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2027 Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

187 Colleges in the United States
34,713 Liberal Arts General Studies Degrees Awarded
$35,228 Avg Early-Career Salary

Liberal Arts General Studies is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

For its 2027 ranking, College Factual looked at 187 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for liberal arts general studies students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

Best Schools for Liberal Arts General Studies in the Middle Atlantic Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall liberal arts general studies education in the Middle Atlantic Region.

Top Schools in Liberal Arts General Studies

1

Cornell University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in liberal arts general studies. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Ithaca. About 95% of students finish within six years. Cornell University awarded about 13 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of Cornell University earn a median of $46,072 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $15,005. Read more about the liberal arts general studies program at Cornell University

2
Georgetown University crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC

Georgetown University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in liberal arts general studies, landing the #2 spot this year. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Washington. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. Georgetown University awarded about 69 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from Georgetown University earn around $66,719 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,000. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for Georgetown University

3
Stony Brook University crest
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY

Stony Brook University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. Located in the suburb of Stony Brook, Stony Brook University is a very large public university. Roughly 76% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 33 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at Stony Brook University in the most recent year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $74,387 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $20,537 to complete this degree. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for Stony Brook University

4
New York University crest
New York University
New York, NY

New York University came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. New York University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. New York University graduates 88% of students within six years. There were roughly 727 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at New York University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $39,652 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $21,787 to complete this degree. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for New York University

5

Johns Hopkins University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in liberal arts general studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. Johns Hopkins University awarded about 47 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $45,147 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $13,426 to complete this degree. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for Johns Hopkins University

6

George Washington University ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. Located in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit university. George Washington University graduates 84% of students within six years. About 12 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at George Washington University in the most recent year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from George Washington University earn around $73,749 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $22,910 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from George Washington University

7
Syracuse University crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. Located in the city of Syracuse, Syracuse University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. Syracuse University awarded about 16 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $54,785 in their early career. Syracuse University graduates carry a median of $26,130 in student loans. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for Syracuse University

8
Rowan University crest
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University landed the #8 spot for liberal arts general studies this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Glassboro. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 161 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at Rowan University in the most recent year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from Rowan University earn around $43,486 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for Rowan University

9
University Of Pennsylvania crest
University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania earned the #9 position for liberal arts general studies this year. University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Philadelphia. University Of Pennsylvania graduates 96% of students within six years. About 153 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at University Of Pennsylvania in the most recent year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $68,293 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete this degree. Read more about the liberal arts general studies program at University Of Pennsylvania

10
Wilkes University crest
Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, PA

Wilkes University ranked #10 on our 2027 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. Wilkes University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Wilkes-Barre. Roughly 63% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 46 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Wilkes University in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of Wilkes University earn a median of $64,004 early in their careers. Wilkes University graduates carry a median of $26,601 in student loans. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for Wilkes University

11
Seton Hall University crest
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ

Seton Hall University ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. Seton Hall University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of South Orange. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 81 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Seton Hall University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from Seton Hall University earn around $36,993 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete this degree. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for Seton Hall University

12

Carnegie Mellon University ranked #12 on our 2027 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. Carnegie Mellon University graduates 94% of students within six years. About 50 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at Carnegie Mellon University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from Carnegie Mellon University generally make around $89,327. Students borrow a median of $25,515 to complete this degree. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for Carnegie Mellon University

13

University Of Scranton ranked #13 on our 2027 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. University Of Scranton is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Scranton. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Scranton awarded about 28 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from University Of Scranton earn around $56,861 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete this degree. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for University Of Scranton

14

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania ranked #14 on our 2027 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a large public school located in the suburb of West Chester. About 70% of students finish within six years. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania awarded about 109 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for West Chester University Of Pennsylvania

15

University Of Delaware placed #15 among the best liberal arts general studies schools. Set in the suburb of Newark, University Of Delaware is a very large public institution. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 234 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at University Of Delaware in the most recent year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $13,833 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $6,500. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for University Of Delaware

16
Rider University crest
Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJ

Rider University placed #16 among the best liberal arts general studies schools. Set in the suburb of Lawrenceville, Rider University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 21 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Rider University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from Rider University generally make around $41,315. Students borrow a median of $22,233 to complete this degree. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for Rider University

17
Drexel University crest
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University placed #17 among the best liberal arts general studies schools. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Philadelphia. The six-year graduation rate is 78%. There were roughly 47 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Drexel University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from Drexel University earn around $62,470 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $27,154 to complete this degree. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for Drexel University

18
Cuny City College crest
Cuny City College
New York, NY

Cuny City College earned the #18 position for liberal arts general studies this year. Set in the city of New York, Cuny City College is a large public institution. Roughly 57% of students complete a degree within six years here. Cuny City College awarded about 76 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $43,059 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $12,985. Read more about the liberal arts general studies program at Cuny City College

19
Adelphi University crest
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY

Adelphi University placed #19 among the best liberal arts general studies schools. Located in the suburb of Garden City, Adelphi University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 46 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Adelphi University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from Adelphi University generally make around $51,037. Typical student debt for the program is $25,487. Read more about the liberal arts general studies program at Adelphi University

20

Saint John Fisher College came in at #20 for liberal arts general studies this year. Saint John Fisher College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Rochester. Saint John Fisher College graduates 74% of students within six years. There were roughly 13 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Saint John Fisher College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from Saint John Fisher College earn around $55,630 in the first couple years of their career. Saint John Fisher College graduates carry a median of $25,086 in student loans. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for Saint John Fisher College

21
Daemen College crest
Daemen College
Amherst, NY

Daemen College earned the #21 position for liberal arts general studies this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Amherst. About 59% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 79 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Daemen College in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of Daemen College earn a median of $63,542 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $28,358. Read more about the liberal arts general studies program at Daemen College

22
Villanova University crest
Villanova University
Villanova, PA

Villanova University landed the #22 spot for liberal arts general studies this year. Set in the suburb of Villanova, Villanova University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. Villanova University awarded about 29 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $52,183 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete this degree. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for Villanova University

23

The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey ranked #23 on our 2027 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. Located in the rural area of Galloway, The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey is a large public university. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey graduates 68% of students within six years. There were roughly 150 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey earn a median of $42,209 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey

24
Union College New York crest
Union College New York
Schenectady, NY

Union College New York landed the #24 spot for liberal arts general studies this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Schenectady. About 80% of students finish within six years. Union College New York awarded about 41 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from Union College New York generally make around $45,516. Typical student debt for the program is $24,500. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for Union College New York

25

State University Of New York At New Paltz landed the #25 spot for liberal arts general studies this year. Set in the town of New Paltz, State University Of New York At New Paltz is a moderately-sized public institution. Roughly 72% of students complete a degree within six years here. State University Of New York At New Paltz awarded about 46 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of State University Of New York At New Paltz earn a median of $41,000 early in their careers. State University Of New York At New Paltz graduates carry a median of $21,530 in student loans. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for State University Of New York At New Paltz

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
Manhattan College crest
Manhattan College
Riverdale, NY
28
Excelsior College crest
Excelsior College
Albany, NY
29
Salisbury University crest
Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD
30
Dyouville College crest
Dyouville College
Buffalo, NY
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
Niagara University crest
Niagara University
Niagara University, NY
41
42
43
44
45
46
Kean University crest
Kean University
Union, NJ
47
48
49
50

Honorable Mentions

Also worth considering for liberal arts general studies:

View All Liberal Arts General Studies Rankings >

Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 187 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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