When it comes to choosing a college, there are many factors to consider, including location, size, academic offerings, campus culture, and cost. For students who are looking for a well-rounded education with a focus on the humanities and social sciences, liberal arts colleges can be an excellent option.
Liberal arts colleges are small, residential institutions that prioritize undergraduate education and emphasize the development of critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. They typically offer a broad range of majors in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, and encourage students to explore diverse academic disciplines.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best liberal arts colleges in the United States, based on various factors such as academic reputation, student satisfaction, graduation rates, and post-graduation outcomes.
So, whether you are a high school student considering your college options, a transfer student looking for a new academic home, or a parent or guidance counselor helping a student navigate the college search process, this guide will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Let’s get started!
Williams College
Located in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Williams College is widely considered the best liberal arts college in the United States (alternating with Amherst, of course). Founded in 1793, Williams College has a long and distinguished history of academic excellence, with a strong commitment to undergraduate education. It is without a doubt one of the best Liberal Arts Colleges in the US.
At Williams College, undergraduate students can choose from over 50 majors in a variety of fields, including the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The college also offers a number of interdisciplinary programs, including programs in Africana studies, environmental studies, neuroscience, and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies.
One of the hallmarks of the Williams College undergraduate program is its commitment to small class sizes and close faculty-student relationships. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, students at Williams College benefit from individualized attention and mentorship from their professors. This close collaboration between students and faculty allows for a deep and engaging learning experience, with opportunities for independent research, creative projects, and intellectual exploration.
One of our favorite things about the Williams’ undergraduate program is the tutorial system. In tutorials, students work closely with faculty members in small groups of two or three to discuss and analyze primary texts or other materials. This format provides students with the opportunity to engage in deep, intellectual conversations with their peers and professors and to develop critical thinking and communication skills.
In addition to its rigorous academic program, Williams College also offers a vibrant and inclusive campus community, with a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations. The college’s Office of Student Life supports students in their personal and social development, providing resources and programming on a range of topics, including wellness, identity, and leadership.
Amherst College
One of the best Liberal Arts colleges in the US is Amherst College. Amherst College is a private, liberal arts college that is the top LAC in years Williams is not. With a student body of around 1,800, Amherst offers an intimate and rigorous academic experience.
At the heart of Amherst’s undergraduate program is its open curriculum, which allows students to design their own course of study without being bound by distribution requirements or majors. Instead of following a prescribed set of courses, students are encouraged to explore a variety of academic disciplines and pursue their intellectual passions.
This approach to education is supported by Amherst’s exceptional faculty, who are dedicated to teaching and mentoring undergraduates. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, students have the opportunity to work closely with professors in small classes and through one-on-one research projects.
Amherst’s academic program is structured around a four-course semester system, with each course typically consisting of two weekly lectures and one weekly discussion section. The college offers over 40 majors and more than 800 courses, ranging from traditional disciplines like English and history to interdisciplinary fields like neuroscience and environmental studies.
In addition to its academic offerings, Amherst provides students with a wide range of research, internship, and study abroad opportunities. The college’s Center for Community Engagement connects students with local organizations for community-based learning projects, while its Office of Fellowships and Career Services provides guidance and resources for students pursuing post-graduate opportunities.
Amherst’s undergraduate program has the most sincere commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we have seen. The college has a robust set of initiatives and programs aimed at promoting a welcoming and inclusive campus culture, including the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Queer Resource Center, and the Center for International Student Engagement.
Swarthmore College
Located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college with a strong commitment to academic rigor, intellectual curiosity, and social responsibility. The college’s undergraduate program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education that combines a broad range of intellectual pursuits with a commitment to social justice and community engagement. For years Swarthmore College has been named one of the best Liberal Arts colleges.
The college’s academic program is based on a curriculum that emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and hands-on experience. Swarthmore students have the opportunity to choose from more than 40 majors and minors across three divisions: the humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences and engineering.
One famous aspect of Swarthmore’s academic program is its Honors Program, which provides an opportunity for students to conduct independent research or creative work in their major field of study. Honors students work closely with a faculty advisor to develop and execute a research project or creative work, culminating in a thesis or final project.
Another defining feature of Swarthmore’s undergraduate program is its emphasis on social responsibility and community engagement. The college’s campus is home to a number of centers and institutes that focus on issues such as social justice, environmental sustainability, and global citizenship. Students have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of community-based programs, including service learning, volunteerism, and internships, all of which allow them to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges.
Pomona College
Established in 1887, Pomona has consistently ranked among the top five liberal arts colleges in the U.S. News & World Report rankings.
Pomona College’s undergraduate program is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education that emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and an appreciation for diverse perspectives. The college offers over 45 majors and minors, as well as a range of interdisciplinary programs that allow students to explore different fields of study.
The college’s core curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts tradition, with courses in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. All students are required to complete a first-year seminar, which introduces them to the college’s academic expectations and encourages them to engage in intellectual inquiry and exploration.
The college’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) provides funding for students to conduct research projects under the supervision of faculty mentors, while the Draper Center for Community Partnerships offers students the chance to work with local organizations on issues such as education, health, and the environment.
Pomona College is part of a consortium with the other Claremont Colleges, which allows students to take courses and participate in extracurricular activities at any of the other five colleges in the consortium. This provides students with a wealth of resources and opportunities beyond what is available at Pomona College alone.
