“Artes liberales” in Latin, or “Liberal Arts” in modern English, refers to an ancient Greek and Roman philosophy that originated by combining in-depth study of subjects like rhetoric, dialectic, mathematics, and sciences. Nowadays, this well-rounded approach to education often attracts students around the globe with its ability to cultivate not just professional academic skills, but critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. This focus on developing well-rounded individuals makes the American powerhouse a prime destination for students seeking a Liberal Arts education.
Therefore, read this article to learn more about the top United States Liberal Arts colleges and what makes them the best!
Top Liberal Arts Colleges in the USA
Home to over 1,500 colleges and universities, the U.S. has a lot to offer in the field of education. For liberal arts students, here are some of the top colleges in the USA to consider for your go-to list.
1. Williams College
Offering over 65 areas of study and having a student-to-faculty ratio as low as 7:1, Williams College is one of the USA’s finest and oldest private liberal arts colleges, with a history spanning over two centuries. Founded in 1793, the college offers top-notch bachelor’s programs in a wide range of subjects, from mathematics and sciences to languages like Russian, Italian, and French.
When it comes to cost, Williams College is committed to affordability. They meet nearly every demonstrated financial need of their students and were the first school in the country to offer “all-grant” financial aid, with no loans included in their financial aid packages.
2. Pomona College
Pomona College, located on the West Coast of the United States, is a century-old liberal arts college known for its experiential learning and small class sizes, averaging only 13 students. Here, hands-on learning, internships, and research are highly valued as over 62% of students participate in research with faculty, and the college provides extensive career resources to help students find internships.
While Pomona may not offer as many specific career tracks as Williams College, it still offers a robust selection of 48 major and minor courses encompassing all traditional liberal arts disciplines such as American Studies, Philosophy, Politics, and Computer Science.
3. Amherst College
Alma mater of Monaco’s Prince Albert II and author Dan Brown, Amherst College stands as another top liberal arts college in the United States. Founded in 1821, Amherst is known for its innovative approach to curriculum, offering a flexible and independent curriculum policy.
Instead of a prescribed core curriculum, students design their own academic paths by choosing liberal arts courses that align with their interests. This approach allows students to delve deeply into their chosen disciplines while still encouraging them to explore the broad range of liberal arts subjects.
4. Swarthmore College
Sitting on a sprawling 425-acre campus, Swarthmore College features the landmark botanical garden Scott Arboretum, with hiking trails and rolling lawns, offering beautiful views and a serene environment alongside the academic excellence it offers. With 600 courses offered annually, and over 50% of the students receiving aid based on demonstrated need, Swarthmore becomes the center of attraction across all domains.
5. Harvey Mudd College
Emerging as a leader in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, Harvey Mudd College offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for successful careers with a versatile skill set. Since its inception in 1955, the college’s mission has extended beyond technical expertise and academia. It aspires to develop leaders with a clear understanding of the societal impact of their work. This focus on well-rounded graduates is evident in their strong alumni network of over 7,000. These graduates provide valuable connections and mentorship for prospective students, creating a supportive community that extends far beyond graduation.
6. Bowdoin College
Predating its home state of Maine by 26 years, Bowdoin College, established in 1794, is a prestigious liberal arts college with a mission to engage students of exceptional potential, through intense and well-rounded education. Their liberal arts programs promote intellectual growth, exploration of creativity, and the development of social and leadership skills.
In addition to it, some of the notable programs Bowdoin offers include Government Studies, Economics, and Mathematics. Alongside this, the college also offers strengths in fields like Biology, Art History, and Literature, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for various professions and postgraduate pursuits.
7. Wellesley College
Located in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Wellesley College is a highly-renowned women’s liberal arts college dedicated to empowering women for academic and professional success. This focus yields impressive results as 97% of graduates secure employment or acceptance into graduate school within their chosen fields within just six months of graduation.
So, if an international student wants to be part of this impressive liberal arts college they will need to submit the standard application materials, including official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.
FAQs: Studying in Liberal Arts Colleges in the USA
What Are the Advantages of Enrolling in a Liberal Arts College in the USA?
In the USA, liberal arts colleges offer a well-rounded education with a wide range of areas of study, numerous scholarships, and financial aid programs with a no-loan policy, all on beautiful campuses. The attractive features of these colleges, combined with the USA’s secure environment, strong economy, and wealth of highly accredited institutions, make the USA a top choice for international students going for Liberal Arts Colleges.
What is the Best Major/s or Program/s to Study at Liberal Arts Colleges?
While there is no single “best” program, Liberal Arts Colleges in the US see high demand in certain fields. Based on admission statistics, Political Science/Governmental Studies, Economics/Mathematics, and Computer Science/Engineering are consistently popular choices. These programs provide a strong foundation for careers in law, public policy, finance, technology, and more.
Bowdoin College, for instance, exemplifies this trend. According to their website, Governmental and Legal Studies, and Economics rank among the most popular majors for undergraduates.
Which Liberal Arts Schools Offer the Best Financial Aid and Scholarships?
Many liberal arts colleges in the USA are known for their generous financial aid and scholarship programs. Notable schools include Amherst College, which meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans, and Williams College, which also offers similar all-grant financial aid packages. Additionally, Swarthmore College and Wellesley College also provide substantial financial aid and allow for outside scholarships, ensuring accessibility for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Whether it’s Williams, Harvey Mudd, or Pomona, all seven of these liberal arts colleges exemplify the growing trend of liberal arts education worldwide, starting with the USA. These esteemed institutions offer an exciting range of programs, a flexible curriculum, affordable attendance costs, and, most importantly, an education nurtured with creativity, problem-solving, and inclusiveness!
We hope this article will help in your search for the best liberal arts college in the U.S. For more valuable tips and insightful articles, check out our Guide to Studying in the U.S. If you looking for study programs, visit our Available Programs for more study opportunities!
