Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025
Key Takeaways
- The best liberal arts colleges in Colorado offer a great education that will result in a well-rounded, educated person.
- Colorado’s liberal arts colleges offer smaller class sizes and more opportunities for interaction with professors.
- The smaller, intimate environment present in top liberal arts colleges in Colorado help graduates to mature and gain career skills that can qualify them for leadership positions.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
The top 6 positions in our ranking of the Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado did not change between 2024 to 2025. Our only mover was Colorado Mountain College, which gained 2 spots to move up to the number 7 position.
The US Military Academy has made several improvements for 2025, including the introduction of more interdisciplinary courses blending engineering, technology, and liberal arts, and an expansion of hands-on learning opportunities. The school also has an impressive 100% graduation rate.
Colleges and Universities in Colorado
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
What are Colorado’s Colleges & Universities?
- 9 Research Universities
- 15 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 9 Graduate Schools
- 17 Public Colleges & Universities
- 7 Private Colleges & Universities
- 2 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 9 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 23 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 12 Community Colleges
- Best Online Colleges
Colorado’s Best Overall
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 15 liberal arts colleges in Colorado. To be ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in Colorado, schools must fully accredited institutions.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025 #4 Best Colleges in Colorado 2025
Other Rankings
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
Acceptance
16%
Graduation
100%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1395/30
What is United States Air Force Academy known for?
United States Air Force Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Political Science
- History
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Law
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
The United States Air Force Academy is a US service academy in El Paso County, Colorado, just north of Colorado Springs. The school educates cadets for service in the US Air Force and US Space Force officer corps.
What We Love About the United States Air Force Academy
Students at the US Air Force Academy pay nothing, provided they will serve as an officer in the US Air Force or US Space Force.
The United States Air Force Academy is ideal for students who:
Have plans to serve the US Air Force or US Space Force without the hefty cost of attendance.
The United States Air Force Academy might not be a good fit for students who:
Cannot easily cope with the pressure of balancing academics and military duties.
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2025 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Colleges in Colorado 2025
Other Rankings
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees 2025
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
Tuition + fees
$65K
Acceptance
16%
Graduation
86%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1370/31
Career Outlook for degree at Colorado College
Cost of Degree: $67,932Expenses: $19,196Starting Salary: $49,900Cost Recoup Time: 22 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colorado College known for?
Colorado College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Psychology
- Anthropology
Most Influential Alumni
Colorado College in Colorado Springs offers more than 40 majors and 30 minors. It is an active member of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest.
What We Love About Colorado College
The educational environment at Colorado College is customizable, immersive, and rigorous. And because it is a relatively small school, students can easily meet new people outside of their circle of friends.
Colorado College is ideal for students who:
Are driven and motivated enough to attend some classes for eight hours a day.
Colorado College might not be the best fit for students who:
Are not comfortable with accelerated learning because the school operates on a block system- meaning, students take one class every three and a half weeks.
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2025 #6 Best Colleges in Colorado 2025 #10 Best Online Master’s in Counseling 2025
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
31%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Naropa University
Cost of Degree: $34,600Expenses: $16,710Starting Salary: $27,800Cost Recoup Time: 23 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Naropa University known for?
Naropa University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Naropa University, a private university in Boulder, Colorado, takes its name after the 11th-century Indian Buddhist sage. It is a Buddhist-inspired, nonsectarian school.
What We Love About Naropa University
Naropa University offers regular weekly community meditation, yoga classes, and other contemplative practices, student group meetings and activities, and wellness offerings.
Naropa University is ideal for students who:
Want a small campus with plenty of friendly and familiar faces, as well as those who want an accepting and diverse school.
Naropa University might not be a good fit for students who:
Are not into contemplative practices or those who prefer larger classes.
- #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Colorado #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Colorado
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
29%
Student body
22K
Median SAT/ACT
1020/19
Career Outlook for degree at Metropolitan State University of Denver
Cost of Degree: $10,780Starting Salary: $44,200What is Metropolitan State University of Denver known for?
