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2024 Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Southeast Region

307 Colleges in the Southeast Region
163,228 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$25,841 Avg Early-Career Salary
Ranked #1 in popularity, liberal arts general studies is one of the most sought-after degree programs in the nation. This makes choosing the right school a hard decision.

For its 2024 ranking, College Factual looked at 307 schools in the Southeast Region to determine which ones were the best for liberal arts general studies students pursuing a degree. Combined, these schools handed out 163,228 degrees in liberal arts general studies to qualified students.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Liberal Arts General Studies School

Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Southeast Region The liberal arts program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Liberal Arts General Studies rankings. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for liberal arts general studies schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Pick Your Liberal Arts General Studies Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Liberal Arts
Bachelor's Degrees in Liberal Arts
Master's Degrees in Liberal Arts
Doctor's Degrees in Liberal Arts

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Southeast Region list to help you make the college decision. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.


 

Best Schools for Liberal Arts General Studies in the Southeast Region

The schools below may not offer all types of liberal arts degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. 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 Southeast Region Schools in Liberal Arts

1
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
51 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$49,578 Median Starting Salary

It's hard to beat North Carolina State University if you want to pursue a degree in liberal arts general studies. NC State is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Raleigh. A Best Colleges rank of #92 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means NC State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 51 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at NC State in the most recent year we have data available. Liberal Arts General Studies degree recipients from North Carolina State University earn a boost of around $23,737 above the average income of liberal arts general studies majors.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from North Carolina State University

2
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,837 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
19.5% Growth in Graduates

Any student pursuing a degree in liberal arts general studies needs to take a look at American Public University System. Located in the town of Charles Town, American Military University is a private for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #144 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means American Military University is a great university overall.

There were roughly 1837 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at American Military University in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies degree program at American Public University System earn $29,497 more than the average college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

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

3
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, NC

Every student pursuing a degree in liberal arts general studies has to look into Duke University. Located in the city of Durham, Duke is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #7 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Duke is a great university overall.

There were roughly 21 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent year we have data available. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from Duke University make $20,977 more than the average liberal arts grad.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Duke University

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
362 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$34,587 Median Starting Salary

George Mason University is a great choice for students interested in a degree in liberal arts general studies. GMU is a fairly large public university located in the suburb of Fairfax. A Best Colleges rank of #117 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means GMU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 362 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at GMU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies degree program at George Mason University make $8,746 more than the average college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from George Mason University

5

Tulane is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New Orleans. A Best Colleges rank of #78 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Tulane is a great university overall.

There were approximately 30 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Tulane in the most recent data year. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from Tulane University of Louisiana receive $20,171 more than the standard liberal arts grad.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Tulane University of Louisiana

6
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
46 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
26.1% Growth in Graduates

UNC Chapel Hill is a fairly large public university located in the city of Chapel Hill. A Best Colleges rank of #43 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UNC Chapel Hill is a great university overall.

There were approximately 46 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies degree recipients from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill get an earnings boost of about $7,329 over the average income of liberal arts general studies graduates.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

7
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
470 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$38,340 Median Starting Salary

USF Tampa is a fairly large public university located in the city of Tampa. This university ranks 8th out of 77 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were about 470 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at USF Tampa in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies major at University of South Florida - Main Campus get $12,499 more than the typical graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from University of South Florida - Main Campus

8
U Miami crest
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
42 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$47,378 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Coral Gables, U Miami is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #91 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means U Miami is a great university overall.

There were approximately 42 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at U Miami in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies degree program at University of Miami make $21,537 above the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from University of Miami

9
JMU crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
263 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$32,885 Median Starting Salary

JMU is a very large public university located in the small city of Harrisonburg. A Best Colleges rank of #169 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means JMU is a great university overall.

There were about 263 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at JMU in the most recent year we have data available. Liberal Arts General Studies degree recipients from James Madison University get an earnings boost of approximately $7,044 over the average income of liberal arts general studies graduates.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from James Madison University

10
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
194 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$45,132 Median Starting Salary

Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public university located in the midsize city of Murfreesboro. This university ranks 12th out of 45 colleges for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were about 194 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Middle Tennessee State University in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies degree program at Middle Tennessee State University get $19,291 above the average college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Middle Tennessee State University

11
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
3,606 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
7.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Annandale, Northern Virginia Community College is a public college with a very large student population. This college ranks 13th out of 63 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were roughly 3606 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Northern Virginia Community College in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies major at Northern Virginia Community College earn $2,579 more than the standard college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

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

12

Eastern Mennonite is a small private not-for-profit university located in the city of Harrisonburg. This university ranks 15th out of 63 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were about 26 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Eastern Mennonite in the most recent data year. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from Eastern Mennonite University earn $16,360 more than the standard liberal arts graduate.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Eastern Mennonite University

13
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
219 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$26,570 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Morgantown, WVU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 28 colleges for overall quality in the state of West Virginia.

There were approximately 219 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at WVU in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the liberal arts program make about $26,570 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from West Virginia University

14
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
129 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$30,327 Median Starting Salary

UofSC is a very large public university located in the medium-sized city of Columbia. A Best Colleges rank of #152 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UofSC is a great university overall.

