College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2027 Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate’s Degree Schools

1,133 Colleges in the United States
231,572 Liberal Arts General Studies Degrees Awarded
$35,969 Avg Early-Career Salary

Liberal Arts General Studies degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 1133 schools to find the best for liberal arts general studies students.

What’s on this page:

Best Schools for Liberal Arts General Studies in the United States

See the highest-ranked liberal arts general studies schools offering a associate’s degree below.

Top Schools in Liberal Arts General Studies

1
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in liberal arts general studies. University Of Florida is a very large public school located in the city of Gainesville. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. About 108 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at University Of Florida in the most recent year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of University Of Florida earn a median of $58,388 early in their careers. University Of Florida graduates carry a median of $17,669 in student loans. More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from University Of Florida

2

George Washington University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in liberal arts general studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit university. About 84% of students finish within six years. About 12 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at George Washington University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from George Washington University generally make around $73,749. Students borrow a median of $22,910 to complete this degree. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for George Washington University

3
Harper College crest
Harper College
Palatine, IL

Harper College came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Palatine. There were roughly 957 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Harper College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from Harper College generally make around $27,619. Students borrow a median of $7,500 to complete this degree. Read more about the liberal arts general studies program at Harper College

4

A rank of #4 makes University Of Central Florida one of the top schools for liberal arts general studies. Set in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public institution. Roughly 78% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 548 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Central Florida in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of University Of Central Florida earn a median of $48,391 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $15,135. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for University Of Central Florida

5

Seattle Community College South Campus came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. Seattle Community College South Campus is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Seattle. Seattle Community College South Campus awarded about 227 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Read more about the liberal arts general studies program at Seattle Community College South Campus

6

Highline Community College earned the #6 position for liberal arts general studies this year. Set in the suburb of Des Moines, Highline Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. About 406 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at Highline Community College in the most recent year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $31,291 in their early career. Highline Community College graduates carry a median of $6,678 in student loans. More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Highline Community College

7

Santa Rosa Junior College came in at #7 for liberal arts general studies this year. Santa Rosa Junior College is a very large public school located in the city of Santa Rosa. There were roughly 150 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Santa Rosa Junior College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $80,047 in their early career. Santa Rosa Junior College graduates carry a median of $14,692 in student loans. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for Santa Rosa Junior College

8
New York University crest
New York University
New York, NY

New York University earned the #8 position for liberal arts general studies this year. Located in the city of New York, New York University is a very large private not-for-profit university. New York University graduates 88% of students within six years. About 95 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at New York University in the most recent year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from New York University earn around $39,652 in the first couple years of their career. New York University graduates carry a median of $21,787 in student loans. Read more about the liberal arts general studies program at New York University

9
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University landed the #9 spot for liberal arts general studies this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Tallahassee. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. About 203 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at Florida State University in the most recent year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $35,361 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $21,349 to complete this degree. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for Florida State University

10

University Of Scranton came in at #10 for liberal arts general studies this year. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Scranton. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 14 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Scranton in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of University Of Scranton earn a median of $56,861 early in their careers. University Of Scranton graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for University Of Scranton

11

University Of Delaware ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Newark. University Of Delaware graduates 82% of students within six years. There were roughly 234 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Delaware in the most recent data year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $13,833 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $6,500 to complete this degree. Read more about the liberal arts general studies program at University Of Delaware

12
Grossmont College crest
Grossmont College
El Cajon, CA

Grossmont College earned the #12 position for liberal arts general studies this year. Set in the suburb of El Cajon, Grossmont College is a very large public institution. Grossmont College awarded about 778 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for Grossmont College

13

College Of Lake County ranked #13 on our 2027 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. Located in the suburb of Grayslake, College Of Lake County is a very large public university. There were roughly 801 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at College Of Lake County in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from College Of Lake County generally make around $33,413. Students borrow a median of $6,687 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from College Of Lake County

14
College Of Dupage crest
College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL

College Of Dupage came in at #14 for liberal arts general studies this year. College Of Dupage is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glen Ellyn. College Of Dupage awarded about 787 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of College Of Dupage earn a median of $28,678 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $9,500. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for College Of Dupage

15
Bellevue College crest
Bellevue College
Bellevue, WA

Bellevue College ranked #15 on our 2027 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. Set in the city of Bellevue, Bellevue College is a large public institution. Bellevue College awarded about 1,045 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from Bellevue College generally make around $29,666. Students borrow a median of $9,598 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Bellevue College

16

City College Of San Francisco earned the #16 position for liberal arts general studies this year. City College Of San Francisco is a very large public school located in the city of San Francisco. There were roughly 363 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at City College Of San Francisco in the most recent data year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $100,031 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $10,332 to complete this degree. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for City College Of San Francisco

