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2025 Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Southeast Region

332 Colleges in the Southeast Region
153,413 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 reviewed 332 schools in the Southeast Region to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of liberal arts general studies. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 153,413 degrees in liberal arts general studies annually.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Liberal Arts General Studies School

Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Southeast Region The liberal arts program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Liberal Arts General Studies rankings. 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.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Pick Your Liberal Arts General Studies Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Liberal Arts
Bachelor's Degrees in Liberal Arts
Master's Degrees in Liberal Arts
Doctor'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 Southeast 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 Southeast 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 Southeast Region Schools in Liberal Arts

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
322 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$41,398 Median Starting Salary

George Mason University is a good decision for students pursuing a degree in liberal arts general studies. GMU is a very large public university located in the suburb of Fairfax. A Best Colleges rank of #92 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means GMU is a great university overall.

There were about 322 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at GMU in the most recent year we have data available. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from George Mason University earn $9,836 more than the average liberal arts grad.

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

2
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
3,745 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
3.7% Growth in Graduates

Northern Virginia Community College is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in liberal arts general studies. Located in the suburb of Annandale, Northern Virginia Community College is a public college with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #205 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Northern Virginia Community College is a great college overall.

There were roughly 3745 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Northern Virginia Community College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, liberal arts degree recipients usually make about $31,936 at the beginning of their careers.

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

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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
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
416 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$45,230 Median Starting Salary

It is hard to beat University of South Florida - Main Campus if you want to pursue a degree in liberal arts general studies. USF Tampa is a very large public university located in the large city of Tampa. A Best Colleges rank of #198 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means USF Tampa is a great university overall.

There were about 416 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at USF Tampa in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies degree recipients from University of South Florida - Main Campus receive an earnings boost of around $13,668 over the average earnings of liberal arts general studies majors.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from University of South Florida - Main Campus

4
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
52 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
1.9% Growth in Graduates

It's hard to beat North Carolina State University if you wish to pursue a degree in liberal arts general studies. NC State is a very large public university located in the large city of Raleigh. A Best Colleges rank of #122 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means NC State is a great university overall.

There were about 52 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at NC State in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies program at North Carolina State University get $10,585 more than the standard college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

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

5
Valencia College crest
Valencia College
Orlando, FL
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
7,147 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$25,001 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Orlando, Valencia College is a public college with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #130 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Valencia College is a great college overall.

There were about 7147 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Valencia College in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts program report average early career earnings of $25,001.

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

6
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
441 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$7,808 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large suburb of Oxford, Oxford College is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. A Best Colleges rank of #118 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Oxford College is a great university overall.

There were roughly 441 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Oxford College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the liberal arts program make an average of $7,808 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Oxford College of Emory University

7
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
160 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$45,645 Median Starting Salary

Middle Tennessee State University is a fairly large public university located in the city of Murfreesboro. This university ranks 18th out of 41 colleges for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were roughly 160 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Middle Tennessee State University in the most recent data year. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from Middle Tennessee State University make $14,083 more than the standard liberal arts student.

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

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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
JMU crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
243 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$49,408 Median Starting Salary

JMU is a fairly large public university located in the city of Harrisonburg. A Best Colleges rank of #141 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means JMU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 243 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at JMU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies major at James Madison University make $17,846 above the standard college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

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

9
U Miami crest
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
39 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$50,614 Median Starting Salary

U Miami is a large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Coral Gables. A Best Colleges rank of #175 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means U Miami is a great university overall.

There were about 39 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at U Miami in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies degree recipients from University of Miami get an earnings boost of approximately $19,052 above the average income of liberal arts general studies graduates.

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

10
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1,927 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$27,926 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Sanford, Seminole State is a public college with a large student population. This college ranks 16th out of 70 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were approximately 1927 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Seminole State in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts program state that they receive average early career wages of $27,926.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Seminole State College of Florida

11
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
3,463 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$29,805 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large suburb of Lake Worth, Palm Beach State College is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 12th out of 70 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were approximately 3463 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Palm Beach State College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, liberal arts degree recipients usually earn about $29,805 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Palm Beach State College

12
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
3,128 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$30,406 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Tampa, HCC is a public college with a very large student population. This college ranks 11th out of 70 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were roughly 3128 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at HCC in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the liberal arts program make an average of $30,406 for their early career.