There were about 129 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at UofSC in the most recent data year. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from University of South Carolina - Columbia make $4,486 more than the average liberal arts graduate.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from University of South Carolina - Columbia

15
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
424 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
9.4% Growth in Graduates

UCF is a fairly large public university located in the large suburb of Orlando. A Best Colleges rank of #193 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UCF is a great university overall.

There were approximately 424 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at UCF in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies degree program at University of Central Florida get $14,731 more than the standard graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from University of Central Florida

16
Marshall University crest
Marshall University
Huntington, WV
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
191 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$30,418 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Huntington, Marshall University is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 4th out of 28 schools for overall quality in the state of West Virginia.

There were about 191 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Marshall University in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies program at Marshall University make $4,577 more than the standard graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Marshall University

17
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
296 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
9.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize city of Tallahassee, Florida State is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #121 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Florida State is a great university overall.

There were about 296 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Florida State in the most recent year we have data available. Liberal Arts General Studies degree recipients from Florida State University get an earnings boost of approximately $2,540 above the average earnings of liberal arts general studies graduates.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Florida State University

18
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
459 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
1.1% Growth in Graduates

FIU is a very large public university located in the large suburb of Miami. A Best Colleges rank of #183 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means FIU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 459 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at FIU in the most recent year we have data available. Liberal Arts General Studies degree recipients from Florida International University receive an earnings boost of approximately $3,174 above the average earnings of liberal arts general studies graduates.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Florida International University

19
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
123 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$40,014 Median Starting Salary

UofM is a fairly large public university located in the city of Memphis. This university ranks 9th out of 45 schools for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were approximately 123 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at UofM in the most recent data year. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from University of Memphis earn $14,173 more than the average liberal arts graduate.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from University of Memphis

20
UMW crest
University of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
118 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$34,236 Median Starting Salary

UMW is a small public university located in the suburb of Fredericksburg. This university ranks 21st out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were roughly 118 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at UMW in the most recent data year. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from University of Mary Washington earn $8,395 more than the average liberal arts student.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from University of Mary Washington

21
Lee University crest
Lee University
Cleveland, TN
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
60 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
6.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of Cleveland, Lee University is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 15th out of 45 schools for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were approximately 60 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Lee University in the most recent data year. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from Lee University receive $9,158 more than the typical liberal arts graduate.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Lee University

22
Union crest
Union University
Jackson, TN
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
78 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
48.7% Growth in Graduates

Union is a small private not-for-profit university located in the city of Jackson. This university ranks 7th out of 45 colleges for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were roughly 78 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Union in the most recent year we have data available. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from Union University earn $10,642 more than the standard liberal arts student.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Union University

23
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
98 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$29,046 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Birmingham, UAB is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 40 colleges for overall quality in the state of Alabama.

There were approximately 98 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at UAB in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies program at University of Alabama at Birmingham earn $3,205 more than the average college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from University of Alabama at Birmingham

24
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
2,419 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
5.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Atlanta, Georgia State University-Perimeter College is a public university with a large student population. This university ranks 10th out of 68 colleges for overall quality in the state of Georgia.

There were roughly 2419 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Georgia State University-Perimeter College in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, liberal arts degree recipients generally earn an average of $26,302 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Georgia State University-Perimeter College

25
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
664 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
17.3% Growth in Graduates

A-State is a large public university located in the small city of Jonesboro. This university ranks 2nd out of 34 schools for overall quality in the state of Arkansas.

There were about 664 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at A-State in the most recent data year. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from Arkansas State University - Main Campus receive $2,297 more than the typical liberal arts student.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Arkansas State University - Main Campus

Rest of the Top Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Southeast Region

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28
Valencia College crest
Valencia College
Orlando, FL
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35
BC crest
Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, FL
36
Gaston College crest
Gaston College
Dallas, NC
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40
41

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43
44
WKU crest
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY
45
46
NKU crest
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY

Additional Noteworthy Schools

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Southeast Region award.

Rank College Location
47 Harding University Searcy, AR
48 Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, KY
49 Austin Peay State University Clarksville, TN
50 Hillsborough Community College Tampa, FL
51 Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, TN
52 Tallahassee Community College Tallahassee, FL
53 Shorter University Rome, GA
54 Jefferson State Community College Birmingham, AL
55 Tennessee State University Nashville, TN
56 Forsyth Technical Community College Winston-Salem, NC
57 Florida SouthWestern State College Fort Myers, FL
58 Johnston Community College Smithfield, NC
59 Chattanooga State Community College Chattanooga, TN
60 Wake Technical Community College Raleigh, NC
61 Greenville Technical College Greenville, SC

Best Liberal Arts General Studies Colleges by State

Explore the best liberal arts general studies schools for a specific state in the Southeast Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Georgia 287 7,724
Florida 282 64,443
North Carolina 279 18,227
Virginia 274 9,294
Tennessee 269 10,179
South Carolina 248 4,243
Kentucky 244 6,493
Louisiana 242 2,864
Mississippi 234 5,696
Arkansas 234 5,153
Alabama 233 5,890
West Virginia 207 3,558

View All Rankings >

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

Liberal Arts Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
Liberal Arts 119,958
General Studies 28,846
Individualized Studies 13,678
Humanities 746

View All Liberal Arts Concentrations >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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