Best Liberal Arts Schools

How are the Top Liberal Arts Programs Chosen?

Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.

Explore the Best Liberal Arts Programs with Appily!

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Duquesne University

Founded by missionaries of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne University is a 4-year Catholic institution in Pittsburgh and the only Spiritan university in the country. Duquesne is home to nine schools of study emphasizing the liberal arts...

“…

The teachers here so far are high-quality. They care about whether or not you learn what they are teaching you, and they are always willing to answer your questions and meet with you if you are having difficulties. Each has a different teaching style...

” – Kathryn from Bridgeport, WV
Union University

Founded in 1823, Union University is an evangelical Christian liberal arts institution in west Tennessee and the oldest university affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. Union confers undergraduate degrees in over 100 Christ-centered...

“…

The academics are wonderful. Not only do you have professors who are top notch in their field but you have professors who care about you as a person. I have learned so much because the professors are willing to sit down with you outside of class...

” – Megan from Springfield, VA
Endicott College

Endicott College is a private, four-year college located on Boston’s North Shore. With three private beaches, Endicott’s oceanfront campus, in Beverly, Mass., draws a diverse group of undergraduate and graduate students from 30 states and 38...

“…

Endicott's professors WANT you to succeed. None of your classes will have more than 25 students, so your teacher knows your name. They all have office hours to make themselves available to you for some extra help or whatever you need to stay on top...

” – Kaila from Tewksbury, MA
Bennington College

Bennington College is a progressive liberal arts college, the hub at which global opportunities converge, and a launching pad for careers of meaning. Our campus prepares leaders, intellectual change-makers, and artists by empowering them to shape...

“…

I recently had a tour at Bennington College and I also attended an information session. The impression I got was that Bennington College offers students an amazing education for several reasons:
1. Students learn what they want to learn: Students...

” – A high school senior from northern VT
Wartburg College

Experience more at Wartburg!

Studying in another country, performing research with your professors, and completing internships will give you resumé-worthy experiences and new perspectives that better prepare you for what’s next. And we’re here to...

“…

The professors on staff are some of the most competent professionals I've ever had the pleasure of working with. From top-notch Religion professors, to published English professors, to accomplished Music professors, the entire staff is rich in...

” – Kyle from Waverly, IA
Mississippi College

Founded in 1826, Mississippi College is the oldest university in the state and has “more selective” admissions. It is affiliated with the Baptist Church and houses the Provone Chapel, which was used as a hospital during the Civil War. It hosts the...

“…

Small classes and dedicated professors create a dynamic learning environment where students can work together, ask questions, and a get hands-on learning experience. Most professors' have convenient office hours during which students are encouraged...

” – Laura from Collierville, TN
University of the Pacific

The University of the Pacific is the oldest, private university in California and has admissions that are more selective. The main campus is located in Stockton, and the university operates two satellite campuses in Sacramento and San Francisco...

“…

Most universities/colleges don't allow students to get started on their majors until Sophomore or Junior year of college. As a Freshman at UOP I've already gotten a feel for what I will be doing as a sports medicine or Athletic Training major. Four...

” – Hayley from San Jose, CA
DePaul University

DePaul University is one of the largest private universities in the country. Located in Chicago, DePaul has more than 22,000 students, offers more than 300 degree programs over ten academic colleges and schools, and offers two campuses in the heart...

“…

I have just recently transferred to DePaul University in June of this year. I have taken 3 summer classes and found I am able to graduate almost 6 months early due to the University's flexible and accomodating class requirements. In three months I...

” – Ashley from Chicago, IL
Hofstra University

Hofstra University boasts small classes, dedicated faculty, and an energized campus within reach of New York City. Students can choose from about 160 undergraduate programs and about 165 graduate programs, in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Business...

“…

Hofstra has been everything I wanted in a school and more! Literally it's a fairly small sized school, but the resources and connections are endless. Their programs are very well established and it's easy to study diverse subjects.

” – Mary from Murfreesboro, TN
New College of Florida

New College of Florida is a public liberal arts and sciences institution and honors college situated in Sarasota, FL. It is part of the State University System of Florida and has been rated as having a “more selective” admissions process. Favored...

