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2025 Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region

150 Colleges in the Far Western US Region
145,150 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$31,562 Avg Early-Career Salary
Ranked #1 in popularity, liberal arts general studies is one of the most sought-after degree programs in the nation. This makes choosing the right school a hard decision.

College Factual looked at 150 colleges and universities when compiling its 2025 Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 145,150 degrees in liberal arts general studies annually.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Liberal Arts General Studies School

Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region Your choice of liberal arts general studies school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for liberal arts general studies schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Liberal Arts General Studies Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Liberal Arts
Bachelor's Degrees in Liberal Arts
Master's Degrees in Liberal Arts

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region list to help you make the college decision. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.

Best Schools for Liberal Arts General Studies in the Far Western US Region

The schools below may not offer all types of liberal arts degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Far Western US Region Schools in Liberal Arts

1
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
79 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$56,094 Median Starting Salary

Saint Mary's College of California is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in liberal arts general studies. Located in the large suburb of Moraga, SMC is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. A Best Colleges rank of #148 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means SMC is a great college overall.

There were roughly 79 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at SMC in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies program at Saint Mary's College of California make $24,532 more than the standard college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Saint Mary’s College of California

2
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
170 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$30,286 Median Starting Salary

Any student who is interested in liberal arts general studies has to check out California State University - Sacramento. Sac State is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Sacramento. This university ranks 40th out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 170 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Sac State in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts program report average early career income of $30,286.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from California State University - Sacramento

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Associates Degree Type
AA in Liberal Arts Program Name

Strengthen your communication and critical-thinking skills with this online associate in liberal arts degree from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in AA in Liberal Arts from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

3
TAC crest
Thomas Aquinas College
Santa Paula, CA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
115 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
31.3% Growth in Graduates

Thomas Aquinas College is a wonderful option for students interested in a degree in liberal arts general studies. Located in the rural area of Santa Paula, TAC is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. A Best Colleges rank of #140 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means TAC is a great college overall.

There were about 115 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at TAC in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, liberal arts degree recipients usually earn about $33,432 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Thomas Aquinas College

4
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
107 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$35,056 Median Starting Salary

It's difficult to beat California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo if you want to pursue a degree in liberal arts general studies. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is a very large public university located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo. A Best Colleges rank of #165 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is a great university overall.

There were approximately 107 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies program at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo make $3,494 above the standard college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo

5
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
9th Most Popular In CA
3,458 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded

Irvine Valley College is a large public college located in the city of Irvine. A Best Colleges rank of #146 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Irvine Valley College is a great college overall.

There were roughly 3458 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Irvine Valley College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Irvine Valley College

6
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
239 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$23,190 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of San Diego, SDSU is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #185 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means SDSU is a great university overall.

There were about 239 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at SDSU in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts program report average early career earnings of $23,190.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from San Diego State University

7
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
550 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
12.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the medium-sized city of Modesto, MJC is a public college with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #230 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means MJC is a great college overall.

There were about 550 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at MJC in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts program state that they receive average early career income of $27,927.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Modesto Junior College

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Bachelors Degree Type
BA in General Studies Program Name

Maximize your transfer credits and complete your bachelor's degree faster with this flexible online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BA in General Studies from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

8
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
103 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$32,112 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of San Francisco, SFSU is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #225 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means SFSU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 103 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at SFSU in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the liberal arts program make around $32,112 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from San Francisco State University

9
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
302 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$33,353 Median Starting Salary

CSUN is a very large public university located in the city of Northridge. This university ranks 48th out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 302 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at CSUN in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts program report average early career wages of $33,353.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from California State University - Northridge

10
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
81 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$35,194 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large suburb of Azusa, Azusa Pacific is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #143 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Azusa Pacific is a great university overall.

There were roughly 81 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Azusa Pacific in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies degree program at Azusa Pacific University get $3,632 more than the typical college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Azusa Pacific University

11
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
216 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$27,196 Median Starting Salary

Chico State is a fairly large public university located in the city of Chico. This university ranks 64th out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 216 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Chico State in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts program report average early career wages of $27,196.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from California State University - Chico

12
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
242 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
6.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize suburb of Seaside, CSUMB is a public university with a medium-sized student population. This university ranks 72nd out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 242 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at CSUMB in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the liberal arts program make an average of $30,413 for their early career.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from California State University - Monterey Bay

13
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
155th Most Popular In CA
21.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Los Angeles, Loyola Marymount is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #222 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Loyola Marymount is a great university overall.

There were approximately 19 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Loyola Marymount in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Loyola Marymount University

14
Graduate Certificate Highest Degree Type
233 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$23,253 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Portland, Portland State University is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 29 schools for overall quality in the state of Oregon.

