by our College Data Analytics TeamFor its 2025 ranking, College Factual looked at 45 schools in California to determine which ones were the best for liberal arts / sciences & humanities students pursuing a associate degree. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 46,241 associate degrees in liberal arts / sciences & humanities during the 2022-2023 academic year.
Jump to one of the following sections: * Our Methodology
The liberal arts / sciences & humanities associate degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. This section explores some of the factors we include in our ranking and how much they vary depending on the school you select. Below we explain some of the most important factors to consider before making your choice:
The overall quality of a associate degree school is important to ensure a good 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.
To determine the overall quality of a graduate school, one factor we look at is the average early-career salary of those receiving their associate degree from the school. After all, your associate degree won't mean much if it doesn't help you find a job that will help you earn a living.
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 schools for liberal arts / sciences & humanities students working on their associate degree.
The liberal arts / sciences & humanities school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of the Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Associate Degree Schools in California.
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.
The following list ranks the best colleges and universities for pursuing an associate degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities.
Irvine Valley College is a great choice for individuals interested in an associate degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities. 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 / sciences & humanities from Irvine Valley College
Modesto Junior College is a wonderful decision for students interested in an associate degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities. MJC is a large public college located in the city of Modesto.More information about a associate in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Modesto Junior College
It is hard to beat Santiago Canyon College if you wish to pursue an associate degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Located in the city of Orange, SCC is a public college with a fairly large student population.More information about a associate in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Santiago Canyon College
Every student pursuing a degree in an associate degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities needs to take a look at Golden West College. Located in the 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 / sciences & humanities from Golden West College
Located in the large suburb of Mission Viejo, Saddleback College is a public college with a fairly large student population.More information about a associate in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Saddleback College
Located in the suburb of San Jacinto, MSJC is a public college with a large student population.More information about a associate in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Mt. San Jacinto College
Cerritos College is a very large public college located in the large suburb of Norwalk.More information about a associate in liberal arts / sciences & humanities 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 / sciences & humanities from Riverside City College
Located in the large suburb of Saratoga, West Valley College is a public college with a moderately-sized student population.More information about a associate in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from West Valley College
Delta is a large public college located in the city of Stockton.More information about a associate in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from San Joaquin Delta College
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 / Sciences & Humanities Associate Degree Schools in California award.
| Rank | College | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Imperial Valley College | Imperial, CA |
| 12 | Los Angeles Pierce College | Woodland Hills, CA |
| 13 | Ventura College | Ventura, CA |
| 14 | Shasta College | Redding, CA |
| 15 | Los Angeles City College | Los Angeles, CA |
Explore all the Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Colleges in the Far Western US Area or other specific states within that region.
| State | Colleges | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | 35 | 8,258 |
| Nevada | 35 | 1,627 |
| Washington | 33 | 16,515 |
| Hawaii | 24 | 1,942 |
| Alaska | 22 | 407 |
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Liberal Arts General Studies | 46,241 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 18,132 |
| Communication & Journalism | 4,700 |
| Family, Consumer & Human Sciences | 4,561 |
| English Language & Literature | 2,063 |
| History | 1,848 |
| Foreign Languages & Linguistics | 1,614 |
| Area, Ethnic, Culture, & Gender Studies | 622 |
| Philosophy & Religious Studies | 330 |
| Theology & Religious Vocations | 20 |
