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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best General Studies Schools

472 Colleges in the United States
104,554 General Studies Degrees Awarded
$36,159 Avg Early-Career Salary

General Studies programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. The schools below stand out for the quality of their general studies programs.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 1069 schools to find the best for general studies students.

What’s on this page:

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Choosing a Great General Studies School

Best General Studies Schools

Where you study general studies matters for your future. That is why we built our Best General Studies Schools rankings. For our Best Overall General Studies School ranking, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

General Studies Rankings by Degree Level

Associate's Degrees in General Studies
Bachelor's Degrees in General Studies
Master's Degrees in General Studies
Doctoral Degrees in General Studies

We offer several rankings, including this Best General Studies Schools list, to help you decide. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.

See how we build our rankings

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Best Schools for General Studies in the United States

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the general studies degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in General Studies

1

No school ranked higher than The University Of Texas At Austin this year for general studies. Set in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public institution. The University Of Texas At Austin graduates 89% of students within six years. There were roughly 23 general studies students who graduated with this degree at The University Of Texas At Austin in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general studies degree from The University Of Texas At Austin earn around $69,994 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,052. More information about a degree in general studies from The University Of Texas At Austin

2

Cornell University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best general studies schools. Set in the city of Ithaca, Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. About 18 general studies degrees were awarded at Cornell University in the most recent year. Students who receive their general studies degree from Cornell University earn around $46,072 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $15,005 to complete this degree. Get the full general studies details for Cornell University

3

George Mason University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in general studies, landing the #3 spot this year. George Mason University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fairfax. About 68% of students finish within six years. About 136 general studies degrees were awarded at George Mason University in the most recent year. General Studies graduates of George Mason University earn a median of $41,398 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete this degree. Get the full general studies details for George Mason University

4
Rowan University crest
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ

A rank of #4 makes Rowan University one of the top schools for general studies. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Glassboro. Rowan University graduates 67% of students within six years. Rowan University awarded about 118 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general studies degree from Rowan University earn around $43,486 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. Get the full general studies details for Rowan University

5

University Of Connecticut is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in general studies, landing the #5 spot this year. This very large public university is located in the town of Storrs. About 83% of students finish within six years. About 119 general studies degrees were awarded at University Of Connecticut in the most recent year. General Studies graduates of University Of Connecticut earn a median of $44,240 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $22,000 to complete this degree. Get the full general studies details for University Of Connecticut

6
University Of Miami crest
University Of Miami
Coral Gables, FL

University Of Miami landed the #6 spot for general studies this year. Located in the suburb of Coral Gables, University Of Miami is a very large private not-for-profit university. University Of Miami graduates 84% of students within six years. University Of Miami awarded about 29 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. General Studies graduates of University Of Miami earn a median of $50,614 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $28,590 to complete this degree. Read more about the general studies program at University Of Miami

7

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earned the #7 position for general studies this year. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public institution. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor graduates 93% of students within six years. About 54 general studies degrees were awarded at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor in the most recent year. Graduates of the general studies program make about $38,065 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $20,728 to complete this degree. Read more about the general studies program at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

8

University Of North Texas ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best general studies schools. University Of North Texas is a very large public school located in the city of Denton. About 61% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 365 general studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of North Texas in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general studies program make about $36,588 in their early career. University Of North Texas graduates carry a median of $22,254 in student loans. More information about a degree in general studies from University Of North Texas

9

George Washington University came in at #9 for general studies this year. Located in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. George Washington University awarded about 10 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general studies degree from George Washington University earn around $73,749 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $22,910 to complete this degree. Read more about the general studies program at George Washington University

10

Sacred Heart University landed the #10 spot for general studies this year. Set in the suburb of Fairfield, Sacred Heart University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. Sacred Heart University awarded about 33 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. General Studies graduates of Sacred Heart University earn a median of $62,864 early in their careers. Sacred Heart University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about the general studies program at Sacred Heart University

11

University Of Delaware placed #11 among the best general studies schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Newark. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 178 general studies degrees were awarded at University Of Delaware in the most recent year. General Studies graduates of University Of Delaware earn a median of $13,833 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $6,500. Read more about the general studies program at University Of Delaware

12
University Of Mary crest
University Of Mary
Bismarck, ND

University Of Mary placed #12 among the best general studies schools. University Of Mary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Bismarck. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Mary awarded about 22 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general studies program make about $65,565 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,983. See the full general studies program report for University Of Mary

13

University Of North Dakota earned the #13 position for general studies this year. Set in the city of Grand Forks, University Of North Dakota is a large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. University Of North Dakota awarded about 97 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. General Studies graduates of University Of North Dakota earn a median of $42,948 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $24,901 to complete this degree. See the full general studies program report for University Of North Dakota

14

Worcester State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best general studies schools. Located in the city of Worcester, Worcester State University is a moderately-sized public university. Worcester State University graduates 62% of students within six years. There were roughly 27 general studies students who graduated with this degree at Worcester State University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Worcester State University generally make around $43,996. Typical student debt for the program is $23,907. See the full general studies program report for Worcester State University

15
Harper College crest
Harper College
Palatine, IL

Harper College landed the #15 spot for general studies this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Palatine. There were roughly 139 general studies students who graduated with this degree at Harper College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Harper College generally make around $27,619. Typical student debt for the program is $7,500. More information about a degree in general studies from Harper College