“…

New College of Florida was founded by independent thinkers for independent thinkers. The academic program here requires a student who is capable of taking on full responsibility for his or her education. Although, NCF students are notorious for their...

” – Rebekah from Lake Panasoffkee, FL
Drew University

Drew University is more than a place to earn your degree—it is the beginning of a successful, purpose-driven life.
 
Choose from 40+ majors, 60+ minors, 18 Dual-Degree programs and 17 pre-professional programs. Every student graduates with a purpose...

“…

There is no doubt in my mind that I am learning a lot at Drew. This college is on the Princeton Review's list of top universities and top liberal arts colleges for a reason! The topics are very engaging and intense, and although I've had a couple of...

” – Eve from North Bergen, NJ
University of Maryland-Baltimore County

The University of Maryland-Baltimore County is a 4-year public institution based in Baltimore and part of the University of Maryland system. UMBC is home to seven colleges and schools hosting over 55 undergraduate degree-granting programs. In...

“…

I did not expect to learn much due to entering this college with AP credits, but I have still learned many new things due to the immense variety of classes. In my internship, 90% or more of my daily activities were taught.

” – Roxanne from Glen Burnie, MD
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a 4-year public institution in central Oklahoma. OU offers bachelor’s degrees in 170 academic fields of study. In addition to classroom space, the OU campus hosts the National Weather Center featuring a...

“…

OU professors really teach you to think for yourself, especially your English professors. OU professor also teach you different research skills. You really do have to study a lot to make the grade but it is worth it. There are so many diverse...

” – Jayla from Tulsa, OK
Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University-Provo is a private research institution located in Provo, Utah, and founded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. BYU offers study abroad programs through their satellite campuses in more than 20 sites...

“…

All of the professors are experts in their fields, and are willing to go the extra mile to help make sure you learn what you want to.

” – Michelle from Provo, UT
Moravian University

Founded in 1742, Moravian University is the nation's sixth oldest college and offers students a private education they will not find anywhere else: personal attention and preparation for life with a record of success longer than our nation’s history...

“…

This school absolutely pushes you to your limits and beyond, but not in an entirely over-stressed manner. Students here have teachers who are both mentors and friends. The professors here make sure that students learn all the material that is needed...

” – Student from Allentown, PA
Butler University

Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, Butler University is a nationally recognized university with six academic colleges and more than 85 majors, spanning the arts, business, communication, education, liberal arts and sciences, and pharmacy and health...

“…

Butler University is a small school with all of the benefits of a large school. The professors know me by name, the students truly care about each other, and the university makes it easy to feel at home. It is perfectly located close enough to...

” – Miranda from Maple Grove, MN
Drexel University

Named for a prominent 19th century philanthropist, Drexel University is a 4-year private research university in Philadelphia. Drexel offers bachelor’s degrees in over 80 academic majors with an emphasis on experiential learning. Additionally, the...

“…

I have just finished my first year at Drexel and I already feel like I am learning a lot. The classes are challenging, but the professors are extremely helpful. For example, I took AP Calculus at my high school and did okay, but I didn't feel I was...

” – Megan from Lester, PA
Spring Hill College

Since 1830, Spring Hill has educated doers. Our students are curious and inspired. They’re passionate about discovering their true strengths so they can turn ideas into action. We've lowered tuition to make our unique Jesuit, Catholic education more...

“…

Spring Hill College has a lot of core requirements. They offer a well-rounded education, though most of their required classes fall into the liberal arts category. The instructors are all very eccentric, so classes are usually pretty interesting.

” – Angela from Sylacauga, AL
University of Utah

The University of Utah is a public research instititution situated in Salt Lake City that offers more than 100 undergraduate majors. The U is home to three professional arts organizations to complement the College of Fine Arts, and even features a 3...

“…

I'm very impressed with the way the professors are so willing to help students. I have had several instances in classes where I have not understood the material given, and I'm pleased to say that I have felt totally comfortable in going to my...

” – Katie from Sandy, UT
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La Sierra University is a private nonprofit liberal arts college based in Riverside, California. It is affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. LSU is a member of the American Public Gardens Association and its campus is a designated...

“…

I learned more at this school then any other I have attended. It is a great small school and I loved it!

” – Nikki from Perris, CA