25 Best Associate in Liberal Arts Colleges 2020
The 25 schools on this list offer the best earning potential for liberal arts students earning associate degrees. Median starting salaries for these schools range from $32,900 to $48,200. GateWay Community College students who earned an associate degree in liberal arts had the highest median salary one year after graduation. Students with the lowest median debt post-college were graduates of Central Texas College.
Tuition, median salaries, and median debt were reported by the U.S. Department of Education in November 2019. View our methodology for more details about these rankings or read more about the top-ranked schools.
| School | Annual Tuition | Median Debt | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| GateWay Community College - AZ | $7,854 | $15,000 | $48,200 |
| American Public University System | $7,324 | $8,821 | $45,400 |
| Palomar College | $8,898 | Not Reported | $44,300 |
| Sheridan College | $10,110 | $9,646 | $43,000 |
| Marion Technical College | $7,142 | $11,283 | $42,800 |
| Columbia Southern University | $6,600 | $17,852 | $39,900 |
| Charter Oak State College | $9,414 - $11,166 | $12,000 | $39,500 |
| Northern Virginia Community College | $11,693 | $12,000 | $39,500 |
| Thomas Edison State University | $9,856 | $14,615 | $38,000 |
| Central Texas College | $7,050 | $4,781 | $37,800 |
| Columbia College | $23,498 | $17,181 | $37,100 |
| Saint Leo University | $23,750 | $21,125 | $36,200 |
| Randolph Community College | $8,133 | Not Reported | $36,000 |
| Vincennes University | $14,364 | $14,056 | $35,900 |
| Lincoln Land Community College | $9,732 | $12,125 | $35,700 |
| Saddleback College | $9,590 | $6,500 | $34,400 |
| Midland College | $5,550 | Not Reported | $34,400 |
| Troy University | $13,520 | $24,834 | $34,000 |
| Massachusetts Bay Community College | $10,176 | $6,329 | $33,900 |
| Austin Community College District | $13,020 | $7,000 | $33,800 |
| BridgeValley Community & Technical College | $10,960 | Not Reported | $33,800 |
| Shorter University | $22,370 | $24,250 | $33,300 |
| Excelsior University | Not Provided | $6,135 | $33,200 |
| Northland Community and Technical College | $5,715 | $15,848 | $33,200 |
| Lake Superior College | $5,334 | $14,330 | $32,900 |
2020 Best Colleges Highlights
Learn more about the top colleges for an Associate in Liberal Arts degree. You can also read student reviews of each school by clicking on the stars. Although student reviews were not used as a ranking factor in this list, we provide ratings and reviews so students can consider the experience of alumni in their decision-making process.
The Associate in Arts: Arts and Humanities (AA) at Gateway Community College in Phoenix, Arizona offers studies emphasizing art, theater, history, religion, and language.
In this program, students complete two years of coursework; many continue to pursue their four-year degrees at one of Arizona’s three state universities or another university. Students can select from a variety of courses in the subject areas of art, art history, and the humanities. Course titles include Introduction to Cinema, Renaissance through Contemporary Art, Ceramics, Sculpture, and Drawing and Composition. Aspiring artists are given weekly opportunities to showcase their work. Students have access to open studio hours and can submit pieces for college events.
The American Public University System based in Charles Town, West Virginia, is a four-year, for-profit university that specializes in online education for adult learners and members of the military. The online Associate of Arts in General Studies is a flexible option for those seeking an interdisciplinary approach to higher education. The associate degree may be a precursor for students who wish to continue to a bachelor’s degree. General Studies courses guide students in reading and research, with classes in a wide range of subjects, from English to math. Elective options help students focus their academic interests while developing transferable skills.
Students complete a total of 60 credits in an 8-week, online format. 30 general education requirements combine with 30 general electives to complete the degree. Class titles include Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Applied Reasoning, and Arts and Humanities. Interested candidates must hold a high school degree or GED. There is no application fee, a free transfer credit evaluation, and zero cost for textbooks and eBooks.
An Associate Degree in General Studies from Palomar College offers three concentrations: Arts and Humanities, Science and Mathematics, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Based in San Diego, California, Palomar College is a public community institution with extra accommodations for active military members and their families.
Students who are unsure of their next career step can obtain this degree to explore a wide range of courses to hone their academic interest and passion. Candidates may also consider this program as an academic assessment before committing to a four-year degree, especially after time away from school. However, the associate degree in general studies does not guarantee completion of all course requirements for the first two years preceding a bachelor’s degree.
Because of the adaptable nature of the program, students have a breadth of classes from which to choose: foreign languages, digital broadcasting, earth sciences, mathematics, fashion, and many more. Palomar’s associate degrees require two years to complete.
Students pursuing a general studies associate degree from Sheridan College have two options from which to choose: an Associate of Art or an Associate of Science. Part of the Northern Wyoming Community College District (NWCCD), Sheridan College is a public, two-year institution in Sheridan, Wyoming. Because of the wide range of available courses covered in the field of general studies, graduates can prepare for further study or career advancement across numerous disciplines. Whatever their academic focus is, students will learn essential skills, including team building, effective communication, research principles, and problem-solving.
General Studies participants will have access to a large and flexible curriculum. Sheridan College students benefit from small class sizes with individualized support. Most degrees require 60 credit hours to complete. The college offers a range of student services, including tutoring, math and writing centers, counseling and disability services, and career readiness support. Sheridan College’s transfer programs also have a close partnership with the University of Wyoming.
Marion Technical College (MTC) in Marion, Ohio, offers flexible two-year programs and real-world skills. The Arts and Sciences department offers an Associate of Arts program that prepares students for a bachelor’s degree. Those who are unsure of their future career interests may consider the MTC associate degree as it provides the core curriculum to advance into various four-year programs. Students will take courses ranging from English and art to math and science. All Associate of Art students must complete one lab component.
Interested candidates should expect to take a placement exam that evaluates reading, math, and writing ability. MTC students will receive personalized attention from faculty, as well as advising and tutoring services as needed. MTC values real-world experience, and students will participate in some form of on-the-job practicum, internship, shadowing, or co-op before graduating. MTC’s Career Services offers job search assistance and has transfer agreements with many Ohio universities and colleges.