ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best General Studies Associate’s Degree Schools

379 Colleges in the United States
90,102 General Studies Degrees Awarded
$32,884 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.

College Factual analyzed 1069 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best general studies schools.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/liberal-arts-and-general-studies/general-studies/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/liberal-arts-and-general-studies/general-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/liberal-arts-and-general-studies/general-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/liberal-arts-and-general-studies/general-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/liberal-arts-and-general-studies/general-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/liberal-arts-and-general-studies/general-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/liberal-arts-and-general-studies/general-studies/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 4
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 24.01), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "AA in Liberal Arts" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "AA in Liberal Arts" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BA in General Studies" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BA in General Studies" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "General Studies (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "General Studies (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Liberal Arts & Humanities Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Liberal Arts & Humanities Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 4
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 2 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 2
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 0 offers with relevance >= 1.0
DEBUG: Backfilling with 2 offers with relevance >= 0.9

Best Schools for General Studies in the United States

These are the top schools for a associate’s degree in general studies, based on student outcomes and program quality.

Top Schools in General Studies

1

Our analysis ranked George Washington University the best school in the country for a degree in general studies. Located in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. George Washington University awarded about 10 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. General Studies graduates of George Washington University earn a median of $73,749 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $22,910 to complete this degree. Get the full general studies details for George Washington University

2
Harper College crest
Harper College
Palatine, IL

Harper College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in general studies, ranking #2. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Palatine. Harper College awarded about 139 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. General Studies graduates of Harper College earn a median of $27,619 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $7,500 to complete this degree. See the full general studies program report for Harper College

3

University Of Delaware is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in general studies, ranking #3. University Of Delaware is a very large public school located in the suburb of Newark. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. About 178 general studies degrees were awarded at University Of Delaware in the most recent year. Students who receive their general studies degree from University Of Delaware earn around $13,833 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $6,500. See the full general studies program report for University Of Delaware

4
College Of Dupage crest
College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL

College Of Dupage is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in general studies, ranking #4. Set in the suburb of Glen Ellyn, College Of Dupage is a very large public institution. College Of Dupage awarded about 103 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general studies program make about $28,678 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $9,500. See the full general studies program report for College Of Dupage

5
Salt Lake Community College crest
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UT

Students looking for a strong general studies program will find one at Salt Lake Community College, which ranked #5. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Salt Lake City. About 804 general studies degrees were awarded at Salt Lake Community College in the most recent year. General Studies graduates of Salt Lake Community College earn a median of $35,804 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $8,000 to complete this degree. See the full general studies program report for Salt Lake Community College

6

Joliet Junior College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best general studies schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Joliet. There were roughly 112 general studies students who graduated with this degree at Joliet Junior College in the most recent data 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. See the full general studies program report for Joliet Junior College

7

University Of Colorado Denver placed #7 among the best general studies schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Denver. About 46% of students finish within six years. University Of Colorado Denver awarded about 87 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. General Studies graduates of University Of Colorado Denver earn a median of $66,022 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $26,582. See the full general studies program report for University Of Colorado Denver

8

Suffolk County Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best general studies schools. Located in the suburb of Selden, Suffolk County Community College is a very large public university. About 950 general studies degrees were awarded at Suffolk County Community College in the most recent year. Graduates of the general studies program make about $26,874 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $8,000. More information about a degree in general studies from Suffolk County Community College

9

Farmingdale State College earned the #9 position for general studies this year. Located in the suburb of Farmingdale, Farmingdale State College is a large public university. About 57% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 166 general studies students who graduated with this degree at Farmingdale State College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general studies program make about $22,443 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the general studies program at Farmingdale State College

10

City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College earned the #10 position for general studies this year. Set in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College is a large public institution. There were roughly 101 general studies students who graduated with this degree at City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general studies program make about $31,322 in their early career. City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College graduates carry a median of $6,550 in student loans. Get the full general studies details for City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College

11

Aims Community College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best general studies schools. Located in the city of Greeley, Aims Community College is a large public university. Aims Community College awarded about 20 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Aims Community College generally make around $29,845. Typical student debt for the program is $9,152. Get the full general studies details for Aims Community College

12
Golden West College crest
Golden West College
Huntington Beach, CA

Golden West College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best general studies schools. Located in the suburb of Huntington Beach, Golden West College is a large public university. About 558 general studies degrees were awarded at Golden West College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Golden West College generally make around $82,984. Typical student debt for the program is $21,500. Get the full general studies details for Golden West College

13

Collin County Community College District ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best general studies schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of McKinney. Collin County Community College District awarded about 1,075 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. General Studies graduates of Collin County Community College District earn a median of $32,114 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $9,250. Get the full general studies details for Collin County Community College District

14
Colorado Mountain College crest
Colorado Mountain College
Glenwood Springs, CO

Colorado Mountain College came in at #14 for general studies this year. Located in the town of Glenwood Springs, Colorado Mountain College is a moderately-sized public university. About 14% of students finish within six years. Colorado Mountain College awarded about 35 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. General Studies graduates of Colorado Mountain College earn a median of $32,551 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $7,541 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in general studies from Colorado Mountain College

15

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee came in at #15 for general studies this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Milwaukee. The six-year graduation rate is 53%. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee awarded about 38 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. General Studies graduates of University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee earn a median of $30,144 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $10,700. More information about a degree in general studies from University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