Metropolitan State University of Denver’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Earth Sciences
- Engineering
- Anthropology
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Education
- Social Work
- Biology
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public institution located in Denver, Colorado. It shares the Auraria campus with two other schools: Community College of Denver and University of Colorado Denver. MSU Denver offers over 200 majors and minors, eight graduate programs, and many more.
What We Love About Metropolitan State University of Denver
Because MSU Denver is located right downtown, the school is the best option for working students.
Metropolitan State University of Denver is ideal for students who:
Enjoy the city life but can still balance the academic rigors of the school.
Metropolitan State University of Denver might not be a good fit for students who:
Want a traditional college experience with fraternities and sororities, dorms, and plenty of social interaction on or near campus.
Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Intelligence
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Marketing And Sales
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
39%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1160/21
Career Outlook for degree at Fort Lewis College
Cost of Degree: $9,670Expenses: $18,742Starting Salary: $39,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Fort Lewis College known for?
Fort Lewis College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Fort Lewis College, located in Durango, Colorado, was originally a military fort turned Indian boarding school until it became a state public school. It follows a mandate that qualifies Native Americans for a tuition-free education.
What We Love About Fort Lewis College
It’s a very nice four-year public college that offers more hands-on opportunities than any college in Colorado. Here, students get to enjoy a vibrant local culture and the Outdoor Pursuits programs for adventure travel and gear.
Fort Lewis College is ideal for students who:
Want a great school with small classes and plenty of hands-on opportunities.
Fort Lewis College might not be a good fit for students who:
Are looking for the big campus experience with Greek life.
- #10 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025 #1 Best Online Associate in Anthropology #1 Best Online Associate in French Degree Programs #2 Best Online Associate's in Physics 2025
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Colorado 2025
- #2 Best Online Associate in Philosophy
- #2 Best Online Associate in Biology
- #4 Best Online Associate in Economics
- #6 Best Online Associate's in History Degrees 2025
- #8 Best Online Associate in Marketing
- #8 Best Online Associate in Education
- #9 Best Online Associate in English 2025
- #10 Best Online Associate in Mathematics 2025
- #15 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
- #16 Best Online Associate in Psychology
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
18%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at Community College of Denver
Cost of Degree: $4,902Starting Salary: $36,400What is Community College of Denver known for?
Community College of Denver’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Community College of Denver, a public community college, has the main Auraria Campus and two other sites in the Denver metropolitan area. CCD largely focuses on first-generation, underserved, and minority students.
What We Love About Community College of Denver
CCD has so many academic career choices. Assistance is also readily available like tutors for academics and career development.
Community College of Denver is ideal for students who:
Want to obtain advanced knowledge at a little cost.
Community College of Denver might not be a good fit for students who:
Prefer to go to a bigger university with a traditional university setting.
Community College of Denver’s Online Degrees
BAS in Dental Hygiene
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
27%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Colorado Mountain College
Cost of Degree: $5,100Expenses: $14,626Starting Salary: $37,100Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colorado Mountain College known for?
Colorado Mountain College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Colorado Mountain College has different campuses across western Colorado. This is public community college offers numerous associate degrees, seven bachelor’s degrees, and multiple career-technical certificates.
What We Love About Colorado Mountain College
Colorado Mountain College is committed to providing high-quality and affordable education so students will graduate with less student loan debt.
Colorado Mountain College is ideal for students who:
Are looking for an easier and more affordable start to college, and those looking for smaller class sizes.
Colorado Mountain College might not be a good fit for students who:
Prefer to go to a larger university with a larger student population.
- #5 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #9 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2025 #9 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students #9 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
28%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1020/20
Career Outlook for degree at Adams State University
Cost of Degree: $9,776Expenses: $15,423Starting Salary: $38,100Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Adams State University known for?
