What Is A Liberal Arts College? All You Should Know

A liberal arts college is a type of post-secondary educational institution that emphasizes a broad-based, interdisciplinary curriculum in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences rather than a narrow, specialized curriculum. The goal of a liberal arts education is to provide students with a well-rounded education that will equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary for lifelong learning and personal growth.

This article provides an in-depth overview of liberal arts colleges by stating all you should know about them, ranging from the benefits of a liberal arts college to the cost of study.

What Is a Liberal Arts College?

According to Coursera, a liberal arts college is a four-year undergraduate institution emphasizing the arts, sciences, humanities, and social sciences in its curriculum. Their curriculum encourages students to develop an appreciation for numerous areas and practice their critical thinking abilities rather than educating them for a specific job, such as business or computer science. As a result, students can pursue a variety of occupations following graduation.

Most liberal arts institutions do not have separate professional education programs, such as business or engineering schools, that are meant to provide students with specialized instruction for specific professional activities. Regardless of specialty, students at liberal arts colleges are often required to take several general education courses.

Higher education at liberal arts schools is seen as more than career training. According to Jonathan Veitch, president of Occidental College, “A liberal arts college takes seriously the concept that a job isn’t a job, it’s a vocation, so it better brings meaning to your life and helps you think through what that might look like.”

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Why Should I Attend A Liberal Arts College?

One obvious reason to attend a liberal arts college is to ensure that the emphasis is on learning rather than training for a future vocation. That’s not to argue that graduates of liberal arts programs don’t go on to become professionals — they certainly do. A liberal arts student’s time in college, on the other hand, is focused on preparing for life rather than employment, with the hope that their skills will translate into a range of job choices.

Others may choose a liberal arts college because they do not desire a “normal” college experience. At liberal arts colleges, athletics, and Greek life are typically considerably smaller scenes, which some students enjoy.

In a few lines, we’ll be listing the benefits of attending a liberal arts college.

What Are The Benefits Of Attending A Liberal Arts College?

Let’s take a look at the benefits of attending a liberal arts college:

1. Liberal arts colleges encourage creativity

The fundamental purpose of liberal arts colleges is to teach thinking skills, so expect classes that encourage you to think beyond the box. Experiential approaches, such as creating your own curriculum or emphasizing experiential learning, are likely to be found. To encourage travel and cultural exploration, liberal arts colleges frequently provide international learning programs.

Instructor attitudes are some of the distinguishing characteristics of the liberal arts college experience. Your thoughts and proposals are less likely to be shot down, and you are more likely to have professors who promote the development of fresh thoughts and new ideas.

2. Small class size

Class sizes that are smaller than typical create all of those intimate ties. According to National Center For Education Statistics data from 2019, the average student-to-faculty ratio at public institutions (most of which are not considered liberal arts colleges) is 15 to 1. That ratio is barely 10 to 1 in private non-profit universities, many of which are liberal arts colleges.

This implies that instructors are not as spread out, have fewer students per course, and have more time per student to provide individual attention. With fewer students in each session, it is also easier to get to know your classmates.

With smaller class sizes, students are more likely to get to know their lecturers on an individual basis. Their teachers are more likely to know their students’ names and, as a result, to be invested in their education. Furthermore, this increased level of connectivity allows students to receive academic counseling, career advice, or personal mentorship from their teachers.

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3. Balanced education

A liberal arts education gives students a broad overview of the humanities. Here, students begin their academic careers by taking classes in the arts, social sciences, communications, natural sciences, and mathematics. While the latter section of the program is primarily focused on a person’s specific degree major, the curriculum as a whole is aimed to provide students with a balanced and well-rounded learning experience.

4. Liberal arts education opens students to job opportunities

A liberal arts degree not only prepares you for different career pathways and employment prospects but also prepares you for the graduate degree required to become the professional you want to be.

Whether you already have a clear-cut career plan or are still undecided about which career path to take, attending a liberal arts college or completing a liberal arts program at a university will allow you to prepare for the future, whether well-defined or yet unknown, while making the most of your current time.

5. Degree Flexibility

Liberal arts colleges place a strong emphasis on strengthening students’ critical thinking and writing skills across different topic areas. While university programs frequently concentrate on a single professional route, a liberal arts education is frequently useful to several career pathways.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates of liberal arts universities are frequently employed in design, communication, marketing, education, and social work.

