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2024 Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in the Southwest Region

108 Colleges in the Southwest Region
73,572 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$29,130 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you pursue a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities, you won't be alone. The field of study is the #3 most popular program in the country. This makes choosing the right school a hard decision.

In 2024, College Factual analyzed 108 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 73,572 degrees in liberal arts / sciences & humanities to qualified students.

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

Choosing a Great Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities School

Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in the Southwest Region Your choice of liberal arts / sciences & humanities school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. We derive our Best Overall Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities School rankings by rolling up our degree-level rankings after weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each school.

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

Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities
Bachelor's Degrees in Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities
Master's Degrees in Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities
Doctor's Degrees in Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in the Southwest Region ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that 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 / Sciences & Humanities in the Southwest Region

The schools below may not offer all types of liberal arts / sciences & humanities 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.

17 Top Southwest Region Schools in Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities

1
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
338 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$62,814 Median Starting Salary

The University of Texas at Austin is a great option for students interested in a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Located in the city of Austin, UT Austin is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #36 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UT Austin is a great university overall.

There were approximately 338 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent data year. Those liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who get their degree from The University of Texas at Austin earn $33,684 more than the standard liberal arts / sciences & humanities student.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from The University of Texas at Austin

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
84 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$47,630 Median Starting Salary

Every student pursuing a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities has to look into Southern Methodist University. Located in the large suburb of Dallas, SMU is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #73 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means SMU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 84 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at SMU in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities degree recipients from Southern Methodist University get an earnings boost of around $18,500 above the average earnings of liberal arts / sciences & humanities majors.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Southern Methodist University

3
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
329 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$46,750 Median Starting Salary

University of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a wonderful choice for students pursuing a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Located in the medium-sized suburb of Norman, University of Oklahoma is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #140 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means University of Oklahoma is a great university overall.

There were about 329 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at University of Oklahoma in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities degree recipients from University of Oklahoma Norman Campus earn a boost of around $17,620 over the average income of liberal arts / sciences & humanities majors.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from University of Oklahoma Norman Campus

4
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
44 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$49,272 Median Starting Salary

University of St. Thomas is a wonderful decision for students pursuing a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities. UST is a small private not-for-profit university located in the city of Houston. This university ranks 38th out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were roughly 44 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at UST in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities major at University of St. Thomas earn $20,142 more than the average graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from University of St. Thomas

5
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
220 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$42,929 Median Starting Salary

Wayland Baptist University is a small private not-for-profit university located in the remote town of Plainview. This university ranks 24th out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were approximately 220 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Wayland Baptist University in the most recent year we have data available. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities degree recipients from Wayland Baptist University get an earnings boost of around $13,799 over the average earnings of liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Wayland Baptist University

6
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
71 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$40,103 Median Starting Salary

ASU - Tempe is a fairly large public university located in the midsize city of Tempe. A Best Colleges rank of #119 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means ASU - Tempe is a great university overall.

There were about 71 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at ASU - Tempe in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities major at Arizona State University - Tempe get $10,973 more than the average college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Arizona State University - Tempe

7
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
88 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
6.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Fort Worth, TCU is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #80 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means TCU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 88 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at TCU in the most recent year we have data available. Those liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who get their degree from Texas Christian University receive $19,110 more than the standard liberal arts / sciences & humanities grad.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Texas Christian University

8
Graduate Certificate Highest Degree Type
231 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
14.3% Growth in Graduates

Texas Tech is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Lubbock. A Best Colleges rank of #168 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Texas Tech is a great university overall.

There were approximately 231 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Texas Tech in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree program at Texas Tech University make $5,161 more than the typical graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Texas Tech University

9
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
914 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$35,106 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Killeen, Central Texas College is a public college with a moderately-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #254 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Central Texas College is a great college overall.

There were approximately 914 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Central Texas College in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree program at Central Texas College earn $5,976 above the average college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Central Texas College

10
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
459 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$34,682 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of Denton, UNT is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #280 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UNT is a great university overall.

There were about 459 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at UNT in the most recent data year. Those liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who get their degree from University of North Texas make $5,552 more than the standard liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduate.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from University of North Texas

11
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
3,331 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$26,799 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Albuquerque, CNM is a public college with a large student population. This college ranks 2nd out of 23 schools for overall quality in the state of New Mexico.

There were approximately 3331 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at CNM in the most recent data year. After graduating, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients generally earn an average of $26,799 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Central New Mexico Community College

12
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
348 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$40,103 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize city of Scottsdale, ASU - Skysong is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #314 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means ASU - Skysong is a great university overall.

There were approximately 348 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at ASU - Skysong in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program at Arizona State University - Skysong get $10,973 above the average college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Arizona State University - Skysong

13
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
705 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$32,707 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 9th out of 26 schools for overall quality in the state of Arizona.

There were approximately 705 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Mesa Community College in the most recent year we have data available. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities degree recipients from Mesa Community College receive an earnings boost of around $3,577 over the typical earnings of liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Mesa Community College

14
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
249 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$31,269 Median Starting Salary

OSU is a very large public university located in the town of Stillwater. A Best Colleges rank of #227 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means OSU is a great university overall.

There were about 249 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at OSU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities major at Oklahoma State University - Main Campus earn $2,139 above the average graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Oklahoma State University - Main Campus

15
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
418 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$35,678 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Flagstaff, NAU is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #278 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means NAU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 418 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at NAU in the most recent data year. Those liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who get their degree from Northern Arizona University make $6,548 more than the standard liberal arts / sciences & humanities student.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Northern Arizona University

16
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
2,328 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$22,731 Median Starting Salary

Northwest Vista College is a fairly large public college located in the large city of San Antonio. A Best Colleges rank of #384 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Northwest Vista College is a great college overall.

There were approximately 2328 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Northwest Vista College in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program make about $22,731 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Northwest Vista College

16
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
$49,081 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Irving, UD is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 34th out of 115 colleges for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were roughly 28 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at UD in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities degree recipients from University of Dallas receive an earnings boost of about $19,951 over the typical earnings of liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from University of Dallas

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 / Sciences & Humanities Schools in the Southwest Region award.

RankCollegeLocation
17Oklahoma City Community CollegeOklahoma City, OK
18Collin County Community College DistrictMcKinney, TX
19University of Central OklahomaEdmond, OK
20McLennan Community CollegeWaco, TX
21Pima Community CollegeTucson, AZ
22South Texas CollegeMcAllen, TX
23El Centro CollegeDallas, TX
24Texas A&M University - CommerceCommerce, TX
25San Antonio CollegeSan Antonio, TX

Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Colleges by State

Explore the best liberal arts / sciences & humanities colleges for a specific state in the Southwest Region .

StateCollegesDegrees Awarded
Arizona388,087
Texas3855,861
New Mexico383,989
Oklahoma383,293

View All Rankings >

Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Majors to Study

MajorAnnual Graduates
Liberal Arts General Studies73,572

View All Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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