Best Liberal Arts Colleges in the U.S. (2024 Rankings)

Ah, the daunting task of picking a college. Thousands of high school grads are taking the leap of faith and flocking to college campuses all over America. It's like a migration, but with more textbooks and caffeine-fueled study sessions.

And let's face it, choosing a college is a big freakin' deal. But don't worry, we're here to talk about one particular type of school - liberal arts colleges.

You might be thinking, "What the heck is a liberal arts college?" Well, my friend, it's a four-year institution that focuses on liberal arts and sciences, humanities, and other related fields. Basically, you'll be studying the stuff that makes you a well-rounded individual.

But what sets these colleges apart is their emphasis on small class sizes, a broad education, and personal growth. It's like a close-knit community where you can learn how to think deeply and communicate effectively. 

Plus, you'll get to know your professors on a first-name basis and avoid getting lost in a sea of students. So, if you're looking for an intimate college experience that will expand your mind and horizons, a liberal arts college might just be the right fit.

Note: This is not a college ranking - these schools are listed in no particular order.

10 best liberal arts colleges in 2024

We've done the grunt work and put together a list of the top 10 American liberal arts colleges and universities by key ranking factors. We considered several things like cost, degree programs, campus life, and more.

Amherst College

Acceptance rate: 12% 

Undergraduate students: 1,971

Average tuition: $61,150

4-year graduation rate: 87%

6-year graduation rate: 92%

Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts, is a top liberal arts college where nearly all the students (98%) live on campus. The school offers 42 majors, including biochemistry and biophysics.

Amherst's dedication to diversity and financial aid makes it worth considering. Additionally, the campus hosts a 500-acre wildlife sanctuary and the oldest athletics program in the country.

And, for those who love the changing seasons, Amherst's New England location is a perfect fit, just a short two-hour drive from Boston.

Bates College

Acceptance rate: 17%

Undergraduate students: 1,821 

Average tuition: $59,062

4-year graduation rate: 88%

6-year graduation rate: 92%

Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, opened in 1855 as New England's first coed college and is making waves as one of the best liberal arts colleges out there.

Bates College is known for its "short term" - a four-week period in the spring where students can take a break from the daily grind and focus on personal projects, one class, fieldwork, or travel. So if you're looking for a school that prioritizes personal growth and exploration, Bates College might be just the ticket.

Bowdoin College

Acceptance rate: 9% 

Undergraduate students: 1,951

Average tuition: $58,322

4-year graduation rate: 89%

6-year graduation rate: 94%

Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, has been around since 1794. Bowdoin takes pride in its diversity and inclusion, rigorous programs, and need-blind admission policy.

At Bowdoin, you can expect to leave with a bachelor's degree in the liberal arts. The school's top five declared majors are Government and Legal Studies, Economics, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Biology.

If sports are your thing, you can join several Polar Bear teams, including Nordic skiing, squash, rugby, and sailing.

Claremont McKenna College

Acceptance rate: 11%

Undergraduate students: 1,416

Average tuition: $58,111

4-year graduation rate: 80%

6-year graduation rate: 93%

Claremont McKenna College is just 30 miles east of Los Angeles in California. It's part of The Claremont Colleges, a seven-institution collaboration.

Claremont McKenna is a unique liberal arts school that's part of an exceptional network of faculty and students dedicated to providing extensive research and educational opportunities. Roughly 18% of its students are first-generation college students.

If you're looking for a rigorous program with small class sizes but the capabilities of a large research institution, Claremont McKenna is the perfect fit. 

Harvey Mudd College

Acceptance rate: 10%

Undergraduate students: 905

Average tuition: $60,703

4-year graduation rate: 88%

6-year graduation rate: 94%

Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California, is one of the few liberal arts colleges that focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Founded in 1955, Harvey Mudd College has a great reputation and is consistently ranked as one of the top engineering programs in the country. 

This college isn't for the faint of heart. Expect rigorous coursework and a lot of challenging problem sets. However, if you can handle the heat, you'll leave Harvey Mudd with excellent job prospects and the knowledge to tackle some of the world's most complex problems.

Pomona College

Acceptance rate: 7%

Undergraduate students: 1,764

Average tuition: $56,686

4-year graduation rate: 86%

6-year graduation rate: 93%

Pomona College is part of The Claremont Colleges and was founded in 1887 as a New England-style institution on the West Coast. 

