College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2027 Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region

218 Colleges in the United States
73,361 Liberal Arts General Studies Degrees Awarded
$37,237 Avg Early-Career Salary

Liberal Arts General Studies degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

College Factual analyzed 218 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best liberal arts general studies schools.

What’s on this page:

Best Schools for Liberal Arts General Studies in the Great Lakes Region

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the liberal arts general studies degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in Liberal Arts General Studies

1

Our analysis ranked University Of Wisconsin Madison the best school in the country for a degree in liberal arts general studies. Located in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. University Of Wisconsin Madison awarded about 102 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of University Of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of $59,877 early in their careers. University Of Wisconsin Madison graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for University Of Wisconsin Madison

2

Northwestern University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in liberal arts general studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Northwestern University graduates 95% of students within six years. About 60 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at Northwestern University in the most recent year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $59,139 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,312. More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Northwestern University

3

A rank of #3 makes University Of Chicago one of the top schools for liberal arts general studies. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit university. About 96% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 172 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Chicago in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of University Of Chicago earn a median of $26,094 early in their careers. University Of Chicago graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from University Of Chicago

4

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in liberal arts general studies, landing the #4 spot this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Ann Arbor. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 42 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor generally make around $38,065. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor graduates carry a median of $20,728 in student loans. More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

5

A rank of #5 makes University Of Notre Dame one of the top schools for liberal arts general studies. Set in the suburb of Notre Dame, University Of Notre Dame is a large private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. About 18 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at University Of Notre Dame in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from University Of Notre Dame generally make around $45,579. Typical student debt for the program is $18,800. Read more about the liberal arts general studies program at University Of Notre Dame

6

Indiana University Bloomington landed the #6 spot for liberal arts general studies this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Bloomington. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 8,459 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Indiana University Bloomington in the most recent data year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from Indiana University Bloomington earn around $52,655 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,671. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for Indiana University Bloomington

7
Harper College crest
Harper College
Palatine, IL

Harper College ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. Set in the suburb of Palatine, Harper College is a very large public institution. Harper College awarded about 1,724 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of Harper College earn a median of $27,619 early in their careers. Harper College graduates carry a median of $7,500 in student loans. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for Harper College

8
College Of Dupage crest
College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL

College Of Dupage came in at #8 for liberal arts general studies this year. Set in the suburb of Glen Ellyn, College Of Dupage is a very large public institution. There were roughly 787 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at College Of Dupage in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from College Of Dupage generally make around $28,678. Typical student debt for the program is $9,500. Read more about the liberal arts general studies program at College Of Dupage

9
Purdue University Main Campus crest
Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus earned the #9 position for liberal arts general studies this year. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 88 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Purdue University Main Campus in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of Purdue University Main Campus earn a median of $79,921 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $17,917 to complete this degree. Read more about the liberal arts general studies program at Purdue University Main Campus

10
Calvin College crest
Calvin College
Grand Rapids, MI

Calvin College landed the #10 spot for liberal arts general studies this year. Located in the city of Grand Rapids, Calvin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. There were roughly 41 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Calvin College in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of Calvin College earn a median of $44,220 early in their careers. Calvin College graduates carry a median of $22,707 in student loans. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for Calvin College

11
Lewis University crest
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL

Lewis University came in at #11 for liberal arts general studies this year. Located in the suburb of Romeoville, Lewis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. Lewis University awarded about 27 liberal arts general studies degrees 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

12
Xavier University crest
Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH

Xavier University came in at #12 for liberal arts general studies this year. Located in the city of Cincinnati, Xavier University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 44 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Xavier University in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of Xavier University earn a median of $47,064 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,250. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for Xavier University

13

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse ranked #13 on our 2027 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a large public school located in the city of La Crosse. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 87 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Wisconsin La Crosse in the most recent data year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $49,223 in their early career. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse graduates carry a median of $23,551 in student loans. More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from University Of Wisconsin La Crosse