Adams State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Adams State University, located in Alamosa, Colorado, is a public university that offers bachelor’s degrees in 16 different academic programs. It also has five teacher licensure programs, ten pre-professional programs, seven master’s degrees, and one doctoral degree.
What We Love About Adams State University
Adams State University is not only the most affordable four-year college in Colorado, but it also offers so many scholarships.
Adams State University is ideal for students who:
Want to earn a degree from a small town, as well as budding athletes and those who like the outdoors.
Adams State University might not be a good fit for students who:
Are looking for a school with extensive degree options because the school only offers the very basic bachelor’s degrees.
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
39%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1055/21
Career Outlook for degree at Colorado Mesa University
Cost of Degree: $9,712Expenses: $16,835Starting Salary: $42,300Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colorado Mesa University known for?
Colorado Mesa University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Earth Sciences
- Political Science
- Biology
- History
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Education
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
Colorado Mesa University, a public university in Grand Junction, has other schools in the Bishop Campus, where Colorado Mesa University Tech is located, and a regional campus in Montrose.
What We Love About Colorado Mesa University
The school has plenty of resources for student success, like the tutoring center and its IRIS building, where students are allowed to meet with student and adult advisers.
Colorado Mesa University is ideal for students who:
Want to go to a campus that is easy to navigate and with smaller class sizes.
Colorado Mesa University might not be a good fit for students who:
Do not like the great outdoors or smaller campuses and smaller classes because CMU is not a large university.
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
47%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/25
Career Outlook for degree at Western Colorado University
Cost of Degree: $11,083Expenses: $15,068Starting Salary: $43,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Western Colorado University known for?
Western Colorado University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Sociology
- Literature
- Education
- Earth Sciences
- Anthropology
- Business
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- History
Most Influential Alumni
Western Colorado University in Gunnison, Colorado school offers over 100 areas of undergraduate study and seven graduate programs. Five of these graduate programs are available as accelerated degree programs.
What We Love About Western Colorado University
Western Colorado University is considered one of the most hospitable colleges with students and faculty who genuinely want to know everyone and build a friendship. It also offers a personalized and inclusive academic experience to students.
Western Colorado University is ideal for students who:
Want to be away from the big cities since WCU’s location is very peaceful.
Western Colorado University might not be the best fit for students who:
Need a social scene and amenities of a city, or those who cannot adjust to multiple feet of snow and -40 degree temperatures.
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Colorado 2025 #7 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Colorado #2 Best Online Associate in Psychology
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Colorado 2025
- #5 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Colorado 2024
- #6 Best Online Associate in Human Resources
- #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Colorado
- #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs 2025
- #10 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
- #11 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2025
- #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #13 Best Online Associate in Marketing
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
- #14 Best Online Associate in Communications
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
- #19 Best Online Master's in Economics 2025
- #21 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
- #21 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
- #12 Fastest Online Associate's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2025
- #19 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling 2025
Tuition + fees
$18K
Graduation
61%
Student body
16K
Career Outlook for degree at Colorado Christian University
Cost of Degree: $27,808Expenses: $14,976Starting Salary: $44,600Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colorado Christian University known for?
Colorado Christian University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Computer Science
- Literature
- Business
- Sociology
- Criminal Justice
- History
Most Influential Alumni
Colorado Christian University is a private Christian university located in Lakewood, Colorado. Originally founded as the Denver Bible Institute, chartered to become a four-year Bible college, the school later introduced three main academic schools, including the theological school, the college of liberal arts, and the Bible Institute.
What We Love About Colorado Christian University
The classes at CCU are taught with a Christian worldview to emphasize how ethics and personal values can impact one’s education, work, and life.
Colorado Christian University is ideal for students who:
Are working adults and traditional students. It’s a plus if the student is a believer in God because this is a Christian school.
Colorado Christian University might not be a good fit for students who:
Are opposed to Christianity or are close-minded because the school has a strong Protestant influence.
