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

2026 Best General Studies Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

52 Colleges in the United States
6,339 General Studies Degrees Awarded
$31,112 Avg Early-Career Salary

General Studies degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. The schools below stand out for the quality of their general studies programs.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 130 schools to find the best for general studies students.

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 Middle Atlantic Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall general studies education in the Middle Atlantic Region.

Top Schools in General Studies

1

No school ranked higher than Cornell University this year for general studies. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Ithaca. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. There were roughly 18 general studies students who graduated with this degree at Cornell University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general studies program make about $46,072 in their early career. Cornell University graduates carry a median of $15,005 in student loans. More information about a degree in general studies from Cornell University

2
Rowan University crest
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ

A rank of #2 makes Rowan University one of the top schools for general studies. Located in the suburb of Glassboro, Rowan University is a very large public university. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 118 general studies degrees were awarded at Rowan University in the most recent year. General Studies graduates of Rowan University earn a median of $43,486 early in their careers. Rowan University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about the general studies program at Rowan University

3

Students looking for a strong general studies program will find one at George Washington University, which ranked #3. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Washington. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. 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. More information about a degree in general studies from George Washington University

4

University Of Delaware is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in general studies, landing the #4 spot this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Newark. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. There were roughly 178 general studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Delaware in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general studies program make about $13,833 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $6,500 to complete this degree. Get the full general studies details for University Of Delaware

5
Villanova University crest
Villanova University
Villanova, PA

Students looking for a strong general studies program will find one at Villanova University, which ranked #5. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Villanova. About 92% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 10 general studies students who graduated with this degree at Villanova University 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. Read more about the general studies program at Villanova University

6

State University Of New York At New Paltz placed #6 among the best general studies schools. 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. General Studies graduates of State University Of New York At New Paltz earn a median of $41,000 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $21,530 to complete this degree. See the full general studies program report for State University Of New York At New Paltz

7

Suffolk County Community College placed #7 among the best general studies schools. Set in the suburb of Selden, Suffolk County Community College is a very large public institution. About 950 general studies degrees were awarded at Suffolk County Community College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Suffolk County Community College generally make around $26,874. Suffolk County Community College graduates carry a median of $8,000 in student loans. Read more about the general studies program at Suffolk County Community College

8

Farmingdale State College came in at #8 for general studies this year. This large public university is located in the suburb of Farmingdale. Farmingdale State College graduates 57% of students 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. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Farmingdale State College generally make around $22,443. Typical student debt for the program is $11,000. Get the full general studies details for Farmingdale State College

9

Suny College At Cortland earned the #9 position for general studies this year. This moderately-sized public university is located in the town of Cortland. Suny College At Cortland graduates 68% of students within six years. About 41 general studies degrees were awarded at Suny College At Cortland in the most recent year. Students who receive their general studies degree from Suny College At Cortland earn around $37,940 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $28,150 to complete this degree. Read more about the general studies program at Suny College At Cortland

10

Suny College At Plattsburgh earned the #10 position for general studies this year. Set in the town of Plattsburgh, Suny College At Plattsburgh is a moderately-sized public institution. Roughly 58% of students complete a degree within six years here. Suny College At Plattsburgh awarded about 19 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Suny College At Plattsburgh generally make around $30,318. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete this degree. Get the full general studies details for Suny College At Plattsburgh

11

Suny College At Old Westbury landed the #11 spot for general studies this year. Set in the suburb of Old Westbury, Suny College At Old Westbury is a moderately-sized public institution. Roughly 45% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 34 general studies degrees were awarded at Suny College At Old Westbury in the most recent year. Students who receive their general studies degree from Suny College At Old Westbury earn around $27,165 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,833. More information about a degree in general studies from Suny College At Old Westbury

12
Carlow University crest
Carlow University
Pittsburgh, PA

Carlow University landed the #12 spot for general studies this year. Carlow University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. About 60% of students finish within six years. About 12 general studies degrees were awarded at Carlow University in the most recent year. General Studies graduates of Carlow University earn a median of $66,938 early in their careers. Carlow University graduates carry a median of $30,222 in student loans. Read more about the general studies program at Carlow University

