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2025 Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Southwest Region

138 Colleges in the Southwest Region
73,572 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 138 colleges and universities when compiling its 2025 Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 73,572 degrees in liberal arts general studies to qualified students.

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 Southwest 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

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Southwest Region ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that 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 Southwest 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 Southwest Region Schools in Liberal Arts

1
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
338 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$55,239 Median Starting Salary

Any student pursuing a degree in liberal arts general studies has to look into The University of Texas at Austin. Located in the city of Austin, UT Austin is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #46 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UT Austin is a great university overall.

There were roughly 338 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent year we have data available. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from The University of Texas at Austin receive $23,677 more than the average liberal arts grad.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from The University of Texas at Austin

2
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
329 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$54,494 Median Starting Salary

University of Oklahoma Norman Campus is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a degree in liberal arts general studies. Located in the midsize suburb of Norman, University of Oklahoma is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #191 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means University of Oklahoma is a great university overall.

There were roughly 329 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at University of Oklahoma in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies major at University of Oklahoma Norman Campus earn $22,933 above the average college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from University of Oklahoma Norman Campus

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Associates Degree Type
AA in Liberal Arts Program Name

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3
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
71 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$47,601 Median Starting Salary

Every student pursuing a degree in liberal arts general studies has to check out Arizona State University - Tempe. ASU - Tempe is a fairly large public university located in the medium-sized city of Tempe. A Best Colleges rank of #108 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means ASU - Tempe is a great university overall.

There were roughly 71 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at ASU - Tempe in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies degree recipients from Arizona State University - Tempe receive an earnings boost of approximately $16,040 over the average income of liberal arts general studies majors.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Arizona State University - Tempe

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
84 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$57,967 Median Starting Salary

Southern Methodist University is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a degree in liberal arts general studies. Located in the suburb of Dallas, SMU is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #142 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means SMU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 84 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at SMU in the most recent year we have data available. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from Southern Methodist University make $26,405 more than the typical liberal arts student.

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

5
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
44 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$52,801 Median Starting Salary

UST is a small private not-for-profit university located in the city of Houston. This university ranks 37th out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were approximately 44 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at UST in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies major at University of St. Thomas get $21,239 above the average college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from University of St. Thomas

6
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
459 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$36,588 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize city of Denton, UNT is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #310 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UNT is a great university overall.

There were approximately 459 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at UNT in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies degree recipients from University of North Texas get an earnings boost of around $5,026 above the typical earnings of liberal arts general studies graduates.

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

7
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
418 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$43,752 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Flagstaff, NAU is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #221 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means NAU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 418 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at NAU in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies degree program at Northern Arizona University earn $12,190 above the standard college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

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

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Bachelors Degree Type
BA in General Studies Program Name

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Related Programs

8
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
221 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$37,786 Median Starting Salary

UCO is a large public university located in the suburb of Edmond. This university ranks 8th out of 31 colleges for overall quality in the state of Oklahoma.

There were approximately 221 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at UCO in the most recent year we have data available. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from University of Central Oklahoma receive $6,224 more than the typical liberal arts grad.

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

9
Graduate Certificate Highest Degree Type
231 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
14.3% Growth in Graduates

Texas Tech is a very large public university located in the large city of Lubbock. A Best Colleges rank of #161 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Texas Tech is a great university overall.

There were approximately 231 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Texas Tech in the most recent data year. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from Texas Tech University make $9,038 more than the average liberal arts graduate.

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

10
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
221 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$26,145 Median Starting Salary

Eastern Arizona College is a medium-sized public college located in the town of Thatcher. A Best Colleges rank of #201 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Eastern Arizona College is a great college overall.

There were approximately 221 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Eastern Arizona 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 income of $26,145.

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

11
El Centro College crest
El Centro College
Dallas, TX
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
5,266 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$33,060 Median Starting Salary

El Centro College is a very large public college located in the city of Dallas. A Best Colleges rank of #281 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means El Centro College is a great college overall.

There were approximately 5266 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at El Centro College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, liberal arts degree recipients generally make an average of $33,060 at the beginning of their careers.

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

12
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
4,331 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$30,179 Median Starting Salary

Tarrant County College is a fairly large public college located in the city of Fort Worth. A Best Colleges rank of #272 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Tarrant County College is a great college overall.

There were roughly 4331 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Tarrant County College in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts program report average early career earnings of $30,179.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Tarrant County College District

13
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
657 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$34,626 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Oklahoma City, OCCC is a public college with a large student population. This college ranks 4th out of 31 colleges for overall quality in the state of Oklahoma.

There were roughly 657 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at OCCC in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies degree recipients from Oklahoma City Community College earn a boost of about $3,064 over the typical income of liberal arts general studies majors.

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

14
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
2,110 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
12.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Tucson, Pima County Community College District is a public college with a large student population. This college ranks 10th out of 26 schools for overall quality in the state of Arizona.

