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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Liberal Arts General Studies Master’s Degree Schools

25 Colleges in the United States
3,758 Liberal Arts General Studies Degrees Awarded
$52,119 Avg Early-Career Salary

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

College Factual analyzed 2221 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best liberal arts general studies schools.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Liberal Arts General Studies in the United States

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

Top Schools in Liberal Arts General Studies

1

Our analysis ranked The University Of Texas At Austin the best school in the country for a degree in liberal arts general studies. The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public school located in the city of Austin. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. About 185 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at The University Of Texas At Austin in the most recent year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from The University Of Texas At Austin earn around $94,745 in the first couple years of their career. The University Of Texas At Austin graduates carry a median of $19,052 in student loans. More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from The University Of Texas At Austin

2
Georgetown University crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC

Georgetown University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 39 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Georgetown University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from Georgetown University generally make around $66,719. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete this degree. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for Georgetown University

3
Stanford University crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Students looking for a strong liberal arts general studies program will find one at Stanford University, which ranked #3. Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Stanford. About 92% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 13 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Stanford University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $100,827 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $10,492. More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Stanford University

4
Dartmouth College crest
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH

Students looking for a strong liberal arts general studies program will find one at Dartmouth College, which ranked #4. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Hanover. Dartmouth College graduates 96% of students within six years. Dartmouth College awarded about 36 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from Dartmouth College generally make around $81,992. Students borrow a median of $16,989 to complete this degree. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for Dartmouth College

5
Stony Brook University crest
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY

Students looking for a strong liberal arts general studies program will find one at Stony Brook University, which ranked #5. Set in the suburb of Stony Brook, Stony Brook University is a very large public institution. Roughly 76% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 51 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Stony Brook University in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of Stony Brook University earn a median of $74,387 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $20,537 to complete this degree. Read more about the liberal arts general studies program at Stony Brook University

6
Wake Forest University crest
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC

Wake Forest University came in at #6 for liberal arts general studies this year. Wake Forest University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Winston-Salem. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 11 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Wake Forest University in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of Wake Forest University earn a median of $67,369 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $21,577 to complete this degree. Read more about the liberal arts general studies program at Wake Forest University

7
Duke University crest
Duke University
Durham, NC

Duke University came in at #7 for liberal arts general studies this year. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Durham. About 97% of students finish within six years. About 24 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at Duke University in the most recent year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from Duke University earn around $51,346 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $13,296 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Duke University

8
New York University crest
New York University
New York, NY

New York University landed the #8 spot for liberal arts general studies this year. Set in the city of New York, New York University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. About 88% of students finish within six years. New York University awarded about 97 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of New York University earn a median of $40,856 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $21,787. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for New York University

9
University Of Miami crest
University Of Miami
Coral Gables, FL

University Of Miami placed #9 among the best liberal arts general studies schools. Set in the suburb of Coral Gables, University Of Miami is a very large private not-for-profit institution. University Of Miami graduates 84% of students within six years. University Of Miami awarded about 40 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of University Of Miami earn a median of $50,614 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $28,590. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for University Of Miami

10
Towson University crest
Towson University
Towson, MD

Towson University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Towson. About 70% of students finish within six years. About 11 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at Towson University in the most recent year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $50,370 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,241. Read more about the liberal arts general studies program at Towson University

11
Wesleyan University crest
Wesleyan University
Middletown, CT

Wesleyan University placed #11 among the best liberal arts general studies schools. Set in the city of Middletown, Wesleyan University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 15 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Wesleyan University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from Wesleyan University generally make around $39,764. Wesleyan University graduates carry a median of $16,125 in student loans. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for Wesleyan University

12
University Of Richmond crest
University Of Richmond
University of Richmond, VA

University Of Richmond came in at #12 for liberal arts general studies this year. Set in the city of University of Richmond, University Of Richmond is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 85% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 13 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Richmond in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from University Of Richmond generally make around $53,815. Students borrow a median of $21,634 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from University Of Richmond

13

Tennessee Technological University placed #13 among the best liberal arts general studies schools. Located in the town of Cookeville, Tennessee Technological University is a large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. There were roughly 41 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Tennessee Technological University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $63,938 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,000. Read more about the liberal arts general studies program at Tennessee Technological University

