberal Arts General Studies Colleges by State

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

StateCollegesDegrees Awarded
Georgia2877,724
Florida28264,443
North Carolina27918,227
Virginia2749,294
Tennessee26910,179
South Carolina2484,243
Kentucky2446,493
Louisiana2422,864
Mississippi2345,696
Arkansas2345,153
Alabama2335,890
West Virginia2073,558

View All Rankings >

Liberal Arts General Studies is one of 0 different types of Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities programs to choose from.

Liberal Arts Focus Areas

MajorAnnual Graduates
Liberal Arts112,117
General Studies27,992
Individualized Studies12,609
Humanities695

View All Liberal Arts Concentrations >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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