Pomona's curriculum covers everything from the arts and humanities to the natural sciences and social sciences, with plenty of interdisciplinary options. The college offers study abroad, internships, and research programs.

Pomona has eight musical ensembles, theater productions, and art exhibits. Plus, with over 250 clubs and organizations, you'll have no problem finding your people and making the most out of your college experience.

Swarthmore College

Acceptance rate: 8%

Undergraduate students: 1,651

Average tuition: $56,056

4-year graduation rate: 87%

6-year graduation rate: 94%

Swarthmore College is a liberal arts college just 11 miles from Philadelphia. Swarthmore is part of a consortium with Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges and the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania. The freshman class represents all 50 states, six continents, and 86 nations. 

Each summer, Swarthmore offers more than $800,000 in funding to support undergraduate research and independent projects.

Washington and Lee University

Acceptance rate: 19%

Undergraduate students: 1,857

Average tuition: $59,380

4-year graduation rate: 91%

6-year graduation rate: 94%

Washington and Lee University, or W&L for short, in Lexington, Virginia, is located in the Virginia mountains. As the ninth-oldest college in the U.S., they have plenty of history but are dedicated to providing a modern education with a global perspective and hands-on curriculum.

W&L offers 36 majors and 41 minors to choose from, including business, journalism, and political science. They even offer the option to design your own major.

The university provides plenty of opportunities for campus engagement, including clubs, intramural sports, and concerts.

Wellesley College

Acceptance rate: 16%

Undergraduate students: 2,461

Average tuition: $60,752

4-year graduation rate: 84%

6-year graduation rate: 92%

Wellesley College is a women's college that's been around since 1870 and is located near Boston. With 60 majors and 150 student organizations, you'll have plenty of options to choose from. Wellesley has 13 varsity teams for sports enthusiasts.

Williams College

Acceptance rate: 9% 

Undergraduate students: 2,174

Average tuition: $59,660

4-year graduation rate: 85%

6-year graduation rate: 94%

Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, offers a comprehensive financial aid program. Students with demonstrated need get everything from free textbooks to health insurance.

With around 60 areas of study, Williams covers humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and more. The college brings in innovative thinkers and scholars to teach students.

More liberal arts colleges to consider

If you're interested in exploring some of the top liberal arts colleges in the U.S., there are plenty of great options out there. Some honorable mentions not included in the ranks above include:

• Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York
• Smith College, a women's college in Northampton, Massachusetts
• Barnard College, a women's college in New York City
• University of Richmond in Virginia
• Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut
• Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota
• Colgate University in Hamilton, New York
• Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina
• Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont
• Hamilton College in Clinton, New York
• Colby College in Waterville, Maine
• Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee
• Reed College in Portland, Oregon
• Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa
• Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky
• Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York
• Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, New Hampshire

What is a liberal arts college?

Unlike their more specialized counterparts, these schools focus on a broad range of subjects, including the arts, sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Expect to develop your critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills while expanding your worldview.

Some features that stand out among liberal arts schools include:

• A focus on bachelor's degrees
• Smaller class sizes
• Many coursework options

Why choose a liberal arts college?

Several features may stand out when considering liberal arts schools. Maybe you're an introvert or the type of person who excels in small groups, or you want to explore various topics in the arts and sciences.

Some other reasons to pursue a liberal arts education include:

• Financial aid options. Private school tuition can come with sticker shock, but financial aid can make the cost of attending a liberal arts school comparable to a public university. Start your financial aid search by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 
• High graduation rates. The schools mentioned are well-known for their high graduation rates, often exceeding 90%.
• Personal and professional relationships. A smaller campus means more opportunities for deep connections with the student body and your professors. Most liberal arts students reside on or near campus and participate in campus events throughout the year. 

Easily compile and compare your top school choices with College Rover

Are you ready to add the best liberal arts colleges to your shortlist of potential higher education schools? Do you want to search for and compare colleges or keep a spreadsheet to share with your parents and friends? 

Use College Rover to compare colleges and universities so you can make the best college decision. Whether that means attending a small liberal arts school in New England, a competitive Ivy League school like Columbia University in New York, a military school like West Point, or a public university in your home state, College Rover has everything you need to start your search and stay organized along the way.

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.