8 Most Liberal Colleges in the U.S. (2024)

Bill Townsend
10/2/2024 | 5 Min Read

8 Most Liberal Colleges in the U.S. (2024)

Table of Contents

Students have varying priorities and preferences after high school. Finding a campus community that aligns with your values is important for some college students. So, you may opt for college campuses known for supporting liberal values.

Here is a range of liberal-leaning colleges, from small art schools to research universities (listed in no particular order). We'll share the latest data on each school's student population, tuition costs, and more.

8 most liberal colleges in the U.S.

The following list of liberal colleges includes schools known for upholding progressive values. They prioritize diversity, inclusivity, and social responsibility and offer liberal students opportunities to engage in activism and community service.

American University

American University (AU) is a private liberal arts university in Washington, D.C. It's known for its political science, international relations, journalism, and public affairs programs. The Northwest D.C. campus provides access to internships and engagement in the U.S. capital.

AU has a politically active student body, and the school emphasizes civic engagement with its Center for Diversity and Inclusion, which is dedicated to enhancing the experience of LGBTQ, women, and first-generation students.

Key insights:

8,463 undergrad students
45% nonwhite students (approximately)
63% women students
64% admission rate
$53,334 average tuition

University of California - Santa Cruz

The University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) is a renowned public research university in Santa Cruz, California. UCSC is known for its progressive values, embrace of counterculture, and commitment to environmental sustainability. Popular subjects at UCSC include ethnic studies and the History of Consciousness.

The school is also breaking ground in promoting genomics with a recent breakthrough human pangenome reference project. UCSC also boasts a picturesque coastal campus, of which 55% is a protected natural landscape. It can be pricey to live in Santa Cruz (although not quite as expensive as major California cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles), so it's a good thing there are plenty of student housing options.

Key insights:

17,864 undergrad students
69% nonwhite students (approximately)
48% women students
59% admission rate
$14,070 average in-state tuition
$43,824 average out-of-state tuition

University of Vermont

The University of Vermont (UVM) is a public research university in Burlington, Vermont, known for its high academic rigor and exceptional facilities. The school is a designated "Public Ivy," which solidifies its place as one of the more prestigious public schools in the U.S.

UVM emphasizes sustainability and environmental stewardship, conducting research and innovation in medicine, engineering, and social sciences. Its location also offers a picturesque setting for students to enjoy.

Key insights:

11,626 undergrad students
16% nonwhite students (approximately)
62% women students
64% admission rate
$19,002 average in-state tuition
$43,890 average out-of-state tuition

Mount Holyoke College

Mount Holyoke College is a private liberal arts women's college situated in South Hadley, Massachusetts. Holyoke is renowned for its commitment to women's education and empowerment and has a reputation for promoting intellectual curiosity and social justice.

Holyoke is an all-female college with an ethnically diverse student body. It also boasts famous alum like poet Emily Dickinson and African American political groundbreaker Shirley Chisholm.

Key insights:

2,220 undergrad students
50% nonwhite students (approximately)
100% women students
52% admission rate
$56,518 average tuition

Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) is a public university in Chicago, Illinois. It is known for its accessibility, affordability, and low student debt in higher education. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, NEIU serves a diverse student population with a Hispanic majority and has been named one of the most diverse schools in the Midwest.

NEIU also welcomes adult learners and offers a mix of liberal arts and pre-professional programs. Top majors include computer science, psychology, and social work.

Key insights:

4,608 undergrad students
77% nonwhite students (approximately)
58% women students
62% admission rate
$12,064 average in-state tuition
$22,155 average out-of-state tuition

Bennington College

Bennington College is a private liberal arts college located in Bennington, Vermont. Bennington was founded as a women's college but became coed in 1969. This small-town school has an Ivy League vibe. It is known for emphasizing individualized and self-directed learning, allowing students to design their academic paths through a flexible curriculum.

With state-of-the-art facilities, Bennington excels in humanities and the arts, including visual arts, performing arts, and writing.

Key insights:

771 undergrad students
40% nonwhite students (approximately)
63% women students
67% admission rate
$59,638 average tuition

Portland State University

Portland State University (PSU) is a public research university located in downtown Portland, Oregon. Known for its urban engagement and commitment to sustainability, PSU is recognized for its urban planning, sustainability, business, engineering, and social sciences programs.

It offers internships, networking, and cultural experiences. Democratic former President Jimmy Carter and Rosalyn Carter's Partner Foundation has also recognized PSU for its Community Watershed Stewardship Program.

Key insights:

17,753 undergrad students
50% nonwhite students (approximately)
56% women students
98% admission rate
$10,386 average in-state tuition
$29,286 average out-of-state tuition

San Jose State University

San Jose State University (SJSU) is a public university located in San Jose, California. It is known for its engineering, business, computer science, and arts programs. With a student population of over 35,000, SJSU is one of the largest universities in California.

The campus is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, providing access to internships and networking opportunities with tech and business professionals. SJSU also has a food pantry to help students experiencing food insecurity.

Key insights:

28,288 undergrad students
87% nonwhite students (approximately)
49% women students
84% admission rate
$7,852 average in-state tuition
$19,732 average out-of-state tuition

Other liberal schools

While we've singled out the most liberal U.S. colleges, some of the best colleges in the country also have liberal political leanings. Consider them in your broader search or compare them with the schools mentioned above:

How to choose the best liberal college

As you sort through your list of colleges to consider, here are a few things to keep in mind to help you make your final decision:

Geographic location. Would you prefer to be close to home or explore somewhere new? Do you want a warm climate or changing seasons, and would you like an urban, suburban, or small town?
Majors. Does the college offer your intended major(s) of interest? What are the college admission requirements for your subject, and are there interdisciplinary opportunities?
Academic quality. What is the college's reputation, ranking, and accreditation status in your discipline? Does the faculty have expertise in the subjects you're considering? What's the graduation rate?
School size and student body. How many students are there, and what is the average class size? Do you prefer a small, intimate campus or a larger, diverse community?
Tuition and housing. What is the net cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses? Are financial aid and scholarship opportunities available?
Culture. Is the student body diverse and inclusive? Is it a party school? Does the school offer extracurricular clubs and organizations?

Liberal college FAQ

Here are answers to some common questions about liberal colleges:

Is a liberal college the same as a liberal arts school?

No - a liberal college usually refers to a school with left-leaning political views. A liberal arts school, on the other hand, offers a broad education in many subjects like literature, history, and science. Liberal arts schools can have any political leaning.

Is Duke liberal or conservative?

Duke University is generally considered to be politically moderate. It has both liberal and conservative elements on campus. The student body tends to be slightly more liberal, but the school itself tries to maintain a balanced approach to politics.

Are all liberal colleges Christian?

No. Many are secular, meaning they don't have any religious affiliation. Some Christian colleges are politically liberal, but this isn't true for all of them. Liberal colleges can have various religious backgrounds or none at all.

Use College Rover to find the best school for you

Remember, even the most conservative college will have liberal students, and vice versa. You might also consider colleges known for diverse student bodies, such as Boston University, New York University, Northwestern University, Columbia University, and the University of Washington. Even at the most liberal colleges in America, you should expect to encounter a variety of perspectives and ideas.

College Rover is a trusted platform that provides valuable information and tools to research and compare programs, costs, enrollment rates, and more. Visit College Rover today and find the liberal college that suits you.

College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.