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2025 Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in the Far Western US Region

135 Colleges in the Far Western US Region
145,150 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$31,562 Avg Early-Career Salary
Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities is of the hottest degree programs in the United States, coming in as the #3 most popular major in the country. This means there are lots of options to choose from when you decide to get your degree.

For its 2025 ranking, College Factual looked at 135 schools in the Far Western US Region to determine which ones were the best for liberal arts / sciences & humanities students pursuing a degree. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 145,150 degrees in liberal arts / sciences & humanities annually.

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

Choosing a Great Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities School

Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in the Far Western US Region Your choice of liberal arts / sciences & humanities school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. For our Best Overall Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

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

Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities
Bachelor's Degrees in Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities
Master's Degrees in Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities

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 Schools in the Far Western US Region. If you'd like to restrict your choices to just one part of the country, you can filter this list by location.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

If you want to learn more about how we derive our rankings, see College Factual's Methodology.

Best Schools for Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities in the Far Western US Region

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the liberal arts / sciences & humanities degrees they offer, see the list below. 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 Far Western US Region Schools in Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities

1
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
79 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$56,094 Median Starting Salary

Saint Mary's College of California is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities. SMC is a small private not-for-profit college located in the large suburb of Moraga. A Best Colleges rank of #148 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means SMC is a great college overall.

There were roughly 79 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at SMC in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities degree recipients from Saint Mary's College of California receive an earnings boost of around $24,532 over the average earnings of liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Saint Mary’s College of California

2
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
170 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$30,286 Median Starting Salary

California State University - Sacramento is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Located in the city of Sacramento, Sac State is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #267 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Sac State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 170 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Sac State in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program report average early career income of $30,286.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from California State University - Sacramento

Sponsored
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
TAC crest
Thomas Aquinas College
Santa Paula, CA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
115 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
31.3% Growth in Graduates

It is difficult to beat Thomas Aquinas College if you want to pursue a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities. TAC is a fairly small private not-for-profit college located in the rural area of Santa Paula. A Best Colleges rank of #140 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means TAC is a great college overall.

There were about 115 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at TAC in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program state that they receive average early career earnings of $33,432.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Thomas Aquinas College

4
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
107 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$35,056 Median Starting Salary

Every student who is interested in liberal arts / sciences & humanities needs to take a look at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo. Located in the small suburb of San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #165 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is a great university overall.

There were about 107 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the most recent data year. Those liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who get their degree from California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo receive $3,494 more than the average liberal arts / sciences & humanities grad.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo

5
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
9th Most Popular In CA
3,458 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Irvine, Irvine Valley College is a public college with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #146 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Irvine Valley College is a great college overall.

There were about 3458 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Irvine Valley College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Irvine Valley College

6
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
239 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$23,190 Median Starting Salary

SDSU is a very large public university located in the city of San Diego. A Best Colleges rank of #185 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means SDSU is a great university overall.

There were about 239 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at SDSU in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program make about $23,190 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from San Diego State University

7
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
550 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
12.2% Growth in Graduates

MJC is a large public college located in the city of Modesto. A Best Colleges rank of #230 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means MJC is a great college overall.

There were roughly 550 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at MJC in the most recent data year. After graduating, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients typically earn an average of $27,927 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Modesto Junior College

Sponsored
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
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
103 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$32,112 Median Starting Salary

SFSU is a very large public university located in the large city of San Francisco. A Best Colleges rank of #225 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means SFSU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 103 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at SFSU in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program earn about $32,112 for their early career.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from San Francisco State University

9
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
302 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$33,353 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Northridge, CSUN is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 48th out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 302 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at CSUN in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program earn an average of $33,353 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from California State University - Northridge

10
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
81 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$35,194 Median Starting Salary

Azusa Pacific is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Azusa. A Best Colleges rank of #143 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Azusa Pacific is a great university overall.

There were approximately 81 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Azusa Pacific in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree program at Azusa Pacific University earn $3,632 above the average college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Azusa Pacific University

11
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
216 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$27,196 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of Chico, Chico State is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 64th out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 216 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Chico State in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients usually earn about $27,196 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from California State University - Chico

12
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
242 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
6.2% Growth in Graduates

CSUMB is a moderately-sized public university located in the suburb of Seaside. This university ranks 72nd out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 242 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at CSUMB in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program report average early career earnings of $30,413.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from California State University - Monterey Bay

13
Graduate Certificate Highest Degree Type
233 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$23,253 Median Starting Salary

Portland State University is a very large public university located in the large city of Portland. This university ranks 5th out of 29 colleges for overall quality in the state of Oregon.

