by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 382 U.S. colleges awarded 52,665 degrees and certificates in Individualized Studies. Certificates are the most popular award, at 41% of graduates. College Factual ranks 235 schools in its 2027 Best Individualized Studies Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $32,173 one year after completing, rising to $46,857 after four years.
A major in Individualized Studies explores Liberal Arts And Sciences, General Studies And Humanities, Other. Any Single Instructional Program In Liberal Arts And Sciences, General Studies And Humanities Not Listed Above.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, individualized studies is a popular field of study, with 52,665 degrees awarded annually. 382 colleges award individualized studies degrees, an average of 138 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 8,582.
By level, the 52,665 awards include 21,838 certificates, 15,785 associate degrees, 2,714 bachelor’s degrees, 12,285 master’s degrees and 8 doctorates.
Women earned 60% of individualized studies degrees and certificates in the latest year (31,842 of 52,665). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (29,420) and Black or African American (8,834), and international students earned 904.
College Factual ranks 235 schools in its 2027 Best Individualized Studies Schools ranking, including 171 for associate degrees, 64 for bachelor’s degrees and 9 for master’s degrees. It also ranks individualized studies schools within 31 states. In all, 382 colleges offer individualized studies programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Individualized Studies Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
How long an individualized studies degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 21,838 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 15,785 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 2,714 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 12,285 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 8 |
Individualized Studies has 3 similar majors in the Liberal Arts & Humanities field, which together award 496,700 degrees a year; the largest are Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies (348,742), General Studies (129,285) and Humanities/Humanistic Studies (18,673). Browse all Liberal Arts & Humanities majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies | 348,742 |
| General Studies | 129,285 |
| Humanities/Humanistic Studies | 18,673 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