17
Lewis University crest
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL

Lewis University ranked #17 on our 2027 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. Set in the suburb of Romeoville, Lewis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Lewis University graduates 67% of students within six years. There were roughly 23 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Lewis University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $55,718 in their early career. Lewis University graduates carry a median of $24,838 in student loans. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for Lewis University

18

Seattle Community College North Campus earned the #18 position for liberal arts general studies this year. Seattle Community College North Campus is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Seattle. There were roughly 260 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Seattle Community College North Campus in the most recent data year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from Seattle Community College North Campus earn around $48,739 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $16,643 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Seattle Community College North Campus

19

Santiago Canyon College ranked #19 on our 2027 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. Set in the city of Orange, Santiago Canyon College is a very large public institution. About 565 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at Santiago Canyon College in the most recent year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from Santiago Canyon College earn around $37,149 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $5,500. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for Santiago Canyon College

20
Adelphi University crest
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY

Adelphi University ranked #20 on our 2027 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. Set in the suburb of Garden City, Adelphi University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 67% of students finish within six years. About 34 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at Adelphi University in the most recent year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $51,037 in their early career. Adelphi University graduates carry a median of $25,487 in student loans. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for Adelphi University

21

Florida Atlantic University placed #21 among the best liberal arts general studies schools. Set in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. About 421 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at Florida Atlantic University in the most recent year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $29,605 in their early career. Florida Atlantic University graduates carry a median of $11,300 in student loans. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for Florida Atlantic University

22

University Of North Florida placed #22 among the best liberal arts general studies schools. Set in the city of Jacksonville, University Of North Florida is a large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. University Of North Florida awarded about 224 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from University Of North Florida earn around $49,208 in the first couple years of their career. University Of North Florida graduates carry a median of $18,523 in student loans. More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from University Of North Florida

23

Florida Gulf Coast University landed the #23 spot for liberal arts general studies this year. This large public university is located in the suburb of Fort Myers. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. Florida Gulf Coast University awarded about 351 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from Florida Gulf Coast University generally make around $50,726. Students borrow a median of $20,015 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Florida Gulf Coast University

24

Joliet Junior College placed #24 among the best liberal arts general studies schools. Set in the suburb of Joliet, Joliet Junior College is a very large public institution. About 677 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at Joliet Junior College in the most recent year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from Joliet Junior College earn around $27,296 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $8,250. More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Joliet Junior College

25
Rockhurst University crest
Rockhurst University
Kansas City, MO

Rockhurst University came in at #25 for liberal arts general studies this year. Located in the city of Kansas City, Rockhurst University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Rockhurst University graduates 74% of students within six years. There were roughly 11 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Rockhurst University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from Rockhurst University generally make around $70,849. Typical student debt for the program is $24,111. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for Rockhurst University

Rest of the Top 50 Liberal Arts General Studies Schools

Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong liberal arts general studies education:

26
27
28
Salt Lake Community College crest
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UT
29
Edison State College crest
Edison State College
Fort Myers, FL
30
31
Oxnard College crest
Oxnard College
Oxnard, CA
32
33
Manhattan College crest
Manhattan College
Riverdale, NY
34
35
Dyouville College crest
Dyouville College
Buffalo, NY
36
37
38
39
40
41
Broward College crest
Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, FL
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50

Additional Liberal Arts General Studies Award Winners

These schools also stood out for liberal arts general studies:

Rank School Location
#51 University Of St Thomas Minnesota Saint Paul, MN
#52 Santa Barbara City College Santa Barbara, CA
#53 Johnson County Community College Overland Park, KS
#54 Central Washington University Ellensburg, WA
#55 Yakima Valley Community College Yakima, WA
#56 University Of Wisconsin La Crosse La Crosse, WI
#57 University Of Maryland University College Adelphi, MD
#58 Middlesex County College Edison, NJ
#59 Santa Ana College Santa Ana, CA
#60 Lawrence Technological University Southfield, MI
#61 Bismarck State College Bismarck, ND
#62 Seminole State College Of Florida Sanford, FL
#63 Rock Valley College Rockford, IL
#64 El Centro College Dallas, TX
#65 Aims Community College Greeley, CO
#66 Weber State University Ogden, UT
#67 Northwestern College Minnesota Saint Paul, MN
#68 Northern Virginia Community College Annandale, VA
#69 Colorado Mountain College Glenwood Springs, CO
#70 Austin Community College District Austin, TX
#71 College Of The Canyons Santa Clarita, CA
#72 Winona State University Winona, MN
#73 University Of New Haven West Haven, CT
#74 Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny, IA
#75 Alvin Community College Alvin, TX

Honorable Mentions

A few more liberal arts general studies schools worth a look:

Other Liberal Arts General Studies Degree Levels

Explore the best liberal arts general studies schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Liberal Arts General Studies
Bachelor's Degrees in Liberal Arts General Studies
Master's Degrees in Liberal Arts General Studies

View All Liberal Arts General Studies Rankings >

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 1133 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options