*based on U.S. News Rankings for National Liberal Arts Colleges 2021
A liberal arts college is an institution of higher learning that caters toward undergraduates, often with an emphasis on the humanities. Unlike research universities, lib arts colleges do not often offer graduate programs. So, at one of the best lib arts colleges, you can expect more attention from professors and smaller classes. You may also find more research opportunities as an undergraduate.
Liberal arts colleges tend to be smaller than research universities. Many lib arts colleges are also located in less urban settings. Specifically, some of the best lib arts colleges include Williams, Swarthmore, and Amherst. All of these schools offer a small-town feel and an undergraduate focus.
The philosophy of lib arts colleges is to prepare students for life, not just a career—teaching them how to think, learn, communicate, and make connections between different fields. Interest in a liberal arts education has increased in the last decade as students and employers recognize that liberal arts studies provide students with skills that are in demand and pave the way for a sustained, well-paying career. Below is a ranked list of the most well-regarded liberal arts colleges in the U.S.