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

13
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
150 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$33,580 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Morgantown, WVU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 25 colleges for overall quality in the state of West Virginia.

There were about 150 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at WVU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies major at West Virginia University make $2,018 above the average college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

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

14
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
2,140 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$30,678 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Jacksonville, FSCJ is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 19th out of 70 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were approximately 2140 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at FSCJ in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the liberal arts program make about $30,678 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Florida State College at Jacksonville

15
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
280 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
1.8% Growth in Graduates

Mitchell Community College is a small public college located in the fringe town of Statesville. This college ranks 8th out of 93 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were roughly 280 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Mitchell Community College in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts program state that they receive average early career earnings of $27,667.

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

16
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
250 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$35,361 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize city of Tallahassee, Florida State is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #117 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Florida State is a great university overall.

There were about 250 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Florida State in the most recent data year. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from Florida State University receive $3,799 more than the average liberal arts grad.

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

17
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
2,169 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$25,467 Median Starting Salary

Tallahassee Community College is a large public college located in the medium-sized city of Tallahassee. This college ranks 17th out of 70 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were roughly 2169 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Tallahassee Community College in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, liberal arts degree recipients usually make about $25,467 at the beginning of their careers.

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

18
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
306 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$26,855 Median Starting Salary

ACC is a small public college located in the medium-sized suburb of Graham. This college ranks 9th out of 93 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were roughly 306 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at ACC in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, liberal arts degree recipients usually earn an average of $26,855 in the first five years of their career.

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

19
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
120 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$33,245 Median Starting Salary

UofSC is a fairly large public university located in the midsize city of Columbia. A Best Colleges rank of #99 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UofSC is a great university overall.

There were about 120 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at UofSC in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the liberal arts program make around $33,245 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from University of South Carolina - Columbia

20
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
115 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$40,058 Median Starting Salary

UofM is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Memphis. This university ranks 12th out of 41 schools for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were about 115 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at UofM in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies major at University of Memphis make $8,496 more than the average college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

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

21
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,675 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$53,092 Median Starting Salary

Located in the town of Charles Town, American Military University is a private for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #234 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means American Military University is a great university overall.

There were roughly 1675 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at American Military University in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies major at American Public University System make $21,530 above the standard college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from American Public University System

22
BC crest
Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
4,761 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$28,775 Median Starting Salary

BC is a very large public college located in the city of Fort Lauderdale. This college ranks 15th out of 70 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were approximately 4761 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at BC 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 $28,775.

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

23
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
487 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$21,755 Median Starting Salary

Located in the remote area of Alberta, Southside Virginia Community College is a public college with a small student population. This college ranks 12th out of 57 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were about 487 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Southside Virginia Community College in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the liberal arts program earn an average of $21,755 in the first couple years of their career.

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

24
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
45 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$37,709 Median Starting Salary

UNC Chapel Hill is a very large public university located in the city of Chapel Hill. A Best Colleges rank of #38 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UNC Chapel Hill is a great university overall.

There were approximately 45 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies degree program at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill make $6,147 above the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

25
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1,657 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$27,740 Median Starting Salary

FSW is a large public college located in the suburb of Fort Myers. This college ranks 20th out of 70 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were roughly 1657 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at FSW in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts program report average early career income of $27,740.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Florida SouthWestern State College

Rest of the Top Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Southeast Region

26
27
Marshall University crest
Marshall University
Huntington, WV
28
SPC crest
St Petersburg College
St. Petersburg, FL
29
Santa Fe College crest
Santa Fe College
Gainesville, FL
30
31
32

33

34
35
36
37
38
Union crest
Union University
Jackson, TN
39
40
41

42
Gaston College crest
Gaston College
Dallas, NC

43
UMW crest
University of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA
44
45
46
47
48
Thomas More crest
Thomas More University
Crestview Hills, KY
49
50
Longwood crest
Longwood University
Farmville, VA

Remaining Award Winners

This list represents the remainder of the colleges awarded a Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Southeast Region badge. Showing in this list means the school was ranked in the top 20% of the 332 different Southeast liberal arts general studies schools we analyzed.