Colorado Christian University’s Online Degrees
BS in Accountancy
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Entrepreneurship
- International Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Economics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Human Resource Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Logistics And Supply Chain Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Marketing And Sales
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nonprofit Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Organizational Management In Christian Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Organizational Management In Enterprise Agility
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Organizational Management In Project Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Computer Information Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Data Engineering
- Database Management
- Networking
- System Analyst
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Systems Management
Degree Concentrations
- Cybersecurity
- System Analyst
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Early Childhood Education
Degree Concentrations
- Licensure
- Non Licensure
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Elementary Education
Degree Concentrations
- Licensure
- Non Licensure
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Special Education
Degree Concentrations
- Licensure
- Non-Licensure
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Applied Apologetics
Degree Concentrations
- Cultural Engagement
- Global Apologetics
- Innovative Evangelism
- Practical Apologetics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Biblical Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Christian Ministry
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
35%
Student body
12K
Median SAT/ACT
1025/21
Career Outlook for degree at Colorado State University Pueblo
Cost of Degree: $9,401Expenses: $17,794Starting Salary: $41,600Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colorado State University Pueblo known for?
Colorado State University Pueblo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Engineering
- Sociology
- Communications
- Political Science
- Medical
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
Colorado State University Pueblo is located in Pueblo, Colorado and is part of the Colorado State University System. This Hispanic-serving institution offers 31 undergraduate and nine graduate programs.
What We Love About Colorado State University Pueblo
Colorado State University Pueblo has a partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, which provides month-long summer internships to students across various disciplines.
Colorado State University Pueblo is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a small and affordable school, as well as those independent and not scared to branch out and do things for themselves.
Colorado State University Pueblo might not be a good fit for students who:
Want a huge party scene, or those who are looking for a large city with lots to do.
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
23%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Pueblo Community College
Cost of Degree: $4,883Starting Salary: $31,900What is Pueblo Community College known for?
Pueblo Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Pueblo Community College in Pueblo, Colorado, also operates its branch campuses in Mancos and Canon City. It also has academic sites in Durango and Bayfield.
What We Love About Pueblo Community College
Pueblo Community College offers a positive experience for all its students and is known for its affordability, diverse course offerings and supportive faculty.
Pueblo Community College is ideal for students who:
Love the vibe of a small community college with small class sizes.
Pueblo Community College might not be a good fit for students who:
Are looking for a large school with lots of socials and parties.
- #14 Best Online Associate's in Physics 2025 #12 The Most Affordable Traditional MBA Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
39%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at Red Rocks Community College
Cost of Degree: $4,707Starting Salary: $43,300What is Red Rocks Community College known for?
Red Rocks Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Red Rocks Community College has two campuses located in Lakewood and Arvada, Colorado. This public community college offers various associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s programs, as well as certificate programs.
What We Love About Red Rocks Community College
The school has plenty of student support services like advising, free tutoring, a child care center, a fitness center, services for students with disabilities, ESL courses, Learning and Resource Centers, student employment, and an LGBTQ+ center.
Red Rocks Community College is ideal for students who:
Are hard-pressed for college money. RRC is cheaper and the education is just as good as the more expensive universities.
Red Rocks Community College might not be a good fit for students who:
Are not comfortable studying in a small community college where, after a year or two, everyone will start to recognize everybody on campus.
Colorado’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest
Frequently Asked Questions About Research Universities, Liberal Arts Colleges, Online Colleges
In pursuing a bachelor’s degree, you will need to choose between three kinds of schools: research universities, liberal arts colleges, and online colleges.
Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students.
Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines.
Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you? If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel.
- Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well.
- Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.
Learn more about research universities by reading about the best research universities in the US.
Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree.
- Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students.
- Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships and make walks across campus more fun. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers.
Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom).
Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.
Learn more about liberal arts colleges by reading about the best liberal arts colleges in the US.
Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available.
Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degrees you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no distinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online.
Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whether you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college.
Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands.
Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain.
Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands of balancing work and life, or because the online college affords them the chance to attend a better school without moving.
If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc.
The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors.
Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions.
If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.
Back to TopCheck out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.