College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2024 Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools

799 Colleges in the United States
401,197 Associate Degrees
$24,682 Avg Early-Career Salary
Ranked #1 in popularity, liberal arts general studies is one of the most sought-after associate 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 799 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 401,197 associate degrees in liberal arts general studies to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Our Methodology

Choosing a Great Liberal Arts General Studies School for Your Associate Degree

Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools Your choice of liberal arts general studies for getting your associate degree school matters. This section explores some of the factors we include in our ranking and how much they vary depending on the school you select. Below we explain some of the most important factors to consider before making your choice:

Overall Quality Is a Must

A school that excels in educating for a particular major and degree level must be a great school overall as well. To account for this we include a school's overall Best Colleges ranking which itself looks at a host of various factors like degree completion, educational resources, student body caliber and post-graduation earnings for the school as a whole.

Average Early-Career Salaries

To determine the overall quality of a graduate school, one factor we look at is the average early-career salary of those receiving their associate degree from the school. After all, your associate degree won't mean much if it doesn't help you find a job that will help you earn a living.

Other Factors We Consider

The metrics below are just some of the other metrics that we use to determine our rankings.

Our complete ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best colleges for liberal arts general studies students working on their associate degree.

More Ways to Rank Liberal Arts General Studies Schools

Rankings by Location Check Out Other Locales
More Liberal Arts Rankings Other Ranking Categories

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 General Studies Associate Degree Schools list, to help you choose the best school for you.

Best Schools for Associate Students to Study Liberal Arts General Studies in the United States

Below you'll see a list of the best colleges and universities for pursuing an associate degree in liberal arts general studies. 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 for an Associate in Liberal Arts

1
1,712 Annual Graduates
$45,956 Median Starting Salary
$6,125 Median Student Debt

American Public University System is one of the best schools in the United States for getting an associate degree in liberal arts general studies. American Military University is a very large private for-profit university located in the town of Charles Town.

Those liberal arts general studies students who get their associate degree from American Public University System make $21,274 more than the typical liberal arts student.

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

2
2,512 Annual Graduates
$34,203 Median Starting Salary
$8,250 Median Student Debt

It is hard to beat University of Maryland Global Campus if you wish to pursue an associate degree in liberal arts general studies. Located in the large suburb of Adelphi, UMGC is a public university with a very large student population.

Those liberal arts general studies students who get their associate degree from University of Maryland Global Campus earn $9,521 more than the standard liberal arts student.

More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from University of Maryland Global Campus

3
3,197 Annual Graduates
$21,716 Median Starting Salary
$10,000 Median Student Debt

Any student who is interested in an associate degree in liberal arts general studies has to look into Utah Valley University. UVU is a very large public university located in the city of Orem.

Associate graduates who receive their degree from the liberal arts program make around $21,716 for their early career.

More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from Utah Valley University

4
NYU crest
New York University
New York, NY
22 Annual Graduates

It's difficult to beat New York University if you want to pursue an associate degree in liberal arts general studies. NYU is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of New York.More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from New York University

5
1,151 Annual Graduates
$35,619 Median Starting Salary
$19,592 Median Student Debt

SNHU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the midsize suburb of Manchester.

Liberal Arts General Studies associate degree recipients from Southern New Hampshire University get an earnings boost of approximately $10,937 over the average income of liberal arts general studies graduates.

More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from Southern New Hampshire University

6
Montgomery College crest
Montgomery College
Rockville, MD
1,208 Annual Graduates
$20,876 Median Starting Salary
$9,500 Median Student Debt

Located in the city of Rockville, Montgomery College is a public college with a large student population.

Associate students who receive their degree from the liberal arts program make about $20,876 for their early career.

More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from Montgomery College

7
Golden West College crest
Golden West College
Huntington Beach, CA
2,255 Annual Graduates
$22,411 Median Starting Salary

Golden West College is a large public college located in the large suburb of Huntington Beach.

After graduation, liberal arts associate recipients typically earn around $22,411 in their early careers.

More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from Golden West College

8
1,596 Annual Graduates
$28,420 Median Starting Salary
$11,000 Median Student Debt

Northern Virginia Community College is a very large public college located in the suburb of Annandale.

Liberal Arts General Studies associate degree recipients from Northern Virginia Community College earn a boost of around $3,738 above the average earnings of liberal arts general studies graduates.

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

9
Vincennes University crest
Vincennes University
Vincennes, IN
570 Annual Graduates
$37,330 Median Starting Salary
$12,157 Median Student Debt

Located in the town of Vincennes, Vincennes University is a public university with a fairly large student population.

Associate recipients from the liberal arts general studies program at Vincennes University earn $12,648 above the average college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from Vincennes University

10
821 Annual Graduates
$27,907 Median Starting Salary
$6,687 Median Student Debt

Located in the suburb of Grayslake, College of Lake County is a public college with a fairly large student population.

Those liberal arts general studies students who get their associate degree from College of Lake County receive $3,225 more than the average liberal arts student.