Rank College Location
51 Shelton State Community College Tuscaloosa, AL
52 Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas De Queen, AR
53 University of North Georgia Dahlonega, GA
54 Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA
55 Coastal Carolina University Conway, SC
56 East Carolina University Greenville, NC
57 Greenville Technical College Greenville, SC
58 Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Asheville, NC
59 East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TN
60 Lee University Cleveland, TN
61 Cumberland University Lebanon, TN
62 NorthWest Arkansas Community College Bentonville, AR
63 Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FL
64 Lenoir Community College Kinston, NC
65 Wallace Community College, Dothan Dothan, AL
66 McNeese State University Lake Charles, LA

Additional Noteworthy Schools

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 Southeast Region award.

Rank College Location
67 Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, KY
68 Chattanooga State Community College Chattanooga, TN
69 Patrick Henry Community College Martinsville, VA
70 Catawba Valley Community College Hickory, NC
71 Arkansas State University - Main Campus Jonesboro, AR
72 Lurleen B Wallace Community College Andalusia, AL
73 Hinds Community College Raymond, MS
74 Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KY
75 Brunswick Community College Bolivia, NC
76 Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Martinsburg, WV
77 University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, LA
78 University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NC
79 John C Calhoun State Community College Tanner, AL
80 Delgado Community College New Orleans, LA
81 West Virginia University at Parkersburg Parkersburg, WV
82 Daytona State College Daytona Beach, FL
83 College of Central Florida Ocala, FL
84 Austin Peay State University Clarksville, TN
85 Florida College Temple Terrace, FL
86 Georgia Highlands College Rome, GA
87 Pasco-Hernando State College New Port Richey, FL
88 Bevill State Community College Jasper, AL
89 Marion Military Institute Marion, AL
90 Southwest Tennessee Community College Memphis, TN
91 New College of Florida Sarasota, FL
92 Gadsden State Community College Gadsden, AL
93 Cleveland Community College Shelby, NC
94 Coastal Alabama Community College Bay Minette, AL
95 Jackson State Community College Jackson, TN
96 Lord Fairfax Community College Middletown, VA
97 The University of West Florida Pensacola, FL
98 Wallace Community College, Selma Selma, AL
99 North Carolina A & T State University Greensboro, NC
100 Murray State University Murray, KY
101 Richmond Community College Hamlet, NC
102 Tidewater Community College Norfolk, VA
103 Lawson State Community College - Birmingham Campus Birmingham, AL
104 University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College North Little Rock, AR
105 Florida Gateway College Lake City, FL
106 Southwest Virginia Community College Cedar Bluff, VA
107 Sandhills Community College Pinehurst, NC
108 Nash Community College Rocky Mount, NC
109 University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, LA
110 Pellissippi State Community College Knoxville, TN

Best Liberal Arts General Studies Colleges by State

Explore the best liberal arts general studies schools for a specific state in the Southeast Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Georgia 287 7,724
Florida 282 64,443
North Carolina 279 18,227
Virginia 274 9,294
Tennessee 269 10,179
South Carolina 248 4,243
Kentucky 244 6,493
Louisiana 242 2,864
Mississippi 234 5,696
Arkansas 234 5,153
Alabama 233 5,890
West Virginia 207 3,558

View All Rankings >

Liberal Arts General Studies is one of 0 different types of Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities programs to choose from.

Liberal Arts Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
Liberal Arts 112,117
General Studies 27,992
Individualized Studies 12,609
Humanities 695

View All Liberal Arts Concentrations >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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