by our College Data Analytics TeamFor its 2025 ranking, College Factual looked at 25 schools in the Plains States Region to determine which ones were the best for general studies students pursuing a associate degree. Combined, these schools handed out 1,832 associate degrees in general studies to qualified students.
Jump to one of the following sections: * Our Methodology
The general studies associate degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. Important measures of a quality general studies program can vary widely even among the top schools. When choosing a school we recommend considering some of the following factors:
The overall quality of a associate degree school is important to ensure a quality education, not just how well they do in a particular major. To make it into this list a school must rank well in our overall Best Colleges ranking. This ranking considered factors such as graduation rates, overall graduate earnings and other educational resources to identify great colleges and universities.
In addition to the above, you should consider some of the following factors:
Our full ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best schools for general studies students working on their associate degree.
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we've developed a number of rankings, including this Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region list, to help you choose the best school for you.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Strengthen your communication and critical-thinking skills with this online associate in liberal arts degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
Below you'll see a list of the best colleges and universities for pursuing an associate degree in general studies.
Des Moines Area Community College is one of the best schools in the country for getting an associate degree in general studies. Located in the large suburb of Ankeny, DMACC is a public college with a fairly large student population.More information about a associate in general studies from Des Moines Area Community College
Iowa Central Community College is a wonderful option for individuals pursuing an associate degree in general studies. Iowa Central Community College is a small public college located in the remote town of Fort Dodge.More information about a associate in general studies from Iowa Central Community College
It's difficult to beat Columbia College if you want to pursue an associate degree in general studies. Columbia College Missouri is a medium-sized private not-for-profit college located in the city of Columbia.More information about a associate in general studies from Columbia College
Hesston College is one of the best schools in the United States for getting an associate degree in general studies. Located in the rural area of Hesston, Hesston is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population.More information about a associate in general studies from Hesston College
Located in the large suburb of Council Bluffs, Iowa Western Community College is a public college with a moderately-sized student population.More information about a associate in general studies from Iowa Western Community College
Marshalltown Community College is a small public college located in the town of Marshalltown.More information about a associate in general studies from Marshalltown Community College
North Iowa Area Community College is a small public college located in the rural area of Mason City.More information about a associate in general studies from North Iowa Area Community College
Located in the city of Lincoln, Southeast Community College is a public college with a moderately-sized student population.More information about a associate in general studies from Southeast Community College Area
OTC is a fairly large public college located in the city of Springfield.More information about a associate in general studies from Ozarks Technical Community College
Located in the town of Garden City, Garden City Community College is a public college with a small student population.More information about a associate in general studies from Garden City Community College
Explore the best general studies schools for a specific state in the Plains States Region .
| State | Colleges | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 299 | 24 |
| Kansas | 275 | 296 |
| Missouri | 210 | 1,142 |
| Iowa | 200 | 219 |
| Nebraska | 163 | 14 |
| South Dakota | 148 | 101 |
| North Dakota | 144 | 9 |
General Studies is one of 3 different types of Liberal Arts General Studies programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Liberal Arts | 21,604 |
| Individualized Studies | 702 |
| Humanities | 1 |