16

University Of Chicago earned the #16 position for general studies this year. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 22 general studies degrees were awarded at University Of Chicago in the most recent year. Students who receive their general studies degree from University Of Chicago earn around $26,094 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $15,854. Get the full general studies details for University Of Chicago

17
College Of Dupage crest
College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL

College Of Dupage ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best general studies schools. Located in the suburb of Glen Ellyn, College Of Dupage is a very large public university. About 103 general studies degrees were awarded at College Of Dupage in the most recent year. Students who receive their general studies degree from College Of Dupage earn around $28,678 in the first couple years of their career. College Of Dupage graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. More information about a degree in general studies from College Of Dupage

18

Tennessee Technological University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best general studies schools. Set in the town of Cookeville, Tennessee Technological University is a large public institution. About 58% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 58 general studies students who graduated with this degree at Tennessee Technological University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general studies program make about $48,808 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete this degree. See the full general studies program report for Tennessee Technological University

19
Villanova University crest
Villanova University
Villanova, PA

Villanova University earned the #19 position for general studies this year. Set in the suburb of Villanova, Villanova University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. Villanova University awarded about 10 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. General Studies graduates of Villanova University earn a median of $52,183 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,000. Get the full general studies details for Villanova University

20
University Of Kansas crest
University Of Kansas
Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas earned the #20 position for general studies this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Lawrence. University Of Kansas graduates 69% of students within six years. There were roughly 141 general studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Kansas in the most recent data year. General Studies graduates of University Of Kansas earn a median of $42,527 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete this degree. Read more about the general studies program at University Of Kansas

21

State University Of New York At New Paltz landed the #21 spot for general studies this year. Set in the town of New Paltz, State University Of New York At New Paltz is a moderately-sized public institution. State University Of New York At New Paltz graduates 72% of students within six years. There were roughly 32 general studies students who graduated with this degree at State University Of New York At New Paltz in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from State University Of New York At New Paltz generally make around $41,000. Students borrow a median of $21,530 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in general studies from State University Of New York At New Paltz

22

University Of St Thomas Texas earned the #22 position for general studies this year. Located in the city of Houston, University Of St Thomas Texas is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. University Of St Thomas Texas graduates 69% of students within six years. About 17 general studies degrees were awarded at University Of St Thomas Texas in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from University Of St Thomas Texas generally make around $50,420. University Of St Thomas Texas graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Get the full general studies details for University Of St Thomas Texas

23
Aurora University crest
Aurora University
Aurora, IL

Aurora University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best general studies schools. Located in the suburb of Aurora, Aurora University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Aurora University graduates 60% of students within six years. Aurora University awarded about 22 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. General Studies graduates of Aurora University earn a median of $44,614 early in their careers. Aurora University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about the general studies program at Aurora University

24

University Of Wyoming placed #24 among the best general studies schools. University Of Wyoming is a large public school located in the town of Laramie. University Of Wyoming graduates 59% of students within six years. There were roughly 44 general studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Wyoming in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from University Of Wyoming generally make around $49,890. University Of Wyoming graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about the general studies program at University Of Wyoming

25

Joliet Junior College earned the #25 position for general studies this year. Joliet Junior College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Joliet. About 112 general studies degrees were awarded at Joliet Junior College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Joliet Junior College generally make around $27,296. Joliet Junior College graduates carry a median of $8,250 in student loans. Read more about the general studies program at Joliet Junior College

Rest of the Top 50 General Studies Schools

These schools also placed among the best for general studies this year:

26
27
28
29
30
31
Salt Lake Community College crest
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UT
32
33
34
35
36
37
Colorado Mountain College crest
Colorado Mountain College
Glenwood Springs, CO
38
39
40
41
42
43
Ashland University crest
Ashland University
Ashland, OH
44
45
Golden West College crest
Golden West College
Huntington Beach, CA
46
47
48
49
50
University Of New Haven crest
University Of New Haven
West Haven, CT

Additional General Studies Award Winners

These schools also earned a top-quality badge for general studies this year:

Rank School Location
#52 Northern Virginia Community College Annandale, VA
#53 Capital Community College New Britain, CT
#54 Oklahoma State University Main Campus Stillwater, OK
#55 Waubonsee Community College Sugar Grove, IL
#56 El Centro College Dallas, TX
#57 Lincoln Land Community College Springfield, IL
#61 Austin Community College District Austin, TX
#62 Tarrant County College District Fort Worth, TX
#64 Texas Womans University Denton, TX
#65 West Virginia University Morgantown, WV
#66 University Of Nebraska At Omaha Omaha, NE
#69 Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX
#77 Utah State University Logan, UT
#79 Macomb Community College Warren, MI
#80 Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN
#82 Depaul University Chicago, IL
#88 University Of Bridgeport Bridgeport, CT
#90 Eastern Connecticut State University Willimantic, CT
#94 Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH
#95 The University Of Texas At San Antonio San Antonio, TX
#96 College Of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, NV
#104 Pima Community College Tucson, AZ
#110 Northwest Arkansas Community College Bentonville, AR
#112 Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus Teaneck, NJ
#115 Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global Marion, IN

Honorable Mentions

These schools earned honorable mentions for general studies:

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General Studies by Region

View the Best General Studies Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

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View All Rankings >

Explore other rankings in majors related to General Studies. Browse the parent area of study.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 1069 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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