14
University Of Pennsylvania crest
University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania came in at #14 for liberal arts general studies this year. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Philadelphia. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. There were roughly 67 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Pennsylvania in the most recent data year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from University Of Pennsylvania earn around $68,293 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete this degree. Read more about the liberal arts general studies program at University Of Pennsylvania

15

University Of Chicago came in at #15 for liberal arts general studies this year. University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Chicago awarded about 142 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their liberal arts 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 liberal arts general studies details for University Of Chicago

16

Southern Methodist University earned the #16 position for liberal arts general studies this year. Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Dallas. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 63 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at Southern Methodist University in the most recent year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from Southern Methodist University earn around $57,967 in the first couple years of their career. Southern Methodist University graduates carry a median of $20,712 in student loans. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for Southern Methodist University

17

University Of Dallas earned the #17 position for liberal arts general studies this year. Set in the city of Irving, University Of Dallas is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. University Of Dallas graduates 73% of students within six years. About 42 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at University Of Dallas in the most recent year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from University Of Dallas earn around $58,396 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Dallas graduates carry a median of $23,411 in student loans. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for University Of Dallas

18

Johns Hopkins University came in at #18 for liberal arts general studies this year. Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Baltimore. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. Johns Hopkins University awarded about 32 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from Johns Hopkins University generally make around $45,147. Johns Hopkins University graduates carry a median of $13,426 in student loans. See the full liberal arts general studies program report for Johns Hopkins University

19

The University Of Texas At Dallas earned the #19 position for liberal arts general studies this year. Located in the city of Richardson, The University Of Texas At Dallas is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. About 11 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at The University Of Texas At Dallas in the most recent year. Graduates of the liberal arts general studies program make about $64,534 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $20,531 to complete this degree. Read more about the liberal arts general studies program at The University Of Texas At Dallas

20

University Of Denver placed #20 among the best liberal arts general studies schools. University Of Denver is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Denver. Roughly 76% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 27 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Denver in the most recent data year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from University Of Denver earn around $56,999 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $22,534 to complete this degree. Read more about the liberal arts general studies program at University Of Denver

21

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public school located in the suburb of Norman. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus awarded about 218 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus generally make around $64,717. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. Read more about the liberal arts general studies program at University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

22

University Of South Florida Main Campus earned the #22 position for liberal arts general studies this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Tampa. University Of South Florida Main Campus graduates 77% of students within six years. University Of South Florida Main Campus awarded about 28 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from University Of South Florida Main Campus generally make around $45,230. Students borrow a median of $30,676 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from University Of South Florida Main Campus

23

University Of Houston Clear Lake ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. Located in the city of Houston, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a moderately-sized public university. The six-year graduation rate is 52%. University Of Houston Clear Lake awarded about 13 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from University Of Houston Clear Lake earn around $51,252 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $21,100 to complete this degree. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for University Of Houston Clear Lake

24

North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Raleigh. North Carolina State University At Raleigh graduates 85% of students within six years. About 42 liberal arts general studies degrees were awarded at North Carolina State University At Raleigh in the most recent year. Students who receive their liberal arts general studies degree from North Carolina State University At Raleigh earn around $48,700 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $25,993 to complete this degree. Read more about the liberal arts general studies program at North Carolina State University At Raleigh

25

Texas Christian University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best liberal arts general studies schools. Set in the city of Fort Worth, Texas Christian University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Texas Christian University awarded about 83 liberal arts general studies degrees in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of Texas Christian University earn a median of $55,687 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. Get the full liberal arts general studies details for Texas Christian University

Rest of the Top 47 Liberal Arts General Studies Schools

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

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32
Depaul University crest
Depaul University
Chicago, IL
33
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35
The New School crest
The New School
New York, NY
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47
Tiffin University crest
Tiffin University
Tiffin, OH

Other Liberal Arts General Studies Degree Levels

Explore the best liberal arts general studies schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Liberal Arts General Studies
Associate's Degrees in Liberal Arts General Studies
Bachelor's Degrees in Liberal Arts General Studies
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View All Liberal Arts General Studies Rankings >

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Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 2221 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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