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How To Apply To A Liberal Arts College

Liberal arts colleges are labeled as such because they concentrate on humanities—meaning communication, art, literature, social sciences, and philosophy.

Here is a general guide on how to apply to a top liberal arts college:

1. Research colleges

Choose a list of top liberal arts colleges that match your interests and academic goals. Look at factors such as location, size, campus culture, majors offered, and extracurricular opportunities. Check out the 15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges In The US 2023

2. Check admission requirements

Each college will have its own admission requirements, so it is important to review each college’s website to verify the application deadline, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, essays, and any other specific requirements.

3. Prepare your materials

Write a strong personal essay, request letters of recommendation, and make sure you have taken the necessary standardized tests. College entrance tests are taken very seriously at liberal arts colleges. Check to verify which exams are accepted by the universities of your choosing, and make sure to prepare for those tests. If you do not score in the top 50% on your first attempt at the SAT or ACT, you should study and retake the test. Only submit your best results.

4. Complete the application

Submit the online application, including all required materials, before the deadline. Make sure to fill out the application completely and accurately.

5. Follow up

If necessary, follow up with the admissions office to make sure all your materials have been received and processed.

6. Wait for a decision

Once you have completed the application process, wait for the college to make a decision. Most top liberal arts colleges will notify applicants of their admission decision by April.

7. Prepare for college

Once you have decided on a college, start preparing for the transition to college life. This might include finding housing, registering for classes, and connecting with future classmates.

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What Is A Liberal Arts College Known For?

Liberal arts colleges are educational institutions that do not have a specific vocational or professional track concentration but provide a more multidisciplinary education that covers a wide range of subjects. They focus on training students to be world-class students and not professionals tied to a specific area of concentration.

A liberal arts college is known for adopting a variety of curriculum to help students gain a wide range of knowledge. In general, it is intended to prepare students for a variety of career alternatives rather than a specialized occupation.

A liberal arts education will also help you form a strong sense of social responsibility and transferable intellectual and practical skills, such as communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, and a demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and skills in real-world situations.

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Pros and Cons Of A Liberal Arts College

Pros

A liberal arts education provides students with a broad range of information. For example, a student studying English will study literary analysis and writing, as well as history, philosophy, and political science. Because liberal arts education involves more than just the present topic, the degree is more adaptable.

Another major advantage of liberal arts colleges is the small class sizes. This encourages creative, outside-the-box thinking, which is vital in today’s labor environment. According to the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU), 93% of businesses that hire college graduates place a higher priority on critical thinking and problem-solving abilities than on the student’s major.

Cons

While there are notable advantages to attending a liberal arts college, there are also a few disadvantages; let’s take a look at them.

1. Limited career options

Liberal arts colleges tend to offer a general education and may not have a specific focus on career preparation, which can limit students’ career options after graduation.

2. High cost

Liberal arts colleges often have high tuition fees and other costs, which can be a significant financial burden for students and their families.

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3. Narrow curriculum

A liberal arts education can provide a broad education, but some students may feel that the curriculum is too narrow or limited in scope.

4. Less campus diversity

Liberal arts colleges often have smaller student bodies, which can result in less campus diversity and a less cosmopolitan atmosphere.

How Much Does It Cost To Attend A Liberal Arts College?

According to libberalartscolleges, tuition at a liberal arts institution is around $24,000 per year, compared to $15,000 at a public university. Tuition at some private institutions exceeds $60,000 per year, although most students pay less than $30,000 when scholarships and grants are applied.

However, for each year a college student does not graduate, they pay higher tuition expenditures and lose earnings. While students at public universities spend an extra year or two studying, liberal arts college students find jobs and create their professions.

How Long Does It Take To Graduate From A Liberal Arts College?

A liberal arts degree lasts for four to five years. To graduate, most bachelor’s degrees require a minimum of 120 credits. Before commencing their major curriculum, all undergraduate students are obliged to complete basic liberal arts coursework within their first two years. As a liberal arts major, you will specialize in one liberal arts topic.

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What Is the Difference Between Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities?

Liberal arts colleges and universities are different in the following ways:

1. Curriculum

Liberal arts colleges tend to have a curriculum that is focused on a broad-based, interdisciplinary education, while universities generally offer a wider range of majors and programs of study, including specialized fields of study.