16

American Public University System earned the #16 position for general studies this year. This very large private for-profit university is located in the town of Charles Town. About 47% of students finish within six years. American Public University System awarded about 1,444 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from American Public University System generally make around $52,108. Typical student debt for the program is $6,125. Get the full general studies details for American Public University System

17

Kankakee Community College placed #17 among the best general studies schools. Set in the city of Kankakee, Kankakee Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Kankakee Community College awarded about 35 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general studies program make about $60,509 in their early career. Kankakee Community College graduates carry a median of $5,900 in student loans. Get the full general studies details for Kankakee Community College

18

Northern Virginia Community College landed the #18 spot for general studies this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Annandale. There were roughly 760 general studies students who graduated with this degree at Northern Virginia Community College in the most recent data year. General Studies graduates of Northern Virginia Community College earn a median of $32,144 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in general studies from Northern Virginia Community College

19

Des Moines Area Community College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best general studies schools. Des Moines Area Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Ankeny. About 97 general studies degrees were awarded at Des Moines Area Community College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Des Moines Area Community College generally make around $31,453. Typical student debt for the program is $11,000. More information about a degree in general studies from Des Moines Area Community College

20

Lawrence Technological University came in at #20 for general studies this year. Located in the city of Southfield, Lawrence Technological University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Lawrence Technological University graduates 60% of students within six years. There were roughly 16 general studies students who graduated with this degree at Lawrence Technological University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Lawrence Technological University generally make around $74,924. Lawrence Technological University graduates carry a median of $27,799 in student loans. Read more about the general studies program at Lawrence Technological University

21

Colorado State University Fort Collins earned the #21 position for general studies this year. Set in the city of Fort Collins, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a very large public institution. Roughly 66% of students complete a degree within six years here. Colorado State University Fort Collins awarded about 205 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general studies degree from Colorado State University Fort Collins earn around $34,540 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,000. Read more about the general studies program at Colorado State University Fort Collins

22
Ashland University crest
Ashland University
Ashland, OH

Ashland University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best general studies schools. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Ashland. Ashland University graduates 60% of students within six years. There were roughly 50 general studies students who graduated with this degree at Ashland University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general studies program make about $48,852 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $3,008 to complete this degree. See the full general studies program report for Ashland University

23

Weber State University earned the #23 position for general studies this year. Weber State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ogden. Roughly 47% of students complete a degree within six years here. Weber State University awarded about 1,484 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Weber State University generally make around $34,165. Typical student debt for the program is $13,054. More information about a degree in general studies from Weber State University

24

City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College came in at #24 for general studies this year. This moderately-sized public university is located in the city of Chicago. There were roughly 93 general studies students who graduated with this degree at City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general studies degree from City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College earn around $29,168 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $8,100. Read more about the general studies program at City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College

25
University Of New Haven crest
University Of New Haven
West Haven, CT

University Of New Haven came in at #25 for general studies this year. Located in the suburb of West Haven, University Of New Haven is a large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. University Of New Haven awarded about 11 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from University Of New Haven generally make around $49,615. Students borrow a median of $26,244 to complete this degree. Get the full general studies details for University Of New Haven

Rest of the Top 50 General Studies Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s general studies ranking:

26
27
28
El Centro College crest
El Centro College
Dallas, TX
29
30
31
32
33
34
Sheridan College crest
Sheridan College
Sheridan, WY
35
Illinois Central College crest
Illinois Central College
East Peoria, IL
36
Oakton Community College crest
Oakton Community College
Des Plaines, IL
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
Palomar College crest
Palomar College
San Marcos, CA
45
46
47
48
Triton College crest
Triton College
River Grove, IL
49
50
Odessa College crest
Odessa College
Odessa, TX

Additional General Studies Award Winners

The following schools placed in the top tier for general studies:

Rank School Location
#53 College Of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, NV
#55 Catawba Valley Community College Hickory, NC
#58 Northwest Arkansas Community College Bentonville, AR
#61 Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH
#64 Community College Of Rhode Island Warwick, RI
#68 Utah State University Logan, UT
#70 Baltimore City Community College Baltimore, MD
#72 Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids, MI
#75 Utah Valley University Orem, UT
#79 Hudson Valley Community College Troy, NY
#85 Red Rocks Community College Lakewood, CO
#87 Delta College University Center, MI
#90 Mclennan Community College Waco, TX
#93 Front Range Community College Westminster, CO
#94 Montana State University Bozeman, MT
#100 Community College Of Aurora Aurora, CO
#101 Central New Mexico Community College Albuquerque, NM
#103 Community College Of Denver Denver, CO
#104 Iowa Western Community College Council Bluffs, IA
#105 Iowa Central Community College Fort Dodge, IA
#106 Bristol Community College Fall River, MA
#109 Oklahoma City Community College Oklahoma City, OK
#110 Arapahoe Community College Littleton, CO
#112 Ocean County College Toms River, NJ
#118 George C Wallace State Community College Dothan Dothan, AL

Honorable Mentions

Also worth considering for general studies:

Other General Studies Degree Levels

Explore the best general studies schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in General Studies
Bachelor's Degrees in General Studies
Master's Degrees in General Studies
ADBLOCK #173
View All General Studies Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, 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.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options