There were about 233 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Portland State University in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients generally earn an average of $23,253 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Portland State University

14
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
2,284 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$30,852 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Portland, Portland Community College is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 4th out of 29 colleges for overall quality in the state of Oregon.

There were roughly 2284 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Portland Community College in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients generally earn about $30,852 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Portland Community College

15
Graduate Certificate Highest Degree Type
95 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$40,061 Median Starting Salary

Located in the distant town of Pullman, Wazzu is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #182 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Wazzu is a great university overall.

There were approximately 95 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Wazzu in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities degree recipients from Washington State University receive an earnings boost of about $8,499 over the typical earnings of liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Washington State University

16
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1,464 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$33,437 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Orange, SCC is a public college with a large student population. This college ranks 49th out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 1464 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at SCC in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program state that they receive average early career earnings of $33,437.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Santiago Canyon College

17
Golden West College crest
Golden West College
Huntington Beach, CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In CA
5,334 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded

Located in the large suburb of Huntington Beach, Golden West College is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 52nd out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 5334 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Golden West College in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Golden West College

18
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
279 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$31,802 Median Starting Salary

CSULB is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Long Beach. A Best Colleges rank of #246 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means CSULB is a great university overall.

There were about 279 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at CSULB in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program state that they receive average early career wages of $31,802.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from California State University - Long Beach

19
Saddleback College crest
Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
3,951 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
14.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Mission Viejo, Saddleback College is a public college with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #332 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Saddleback College is a great college overall.

There were approximately 3951 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Saddleback College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program earn an average of $18,646 in the first couple years of their career.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Saddleback College

20
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
190 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
7.4% Growth in Graduates

CSUDH is a fairly large public university located in the city of Carson. This university ranks 91st out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 190 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at CSUDH in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities major at California State University - Dominguez Hills get $2,026 above the typical graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from California State University - Dominguez Hills

21
MSJC crest
Mt. San Jacinto College
San Jacinto, CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
736 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$23,923 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of San Jacinto, MSJC is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 73rd out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 736 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at MSJC in the most recent data year. After graduating, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients typically make an average of $23,923 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Mt. San Jacinto College

22
SSU crest
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
137 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
14.6% Growth in Graduates

SSU is a medium-sized public university located in the large suburb of Rohnert Park. This university ranks 68th out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 137 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at SSU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities major at Sonoma State University earn $8,196 above the standard college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Sonoma State University

23
Cerritos College crest
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1,873 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
12.1% Growth in Graduates

Cerritos College is a fairly large public college located in the large suburb of Norwalk. This college ranks 69th out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 1873 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Cerritos College in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program state that they receive average early career wages of $18,208.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Cerritos College

24
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
936 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
7.5% Growth in Graduates

CSN is a very large public college located in the large city of Las Vegas. This college ranks 3rd out of 8 schools for overall quality in the state of Nevada.

There were approximately 936 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at CSN in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program state that they receive average early career earnings of $25,433.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from College of Southern Nevada

25
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1,872 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
0.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Riverside, Riverside City College is a public college with a very large student population. This college ranks 71st out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 1872 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Riverside City College in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program state that they receive average early career income of $27,524.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Riverside City College

Rest of the Top Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in the Far Western US Region

26
27
West Valley College crest
West Valley College
Saratoga, CA

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities students in the Far Western US Region that almost earned our Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in the Far Western US Region award.

Rank College Location
28 San Joaquin Delta College Stockton, CA
29 University of California - Riverside Riverside, CA
30 Bellevue College Bellevue, WA
31 Imperial Valley College Imperial, CA
32 Los Angeles Pierce College Woodland Hills, CA
33 California State University - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA
34 California State Polytechnic University - Pomona Pomona, CA
35 California State University - San Bernardino San Bernardino, CA
36 Soka University of America Aliso Viejo, CA
37 Chemeketa Community College Salem, OR
38 Ventura College Ventura, CA
39 California State University - Stanislaus Turlock, CA
40 Shasta College Redding, CA
41 California State University - Channel Islands Camarillo, CA
42 Los Angeles City College Los Angeles, CA
43 University of Nevada - Reno Reno, NV
44 Brandman University Irvine, CA
45 College of the Desert Palm Desert, CA

Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Colleges by State

Explore the best liberal arts / sciences & humanities schools for a specific state in the Far Western US Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
California 38 52,764
Washington 37 17,408
Oregon 37 8,580
Hawaii 36 2,024
Nevada 35 1,679
Alaska 33 417

View All Rankings >

Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Majors to Study

Major Annual Graduates
Liberal Arts General Studies 145,150

View All Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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