More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from College of Lake County

11
1,171 Annual Graduates
$35,106 Median Starting Salary
$8,400 Median Student Debt

Central Texas College is a moderately-sized public college located in the midsize suburb of Killeen.

Those liberal arts general studies students who get their associate degree from Central Texas College receive $10,424 more than the standard liberal arts graduate.

More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from Central Texas College

12
National University crest
National University
San Diego, CA
144 Annual Graduates
$40,395 Median Starting Salary
$10,008 Median Student Debt

National University is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of San Diego.

Associate recipients from the liberal arts general studies major at National University get $15,713 above the standard college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from National University

13
Cuesta College crest
Cuesta College
San Luis Obispo, CA

Located in the small suburb of San Luis Obispo, Cuesta College is a public college with a moderately-sized student population.

Associate recipients from the liberal arts general studies major at Cuesta College earn $7,284 above the standard graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from Cuesta College

14
938 Annual Graduates
$20,047 Median Starting Salary
$11,000 Median Student Debt

USU is a very large public university located in the city of Logan.

Soon after graduation, liberal arts associate recipients usually make about $20,047 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from Utah State University

15
2,682 Annual Graduates
$28,395 Median Starting Salary
$15,334 Median Student Debt

Located in the large city of Portland, Portland Community College is a public college with a large student population.

Associate recipients from the liberal arts general studies degree program at Portland Community College make $3,713 above the standard college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from Portland Community College

16
224 Annual Graduates

Located in the city of Tampa, USF Tampa is a public university with a fairly large student population.More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from University of South Florida - Main Campus

17
416 Annual Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Orlando, UCF is a public university with a very large student population.More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from University of Central Florida

18
1,765 Annual Graduates
$26,799 Median Starting Salary
$6,625 Median Student Debt

CNM is a fairly large public college located in the large city of Albuquerque.

Liberal Arts General Studies associate degree recipients from Central New Mexico Community College get an earnings boost of about $2,117 above the typical earnings of liberal arts general studies graduates.

More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from Central New Mexico Community College

19
771 Annual Graduates
$32,707 Median Starting Salary
$10,500 Median Student Debt

Mesa Community College is a fairly large public college located in the city of Mesa.

Associate recipients from the liberal arts general studies major at Mesa Community College get $8,025 more than the average college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from Mesa Community College

20
712 Annual Graduates
$30,185 Median Starting Salary
$12,778 Median Student Debt

Located in the city of Bloomington, Normandale Community College is a public college with a medium-sized student population.

Liberal Arts General Studies associate degree recipients from Normandale Community College earn a boost of around $5,503 above the typical earnings of liberal arts general studies graduates.

More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from Normandale Community College

21
1,209 Annual Graduates
$27,775 Median Starting Salary
$8,250 Median Student Debt

Macomb Community College is a large public college located in the midsize city of Warren.

Liberal Arts General Studies associate degree recipients from Macomb Community College receive an earnings boost of about $3,093 above the average income of liberal arts general studies majors.

More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from Macomb Community College

22
Columbia College Missouri crest
Columbia College
Columbia, MO
515 Annual Graduates
$40,813 Median Starting Salary
$15,960 Median Student Debt

Located in the midsize city of Columbia, Columbia College Missouri is a private not-for-profit college with a medium-sized student population.

Liberal Arts General Studies associate degree recipients from Columbia College receive an earnings boost of around $16,131 over the typical earnings of liberal arts general studies graduates.

More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from Columbia College

23
784 Annual Graduates
$25,229 Median Starting Salary
$10,200 Median Student Debt

HCC is a medium-sized public college located in the medium-sized city of Columbia.

After graduation, liberal arts associate recipients generally make an average of $25,229 in their early careers.

More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from Howard Community College

24
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
187 Annual Graduates

Florida State is a very large public university located in the medium-sized city of Tallahassee.More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from Florida State University

25
92 Annual Graduates

Located in the town of Plainview, Wayland Baptist University is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.More information about a associate in liberal arts general studies from Wayland Baptist University

Rest of the Top 50 Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools

26
27
Northwest Vista College crest
Northwest Vista College
San Antonio, TX
28
29
30
Pierce College crest
Los Angeles Pierce College
Woodland Hills, CA
31
32

33

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

42

43
44
West Valley College crest
West Valley College
Saratoga, CA
45
46
47
47
48
49

Additional Award Winners

This section represents the rest of the colleges awarded a Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools badge. Showing in this list means the college was ranked in the top 15% of the 799 different United States liberal arts general studies schools we analyzed.