There were roughly 2110 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Pima County Community College District in the most recent data year. After graduation, liberal arts degree recipients usually make about $31,002 in their early careers.

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

15
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1,799 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
8.1% Growth in Graduates

Austin Community College District is a fairly large public college located in the large city of Austin. This college ranks 20th out of 115 colleges for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were roughly 1799 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Austin Community College District in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies major at Austin Community College District earn $6,874 above the typical college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

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

16
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
2,955 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$32,114 Median Starting Salary

Collin County Community College District is a very large public college located in the large suburb of McKinney. A Best Colleges rank of #386 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Collin County Community College District is a great college overall.

There were approximately 2955 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Collin County Community College District 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 $32,114.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Collin County Community College District

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
348 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$47,601 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize city of Scottsdale, ASU - Skysong is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 8th out of 26 schools for overall quality in the state of Arizona.

There were about 348 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at ASU - Skysong in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts general studies major at Arizona State University - Skysong earn $16,040 more than the standard college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Arizona State University - Skysong

18
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1,936 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$29,423 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Houston, Houston Community College is a public college with a very large student population. This college ranks 17th out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were roughly 1936 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Houston Community College in the most recent data year. After graduation, liberal arts degree recipients usually make around $29,423 at the beginning of their careers.

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

19
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
249 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$37,938 Median Starting Salary

OSU is a very large public university located in the distant town of Stillwater. A Best Colleges rank of #366 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means OSU is a great university overall.

There were about 249 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at OSU in the most recent year we have data available. Liberal Arts General Studies degree recipients from Oklahoma State University - Main Campus receive an earnings boost of around $6,376 above the average income of liberal arts general studies majors.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Oklahoma State University - Main Campus

20
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
775 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$30,690 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Waco, MCC is a public college with a moderately-sized student population. This college ranks 26th out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were approximately 775 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at MCC in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, liberal arts degree recipients typically make around $30,690 in the first five years of their career.

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

21
North Harris Montgomery crest
Lone Star College System
The Woodlands, TX
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
6,326 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$27,180 Median Starting Salary

North Harris Montgomery is a fairly large public college located in the medium-sized city of The Woodlands. This college ranks 21st out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were approximately 6326 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at North Harris Montgomery in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the liberal arts program make about $27,180 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Lone Star College System

22
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
3,331 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$31,097 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Albuquerque, CNM is a public college with a large student population. This college ranks 2nd out of 24 colleges for overall quality in the state of New Mexico.

There were approximately 3331 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at CNM 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 $31,097.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from Central New Mexico Community College

23
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
172 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$29,418 Median Starting Salary

UNM is a very large public university located in the city of Albuquerque. This university ranks 1st out of 24 colleges for overall quality in the state of New Mexico.

There were about 172 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at UNM 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 $29,418.

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

24
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
220 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$44,688 Median Starting Salary

Wayland Baptist University is a small private not-for-profit university located in the town of Plainview. This university ranks 55th out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were roughly 220 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at Wayland Baptist University in the most recent year we have data available. Those liberal arts general studies students who get their degree from Wayland Baptist University earn $13,126 more than the typical liberal arts grad.

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

25
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
138 Liberal Arts Degrees Awarded
$34,397 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of San Antonio, UTSA is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 23rd out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were roughly 138 liberal arts general studies students who graduated with this degree at UTSA in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts General Studies degree recipients from The University of Texas at San Antonio get an earnings boost of approximately $2,835 above the typical earnings of liberal arts general studies graduates.

More information about a degree in liberal arts general studies from The University of Texas at San Antonio

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

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27

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Liberal Arts General Studies students in the Southwest Region that almost earned our Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in the Southwest Region award.

Rank College Location
28 The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TX
29 Northland Pioneer College Holbrook, AZ
30 Texas Christian University Fort Worth, TX
31 Mesa Community College Mesa, AZ
32 South Texas College McAllen, TX
33 Estrella Mountain Community College Avondale, AZ
34 Texas State University San Marcos, TX
35 Texas A&M University - Commerce Commerce, TX
36 Oklahoma Christian University Edmond, OK
37 Oklahoma Wesleyan University Bartlesville, OK
38 Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus Portales, NM
39 Northwest Vista College San Antonio, TX
40 Phoenix College Phoenix, AZ
41 New Mexico State University - Dona Ana Las Cruces, NM
42 Central Texas College Killeen, TX
43 West Texas A&M University Canyon, TX
44 Glendale Community College Glendale, AZ
45 Brazosport College Lake Jackson, TX
46 St. John’s College Santa Fe, NM

Best Liberal Arts General Studies Colleges by State

Explore the best liberal arts general studies colleges for a specific state in the Southwest Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Texas 317 55,861
Arizona 287 8,087
Oklahoma 257 3,293
New Mexico 219 3,989

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
General Studies 47,270
Liberal Arts 25,465
Individualized Studies 565
Humanities 272

View All Liberal Arts Concentrations >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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