There were approximately 233 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Portland State University in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts program report average early career income of $23,253.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Portland State University

15
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
2,284 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$30,852 Median Starting Salary

Portland Community College is a fairly large public college located in the city of Portland. This college ranks 4th out of 29 schools for overall quality in the state of Oregon.

There were approximately 2284 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Portland Community College in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts program state that they receive average early career earnings of $30,852.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Portland Community College

16
Graduate Certificate Highest Degree Type
95 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$40,061 Median Starting Salary

Wazzu is a fairly large public university located in the town of Pullman. A Best Colleges rank of #182 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Wazzu is a great university overall.

There were approximately 95 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Wazzu in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies degree recipients from Washington State University get an earnings boost of around $8,499 over the average earnings of liberal arts general studies majors.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Washington State University

17
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1,464 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$33,437 Median Starting Salary

SCC is a large public college located in the medium-sized city of Orange. This college ranks 49th out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 1464 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at SCC in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts program report average early career income of $33,437.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Santiago Canyon College

18
Golden West College crest
Golden West College
Huntington Beach, CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In CA
5,334 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded

Golden West College is a fairly large public college located in the suburb of Huntington Beach. This college ranks 52nd out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 5334 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Golden West College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Golden West College

19
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
279 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$31,802 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Long Beach, CSULB is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #246 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means CSULB is a great university overall.

There were about 279 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at CSULB in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts program report average early career earnings of $31,802.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from California State University - Long Beach

20
Seattle U crest
Seattle University
Seattle, WA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
33 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$35,398 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Seattle, Seattle U is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #155 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Seattle U is a great university overall.

There were approximately 33 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Seattle U in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies program at Seattle University earn $3,836 above the standard graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Seattle University

21
Saddleback College crest
Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
3,951 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
14.4% Growth in Graduates

Saddleback College is a fairly large public college located in the large suburb of Mission Viejo. This college ranks 46th out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 3951 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Saddleback College in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts program report average early career income of $18,646.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Saddleback College

22
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
190 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
7.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of Carson, CSUDH is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 91st out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 190 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at CSUDH in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies degree recipients from California State University - Dominguez Hills get an earnings boost of about $2,026 over the average earnings of liberal arts general studies majors.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from California State University - Dominguez Hills

23
MSJC crest
Mt. San Jacinto College
San Jacinto, CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
736 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$23,923 Median Starting Salary

MSJC is a large public college located in the medium-sized suburb of San Jacinto. This college ranks 73rd out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 736 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at MSJC in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts program state that they receive average early career income of $23,923.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Mt. San Jacinto College

24
SSU crest
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
137 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
14.6% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Rohnert Park, SSU is a public university with a moderately-sized student population. This university ranks 68th out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 137 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at SSU in the most recent year we have data available. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from Sonoma State University earn $8,196 more than the typical liberal arts student.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Sonoma State University

25
Cerritos College crest
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1,873 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
12.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Norwalk, Cerritos College is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 69th out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 1873 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Cerritos College in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the liberal arts program earn an average of $18,208 for their early career.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Cerritos College

Rest of the Top Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region

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29
West Valley College crest
West Valley College
Saratoga, CA
30

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region award.

Rank College Location
31 University of California - Riverside Riverside, CA
32 Bellevue College Bellevue, WA
33 Imperial Valley College Imperial, CA
34 Los Angeles Pierce College Woodland Hills, CA
35 California State University - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA
36 California State Polytechnic University - Pomona Pomona, CA
37 California State University - San Bernardino San Bernardino, CA
38 Soka University of America Aliso Viejo, CA
39 Chemeketa Community College Salem, OR
40 Ventura College Ventura, CA
41 California State University - Stanislaus Turlock, CA
42 Shasta College Redding, CA
43 California State University - Channel Islands Camarillo, CA
44 Los Angeles City College Los Angeles, CA
45 University of Nevada - Reno Reno, NV
46 Brandman University Irvine, CA
47 College of the Desert Palm Desert, CA
48 California State University - San Marcos San Marcos, CA
49 California State University - East Bay Hayward, CA
50 California State University - Fullerton Fullerton, CA

Best Liberal Arts General Studies Colleges by State

Explore the best liberal arts general studies schools for a specific state in the Far Western US Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
California 330 52,764
Washington 300 17,408
Oregon 266 8,580
Nevada 192 1,679
Hawaii 164 2,024
Alaska 119 417

View All Rankings >

One of 0 majors within the Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities area of study, Liberal Arts General Studies has other similar majors worth exploring.

Liberal Arts Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Liberal Arts 124,040
Humanities 15,533
General Studies 5,181
Individualized Studies 396

View All Liberal Arts Focus Areas >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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