Most universities offer Bachelor of Arts degrees that follow a liberal arts program. This degree stresses a wide education as well as so-called soft skills such as communication and writing ability, analytical thinking, and leadership ability. At liberal arts colleges, students follow this liberal arts curriculum design, regardless of major.

2. Size

Liberal arts colleges are often smaller, with a lower student-to-faculty ratio, while universities tend to be larger, with a higher student-to-faculty ratio.

Every one of the top 50 National Liberal Arts Colleges in the U.S. News rankings has fewer than 5,000 undergraduate students in autumn 2020. Only eight of the top 50 National Universities in the same year were ranked by U.S. News.

Unlike other institutions, most liberal arts colleges do not offer graduate degrees. They also feature tiny campuses and class numbers, with many classes having less than 20 students.

3. Research

Universities often have a greater focus on research and graduate programs, while liberal arts colleges may place more emphasis on undergraduate education.

4. Cost

The cost of attending a liberal arts college in the US can be higher compared to universities, due to the fact that most liberal arts colleges are private institutions. What this entails is that liberal arts colleges cost more than public schools where the cost of education is subsidized by the government.

What Type Of Jobs Can You Get With A Liberal Arts College Degree?

A liberal arts degree provides a broad education that can prepare you for a variety of careers across different industries. Some common jobs for liberal arts graduates include:

1. Human resources: Positions in human resources, such as recruiters, benefits coordinators, and training and development specialists.
2. Marketing and advertising: Careers in marketing and advertising, including market research analysts, public relations specialists, and advertising managers.
3. Communication: Jobs in journalism, writing, editing, and public speaking, including positions as reporters, editors, public relations specialists, and speechwriters.
4. Education: Teaching positions in K-12 schools, colleges, and universities, as well as administrative and support roles in education.
5. Nonprofit and community organizations: Positions in fundraising, program development, and volunteer management in nonprofit and community organizations.
6. Business: Careers in business, such as management analysts, customer service representatives, and administrative services managers.

A liberal arts degree can also help you get into graduate school, which can lead to higher professions in a variety of sectors. It provides a solid basis for subsequent academic aspirations. According to US News, law schools accepted more than 90% of linguistics majors in 2016, compared to 56% of nursing majors.

It’s important to note that many of these careers may also require additional education or certifications beyond a liberal arts degree.

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How To Apply To A Liberal Arts College 

The steps involved in applying to a liberal arts college are similar to those involved in applying to most four-year schools. You will likely need to:

• Take a college entrance exam like the ACT or SAT. 
• Complete your college application.
• Write your required personal statement.
• Gather the necessary letters of recommendation.
• Request and submit your high school transcripts.
• Attach your payment to the application packages. 
• Submit all of your materials before the deadline (found on each college’s website).

Is Harvard A Liberal Arts College?

Harvard College, founded in 1636, is the country’s oldest institution of higher learning. For students seeking their first degree, Harvard College provides a four-year undergraduate liberal arts program.

Harvard, as a liberal arts and sciences college within a world-class research institution, allows you the flexibility to design your own path of study and the tools to carry it through. So, what are you holding out for? Make a claim and learn from those who disagree with you. Ask a difficult question and learn from the process of answering it. Master your favorite subjects, but don’t forget to venture into uncharted territory just beyond your comfort zone.

You’ll engage in learning that probes the human experience from diverse points of view, and dive deeply into a particular field of study. Lastly, you’ll gain a broad foundation of critical thinking skills that prepare you to skillfully tackle any challenge.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges In The US

If you want to attend a liberal arts college, you can find them spread across the US. Here is a list of the best liberal arts colleges in the United States:

• Williams College
• Pomona College
• Bowdoin College
• Amherst College
• Wellesley College
• Claremont McKenna College
• Swarthmore College
• Middlebury College
• Washington and Lee University
• Haverford College

See the 15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges In The US 2023

FAQs On Liberal Arts Colleges

Conclusion

Students who attend a liberal arts college have the opportunity to explore a variety of subjects, engage in intellectual discussions, and develop skills that will serve them well in a wide range of career paths. While a liberal arts education may not be the right fit for everyone, it can provide a unique and enriching academic experience for those who are interested in a well-rounded education that prepares them for a lifetime of learning and personal growth.

References

• coursera.org – What Is a Liberal Arts College? 
• usnews.com – What a Liberal Arts College Is and What Students Should Know
• niche.com – What Is a Liberal Arts College?

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