In terms of student life, Pomona College is known for its vibrant and diverse student community. The college has over 200 student organizations, including cultural clubs, academic clubs, and social clubs. The college’s athletics program is also highly regarded, with varsity teams in over 20 sports and a strong tradition of athletic excellence.
Wellesley College
Located just outside of Boston, Wellesley College is a private liberal arts college for women that was founded in 1870. It is known for its rigorous academic program, exceptional faculty, and commitment to the education and empowerment of women. With an enrollment of around 2,500 students, Wellesley offers a close-knit, supportive community where students can develop their intellectual, personal, and leadership skills.
Wellesley College offers a comprehensive undergraduate program that combines a strong foundation in the liberal arts with opportunities for advanced research, independent study, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The curriculum is designed to challenge students to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage with complex ideas and issues.
Wellesley has 56 academic departments and programs, including majors in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Some of the most popular majors at Wellesley include economics, psychology, biology, political science, and English. The college also offers interdisciplinary majors such as Environmental Studies, Cognitive and Linguistic Sciences, and Women’s and Gender Studies.
Wellesley also offers a number of innovative programs and initiatives to support students’ intellectual and personal growth. These include the Albright Institute for Global Affairs, the Tanner Conference on Women, Gender, and Social Justice, and the Freedom Project, which explores issues of human rights, democracy, and justice.
Bowdoin College
Located in Brunswick, Maine, Bowdoin College is a small, highly selective liberal arts college that was founded in 1794. With an enrollment of just over 1,800 undergraduate students, Bowdoin offers a personalized education experience with a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1.
Bowdoin’s undergraduate program is rooted in the liberal arts tradition, providing students with a broad foundation of knowledge and skills across a range of academic disciplines. The college offers 39 majors and 58 minors, with popular majors including government and legal studies, economics, biology, and computer science.
A hallmark of the Bowdoin curriculum is the distribution requirements, which are designed to ensure that students receive a well-rounded education across a range of academic disciplines. All students must complete courses in each of the following areas: arts, literature, and languages; history and social sciences; natural sciences and mathematics; and quantitative reasoning. In addition, students must complete a course in writing and a course in the analysis of argument.
At Bowdoin, students benefit from a close-knit and supportive community that is committed to academic excellence, personal growth, and social responsibility. With a robust and flexible curriculum, a strong emphasis on experiential learning, and a commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world, Bowdoin College is an excellent choice for students who are looking for a challenging and rewarding undergraduate experience.
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy (USNA) is a federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, and is one of the five service academies in the United States. Established in 1845, the USNA has a long and proud history of educating young men and women to become leaders in the Navy and Marine Corps.
As a liberal arts college, the USNA provides a comprehensive undergraduate education that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills. However, unlike traditional liberal arts colleges, the USNA also requires all students to complete a rigorous military training program, which includes physical fitness training, seamanship, and leadership development.
Academically, the USNA offers majors in over 20 different fields, including engineering, political science, history, and mathematics. In addition to these majors, all students are required to complete a core curriculum that includes courses in English, foreign languages, natural sciences, and humanities.
USNA’s academic program has a strong emphasis on STEM education. All students are required to take courses in mathematics, chemistry, and physics, and many students choose to major in one of the engineering fields, such as aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering. The USNA is also home to state-of-the-art research facilities, including a laboratory for underwater acoustic research and a wind tunnel for aeronautical research.
In addition to the academic program, the USNA has a strong emphasis on leadership development. All students are required to participate in military training and leadership development courses, which help them develop the skills necessary to become effective leaders in the Navy and Marine Corps. The USNA also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including club sports, music ensembles, and community service opportunities.
One key benefit of attending the USNA is the financial support provided to students. All students receive a full scholarship, which covers tuition, room and board, and medical and dental care in return for five years of service after graduating.
United States Military Academy at West Point
The United States Military Academy at West Point, commonly known as West Point, is a highly selective, four-year undergraduate institution that trains future officers of the United States Army. Founded in 1802, West Point is one of the oldest and most prestigious military academies in the country, with a mission to produce leaders of character who are committed to serving the nation.
At West Point, the undergraduate program is designed to provide students with a rigorous academic education, military training, and leadership development. The curriculum is structured around a core curriculum in the humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and science, as well as specialized courses in engineering, military science, and physical education.
The academic program at West Point is divided into two parts: the first two years, known as the plebe and yuk years, and the last two years, known as the cow and firstie years. During the plebe years, students are immersed in a highly structured and disciplined environment, where they learn the foundational skills and knowledge necessary for success at West Point and in the Army. This includes courses in English, history, mathematics, science, and physical education, as well as military training in tactics, leadership, and physical fitness.
In the upper class years, students have more flexibility to choose their courses and focus on their chosen major. West Point offers majors in 17 academic disciplines, including engineering, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. Some of the most popular majors at West Point include Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Foreign Area Studies. In addition to major requirements, students are also required to take courses in leadership, ethics, and military science.
Throughout their four years at West Point, students are provided with numerous opportunities to develop their leadership skills, including through participation in military training, extracurricular activities, and service projects. The goal is to produce graduates who are not only academically proficient but also have the character and leadership qualities necessary to serve as officers in the United States Army.
Upon graduation, students are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Army and are required to serve a minimum of five years on active duty. This provides graduates with the opportunity to put their education and training to use in service to their country.
