by our College Data Analytics TeamIn 2025, College Factual analyzed 42 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Liberal Arts Associate Degree Schools in California ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 31,990 associate degrees in liberal arts during the 2022-2023 academic year.
Jump to one of the following sections: * Our Methodology
Your choice of liberal arts for getting your associate degree school matters. This section explores some of the factors we include in our ranking and how much they vary depending on the school you select. To make it into this list, a school must excel in the following areas.
The overall quality of a associate degree school is important to ensure a quality education, not just how well they do in a particular major. To make it into this list a school must rank well in our overall Best Colleges ranking. This ranking considered factors such as graduation rates, overall graduate earnings and other educational resources to identify great colleges and universities.
In addition to the above, you should consider some of the following factors:
Our complete ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best colleges for liberal arts students working on their associate degree.
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we've developed a number of rankings, including this Best Liberal Arts Associate Degree Schools in California list, to help you choose the best school for you.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Strengthen your communication and critical-thinking skills with this online associate in liberal arts degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
Learn about the top ranked colleges and universities for liberal arts students seeking a an associate degree.
Any student pursuing a degree in an associate degree in liberal arts needs to look into Irvine Valley College. Located in the city of Irvine, Irvine Valley College is a public college with a large student population.More information about a associate in liberal arts from Irvine Valley College
Every student who is interested in an associate degree in liberal arts has to take a look at Modesto Junior College. MJC is a large public college located in the midsize city of Modesto.More information about a associate in liberal arts from Modesto Junior College
It's difficult to beat Santiago Canyon College if you want to pursue an associate degree in liberal arts. Located in the midsize city of Orange, SCC is a public college with a fairly large student population.More information about a associate in liberal arts from Santiago Canyon College
Golden West College is a wonderful decision for individuals interested in an associate degree in liberal arts. Located in the large suburb of Huntington Beach, Golden West College is a public college with a fairly large student population.More information about a associate in liberal arts from Golden West College
Located in the suburb of Mission Viejo, Saddleback College is a public college with a fairly large student population.More information about a associate in liberal arts from Saddleback College
Cerritos College is a very large public college located in the large suburb of Norwalk.More information about a associate in liberal arts from Cerritos College
Located in the city of Riverside, Riverside City College is a public college with a very large student population.More information about a associate in liberal arts from Riverside City College
Located in the suburb of Saratoga, West Valley College is a public college with a moderately-sized student population.More information about a associate in liberal arts from West Valley College
Located in the rural area of Imperial, IVC is a public college with a moderately-sized student population.More information about a associate in liberal arts from Imperial Valley College
Located in the large city of Woodland Hills, Pierce College is a public college with a large student population.More information about a associate in liberal arts from Los Angeles Pierce College
Explore all the Best Liberal Arts Colleges in the Far Western US Area or other specific states within that region.
| State | Colleges | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | 288 | 16,452 |
| Oregon | 260 | 5,176 |
| Nevada | 185 | 1,257 |
| Hawaii | 79 | 1,835 |
| Alaska | 71 | 402 |
Liberal Arts is one of 3 different types of Liberal Arts General Studies programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Humanities | 13,953 |
| General Studies | 288 |
| Individualized Studies | 10 |
