by our College Data Analytics TeamA major in Liberal Arts explores Liberal Arts And Sciences/liberal Studies. A Program That Is A Structured Combination Of The Arts, Biological And Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, And Humanities, Emphasizing Breadth Of Study. Includes Instruction In Independently Designed, Individualized, Or Regular Programs. Read on to learn the key facts every liberal arts student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering liberal arts programs.
Across the country, liberal arts draws strong interest, with 344,220 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Liberal Arts Schools ranking analyzes these 1,429 schools to determine the best overall colleges for liberal arts students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of liberal arts programs later in this article.
There are several liberal arts degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 75,709 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 235,730 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 21,186 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 11,560 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 35 |
A degree in liberal arts can lead to a variety of career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to liberal arts.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to liberal arts.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | 964,215 | -0.1% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of liberal arts graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $32,164 |
| 4 years | $37,934 |
| 5 years | $44,008 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for liberal arts graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers liberal arts grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $68,967 |
With 1,429 different liberal arts programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased liberal arts school rankings to help you.
Those considering liberal arts, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Studies | 127,908 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other | 45,889 |
| Humanities/Humanistic Studies | 22,307 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
