Why Should I Consider a Liberal Arts College?
High school students today have many different college choices to compare. Public universities and private colleges each have their merits. But, students interested in finding a more intimate setting for in-depth learning should seriously consider a liberal arts college.
Liberal arts colleges are typically smaller institutions, often with student enrollment under 2,500. Many are private colleges with substantial endowments and resources available to attract exceptional students. Once on campus, students enjoy smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction with professors and greater emphasis on classroom discussion and hands-on learning.
What Can I Study at a Liberal Arts College?
Liberal arts college majors include a wide range of arts, humanities and science disciplines, including literature, philosophy, anthropology, political science, psychology, sociology and communications.
Instead of emphasizing vocational skills or specific career-focused paths such as engineering or nursing, liberal arts programs provide a more generalized education designed to build critical thinking and communication skills. As a result, liberal arts college graduates often find success in business, law, public service and politics.
Where Can I Find a Liberal Arts College?
Most liberal arts colleges are located east of the Mississippi River, although there are some notable exceptions. Many of these colleges were established around the time of the founding of our country and some are older than the states in which they are located. And, because there are only 200 private liberal arts colleges in the United States, they represent a relatively small segment of the four-year college market.
Small, but Mighty.
Some of the best-known and most highly esteemed colleges in the country are private liberal arts schools. With a degree from one of these schools, graduates join a long line of well-regarded alumni and gain a tightly woven network for job seeking and career advice.
Some examples of highly regarded elite liberal arts colleges include:
Williams College in Williamstown, MA
Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME
Carleton College in Northfield, MN
Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, PA
Pomona College in Claremont, CA
And for students who might not be at the very top of their class, some less selective (yet still loved by students) liberal arts colleges include:
Pitzer College in Claremont, CA
Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA
Kenyon College in Gambier, OH
The College of Wooster in Wooster, OH
Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC
Juniata College in Hunterdon, PA
For more information about liberal arts colleges and the value of a liberal arts education, please visit LiberalArtsColleges.com.