Rank College Location
50 Los Angeles Harbor College Wilmington, CA
51 Anne Arundel Community College Arnold, MD
52 El Centro College Dallas, TX
53 University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI
54 San Antonio College San Antonio, TX
55 Georgia State University-Perimeter College Atlanta, GA
56 Community College of Rhode Island Warwick, RI
57 Front Range Community College Westminster, CO
58 Houston Community College Houston, TX
59 Suffolk County Community College Selden, NY
60 San Jose City College San Jose, CA
61 Union University Jackson, TN
62 Anoka-Ramsey Community College Coon Rapids, MN
63 Borough of Manhattan Community College New York, NY
64 Cerritos College Norwalk, CA
65 St Charles Community College Cottleville, MO
66 Southern Utah University Cedar City, UT
67 Brandman University Irvine, CA
68 Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Cincinnati, OH
69 City Colleges of Chicago - Harold Washington College Chicago, IL
70 Los Angeles City College Los Angeles, CA
71 Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global Marion, IN
72 Beaufort County Community College Washington, NC
73 Arkansas State University - Main Campus Jonesboro, AR
74 College of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, NV
75 Central Arizona College Coolidge, AZ
76 Community College of Baltimore County Baltimore, MD
77 Chaffey College Rancho Cucamonga, CA
78 Elgin Community College Elgin, IL
79 Prince George’s Community College Largo, MD
80 St Cloud Technical and Community College Saint Cloud, MN
81 Excelsior University Albany, NY
82 Valencia College Orlando, FL
83 Century College White Bear Lake, MN
84 Catawba Valley Community College Hickory, NC
85 University of Akron Main Campus Akron, OH
86 Dakota College at Bottineau Bottineau, ND
87 NorthWest Arkansas Community College Bentonville, AR
88 Waubonsee Community College Sugar Grove, IL
89 University of North Georgia Dahlonega, GA
90 City Colleges of Chicago - Olive-Harvey College Chicago, IL
91 Cleveland Community College Shelby, NC
92 Oakland Community College Auburn Hills, MI
93 University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Oshkosh, WI
94 Touro College New York, NY
95 Bellevue College Bellevue, WA
96 Chesapeake College Wye Mills, MD
97 Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, IN
98 Chandler-Gilbert Community College Chandler, AZ
99 Eastern Arizona College Thatcher, AZ
100 Community College of Aurora Aurora, CO
101 North Hennepin Community College Brooklyn Park, MN
102 Orange Coast College Costa Mesa, CA
103 Austin Community College District Austin, TX
104 McHenry County College Crystal Lake, IL
105 Nassau Community College Garden City, NY
106 Broward College Fort Lauderdale, FL
107 Tarrant County College District Fort Worth, TX
108 Gaston College Dallas, NC
109 Lake Superior College Duluth, MN
110 Norco College Norco, CA
111 Phoenix College Phoenix, AZ
112 Aims Community College Greeley, CO
113 Florida State College at Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL
114 Odessa College Odessa, TX
115 Mt. Hood Community College Gresham, OR
116 College of DuPage Glen Ellyn, IL
117 Guilford Technical Community College Jamestown, NC
118 Blinn College Brenham, TX
119 Community College of Allegheny County Pittsburgh, PA

Honorable Mentions

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

Rank College Location
120 City Colleges of Chicago - Wilbur Wright College Chicago, IL
121 Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL
122 Santa Ana College Santa Ana, CA
123 Ball State University Muncie, IN
124 Jackson State Community College Jackson, TN
125 Garden City Community College Garden City, KS
126 Moraine Valley Community College Palos Hills, IL
127 El Camino College Torrance, CA
128 Lincoln Land Community College Springfield, IL
129 Palm Beach State College Lake Worth, FL
130 Pikes Peak Community College Colorado Springs, CO
131 Triton College River Grove, IL
132 Iowa Western Community College Council Bluffs, IA
133 The University of Montana Missoula, MT
134 Florida International University Miami, FL
135 Ventura College Ventura, CA
136 Los Angeles Mission College Sylmar, CA
137 Colorado Mountain College Glenwood Springs, CO
138 South Dakota State University Brookings, SD
139 Iowa Central Community College Fort Dodge, IA
140 Shorter University Rome, GA
141 Winona State University Winona, MN
142 Chemeketa Community College Salem, OR
143 Minneapolis Community and Technical College Minneapolis, MN
144 Ohio University - Athens Campus Athens, OH
145 Hillsborough Community College Tampa, FL
146 Central Lakes College - Brainerd Brainerd, MN
147 Hagerstown Community College Hagerstown, MD
148 University of Wisconsin - Whitewater Whitewater, WI
149 Lee University Cleveland, TN
150 MiraCosta College Oceanside, CA
151 Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus Portales, NM
152 Community College of Denver Denver, CO
153 Rochester Community and Technical College Rochester, MN
154 Lone Star College System The Woodlands, TX
155 Tallahassee Community College Tallahassee, FL
156 Los Medanos College Pittsburg, CA
157 Glendale Community College Glendale, AZ
158 Bismarck State College Bismarck, ND
159 Barton County Community College Great Bend, KS

Liberal Arts General Studies by Region

View the Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree 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 >

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

Liberal Arts Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Liberal Arts 262,326
General Studies 100,454
Humanities 19,961
Individualized Studies 18,456

Notes and References

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options