14

College Of Lake County landed the #14 spot for liberal arts general studies this year. College Of Lake County is a very large public school located in the suburb of Grayslake. College Of Lake County awarded about 1,717 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $33,413 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $6,687 to complete this degree. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for College Of Lake County

15

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #15 for liberal arts general studies this year. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public school located in the suburb of Edwardsville. The six-year graduation rate is 55%. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville awarded about 12 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $54,302 in their early career. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduates carry a median of $23,917 in student loans. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

16
Aurora University crest
Aurora University
Aurora, IL

Aurora University earned the #16 position for liberal arts general studies this year. Located in the suburb of Aurora, Aurora University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. There were roughly 24 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Aurora University in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of Aurora University earn a median of $44,614 early in their careers. Aurora University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for Aurora University

17

Joliet Junior College ranked #17 on our 2027 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Joliet. About 677 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at Joliet Junior College in the most recent year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of Joliet Junior College earn a median of $27,296 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $8,250. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for Joliet Junior College

18

Loyola University Chicago placed #18 among the best liberal arts general studies schools. Located in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit university. Loyola University Chicago graduates 75% of students within six years. About 32 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at Loyola University Chicago in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from Loyola University Chicago generally make around $58,568. Loyola University Chicago graduates carry a median of $7,761 in student loans. More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Loyola University Chicago

19

Illinois State University placed #19 among the best liberal arts general studies schools. Located in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public university. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. Illinois State University awarded about 122 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $31,745 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,621. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for Illinois State University

20

Eastern Illinois University came in at #20 for liberal arts general studies this year. Set in the town of Charleston, Eastern Illinois University is a large public institution. About 47% of students finish within six years. Eastern Illinois University awarded about 92 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from Eastern Illinois University generally make around $40,273. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete this degree. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for Eastern Illinois University

21

Waubonsee Community College placed #21 among the best liberal arts general studies schools. Located in the rural area of Sugar Grove, Waubonsee Community College is a large public university. There were roughly 528 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Waubonsee Community College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $27,597 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $7,250. More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Waubonsee Community College

22

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus earned the #22 position for liberal arts general studies this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Cincinnati. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. About 35 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at University Of Cincinnati Main Campus in the most recent year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from University Of Cincinnati Main Campus earn around $32,604 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $20,784 to complete this degree. Read more about the liberal arts general studies program at University Of Cincinnati Main Campus

23

Lawrence Technological University earned the #23 position for liberal arts general studies this year. Lawrence Technological University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Southfield. Roughly 60% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 13 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at Lawrence Technological University in the most recent year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from Lawrence Technological University earn around $74,924 in the first couple years of their career. Lawrence Technological University graduates carry a median of $27,799 in student loans. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for Lawrence Technological University

24
Rock Valley College crest
Rock Valley College
Rockford, IL

Rock Valley College placed #24 among the best liberal arts general studies schools. Located in the city of Rockford, Rock Valley College is a moderately-sized public university. Rock Valley College awarded about 545 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of Rock Valley College earn a median of $27,601 early in their careers. Rock Valley College graduates carry a median of $7,035 in student loans. More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Rock Valley College

25

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee landed the #25 spot for liberal arts general studies this year. Located in the city of Milwaukee, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public university. Roughly 53% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee awarded about 158 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $37,845 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $23,011 to complete this degree. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Rest of the Top 50 Liberal Arts General Studies Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s liberal arts general studies ranking:

26
27
Marian University Indiana crest
Marian University Indiana
Indianapolis, IN
28
29
30
31
Depaul University crest
Depaul University
Chicago, IL
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
Oakton Community College crest
Oakton Community College
Des Plaines, IL
39
40
Oakland University crest
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI
41
42
Mchenry County College crest
Mchenry County College
Crystal Lake, IL
43
Illinois Central College crest
Illinois Central College
East Peoria, IL
44
45
46
47
48
Morton College crest
Morton College
Cicero, IL
49
50

Honorable Mentions

Also worth considering for liberal arts general studies:

Narrow Liberal Arts General Studies Schools by State

View All Liberal Arts General Studies Rankings >

Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 218 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