13

Delaware Technical Community College Terry landed the #13 spot for general studies this year. Set in the city of Dover, Delaware Technical Community College Terry is a large public institution. There were roughly 176 general studies students who graduated with this degree at Delaware Technical Community College Terry in the most recent data year. General Studies graduates of Delaware Technical Community College Terry earn a median of $27,598 early in their careers. Delaware Technical Community College Terry graduates carry a median of $10,275 in student loans. Read more about the general studies program at Delaware Technical Community College Terry

14

Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus placed #14 among the best general studies schools. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Teaneck. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 168 general studies students who graduated with this degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general studies program make about $31,469 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the general studies program at Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus

15

Baltimore City Community College landed the #15 spot for general studies this year. Set in the city of Baltimore, Baltimore City Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. About 55 general studies degrees were awarded at Baltimore City Community College in the most recent year. General Studies graduates of Baltimore City Community College earn a median of $41,120 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $8,850. Get the full general studies details for Baltimore City Community College

16

Hudson Valley Community College earned the #16 position for general studies this year. Located in the city of Troy, Hudson Valley Community College is a large public university. About 188 general studies degrees were awarded at Hudson Valley Community College in the most recent year. Students who receive their general studies degree from Hudson Valley Community College earn around $28,464 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $10,046 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in general studies from Hudson Valley Community College

17

Trinity Washington University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best general studies schools. Trinity Washington University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. Roughly 49% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 40 general studies students who graduated with this degree at Trinity Washington University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general studies degree from Trinity Washington University earn around $50,283 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,323. See the full general studies program report for Trinity Washington University

18
Ocean County College crest
Ocean County College
Toms River, NJ

Ocean County College earned the #18 position for general studies this year. Ocean County College is a large public school located in the suburb of Toms River. Ocean County College awarded about 445 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. General Studies graduates of Ocean County College earn a median of $25,647 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $10,749. Read more about the general studies program at Ocean County College

19
Suny Empire State College crest
Suny Empire State College
Saratoga Springs, NY

Suny Empire State College came in at #19 for general studies this year. Located in the suburb of Saratoga Springs, Suny Empire State College is a large public university. Roughly 36% of students complete a degree within six years here. Suny Empire State College awarded about 82 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general studies program make about $58,140 in their early career. Suny Empire State College graduates carry a median of $23,693 in student loans. More information about a degree in general studies from Suny Empire State College

20

Suny College At Buffalo placed #20 among the best general studies schools. Set in the city of Buffalo, Suny College At Buffalo is a moderately-sized public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 33%. Suny College At Buffalo awarded about 76 general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general studies degree from Suny College At Buffalo earn around $32,082 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. See the full general studies program report for Suny College At Buffalo

21

Butler County Community College landed the #21 spot for general studies this year. Butler County Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Butler. There were roughly 23 general studies students who graduated with this degree at Butler County Community College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general studies degree from Butler County Community College earn around $28,138 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $6,932. More information about a degree in general studies from Butler County Community College

22
Cecil College crest
Cecil College
North East, MD

Cecil College came in at #22 for general studies this year. Set in the rural area of North East, Cecil College is a mid-sized public institution. About 101 general studies degrees were awarded at Cecil College in the most recent year. More information about a degree in general studies from Cecil College

23

Delaware County Community College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best general studies schools. Located in the suburb of Media, Delaware County Community College is a large public university. There were roughly 75 general studies students who graduated with this degree at Delaware County Community College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general studies degree from Delaware County Community College earn around $29,277 in the first couple years of their career. Delaware County Community College graduates carry a median of $14,797 in student loans. Get the full general studies details for Delaware County Community College

24

Howard Community College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best general studies schools. Set in the city of Columbia, Howard Community College is a large public institution. About 465 general studies degrees were awarded at Howard Community College in the most recent year. Graduates of the general studies program make about $22,042 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $10,200. Get the full general studies details for Howard Community College

25

Monroe Community College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best general studies schools. Monroe Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Rochester. There were roughly 323 general studies students who graduated with this degree at Monroe Community College in the most recent data year. General Studies graduates of Monroe Community College earn a median of $25,252 early in their careers. Monroe Community College graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. More information about a degree in general studies from Monroe Community College

Rest of the Top 50 General Studies Schools

Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong general studies education:

26
27
28
29
Dutchess Community College crest
Dutchess Community College
Poughkeepsie, NY
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50

ADBLOCK #173
View All General Studies Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

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 · 130 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