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2025 Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in the Great Lakes Region

154 Colleges in the Great Lakes Region
61,536 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$31,562 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you pursue a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities, you won't be alone. The field of study is the #3 most popular program in the country. This makes choosing the right school a hard decision.

College Factual reviewed 154 schools in the Great Lakes Region to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Combined, these schools handed out 61,536 degrees in liberal arts / sciences & humanities to qualified students.

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 Great Lakes Region Your choice of liberal arts / sciences & humanities school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. We derive our Best Overall Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities School rankings by rolling up our degree-level rankings after weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each school.

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
Doctor's Degrees in Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities

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 / Sciences & Humanities Schools in the Great Lakes Region list, to help you choose the best school for you. 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 / Sciences & Humanities in the Great Lakes Region

The schools below may not offer all types of liberal arts / sciences & humanities 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 Great Lakes Region Schools in Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities

1
DePaul crest
DePaul University
Chicago, IL
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
90 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$81,802 Median Starting Salary

It's hard to beat DePaul University if you wish to pursue a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Located in the large city of Chicago, DePaul is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #135 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means DePaul is a great university overall.

There were roughly 90 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at DePaul in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree program at DePaul University make $50,241 more than the average college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

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

2
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
53 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$38,065 Median Starting Salary

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is a wonderful choice for students pursuing a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities. U-M is a very large public university located in the midsize city of Ann Arbor. A Best Colleges rank of #22 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were about 53 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent data year. Those liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who get their degree from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor receive $6,503 more than the standard liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduate.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

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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.

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3
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
32 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$45,579 Median Starting Salary

It is difficult to beat University of Notre Dame if you wish to pursue a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Located in the large suburb of Notre Dame, Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #29 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Notre Dame is a great university overall.

There were roughly 32 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Notre Dame in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities major at University of Notre Dame earn $14,017 above the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from University of Notre Dame

4
Vincennes University crest
Vincennes University
Vincennes, IN
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1,481 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
7.4% Growth in Graduates

Vincennes University is a good decision for students interested in a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Vincennes University is a fairly large public university located in the remote town of Vincennes. A Best Colleges rank of #365 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Vincennes University is a great university overall.

There were roughly 1481 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Vincennes University in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program at Vincennes University make $6,337 more than the typical college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

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

5
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
471 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$34,164 Median Starting Salary

Located in the rural area of Springfield, LLCC is a public college with a moderately-sized student population. This college ranks 15th out of 85 colleges for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were approximately 471 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at LLCC in the most recent data year. Those liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who get their degree from Lincoln Land Community College receive $2,602 more than the typical liberal arts / sciences & humanities student.

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

6
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
191 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$41,499 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Indianapolis, IUPUI is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #253 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means IUPUI is a great university overall.

There were roughly 191 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at IUPUI in the most recent data year. Those liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who get their degree from Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis earn $9,937 more than the typical liberal arts / sciences & humanities student.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis

7
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
333 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
20.7% Growth in Graduates

UW - Green Bay is a fairly large public university located in the midsize city of Green Bay. This university ranks 30th out of 46 colleges for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were approximately 333 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at UW - Green Bay in the most recent year we have data available. Those liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who get their degree from University of Wisconsin - Green Bay earn $22,874 more than the standard liberal arts / sciences & humanities student.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

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Bachelors Degree Type
BA in General Studies Program Name

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8
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
$43,683 Median Starting Salary
$9,000 Median Student Debt

Located in the town of Marion, IWU is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 12th out of 41 schools for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were roughly 28 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at IWU in the most recent year we have data available. Those liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who get their degree from Indiana Wesleyan University make $12,121 more than the average liberal arts / sciences & humanities student.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Indiana Wesleyan University

9
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
189 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$51,931 Median Starting Salary

IU Bloomington is a fairly large public university located in the city of Bloomington. A Best Colleges rank of #30 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means IU Bloomington is a great university overall.

There were about 189 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at IU Bloomington in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities major at Indiana University - Bloomington get $20,369 above the standard college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Indiana University - Bloomington

10
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
120 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$43,683 Median Starting Salary

Located in the rural area of Marion, IWU is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #224 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means IWU is a great university overall.

There were about 120 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at IWU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program at Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global make $12,121 above the standard college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global

11
Ivy Tech Community College crest
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
6,424 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
3.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College is a public college with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #173 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Ivy Tech Community College is a great college overall.

There were roughly 6424 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Ivy Tech Community College in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients generally make about $26,391 in their early careers.

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

12
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
93 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$38,102 Median Starting Salary

Kent State is a very large public university located in the large suburb of Kent. A Best Colleges rank of #250 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Kent State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 93 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Kent State in the most recent year we have data available. Those liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who get their degree from Kent State University at Kent receive $6,540 more than the average liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduate.

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

13
Graduate Certificate Highest Degree Type
101 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$37,440 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large suburb of New Albany, Indiana University - Southeast is a public university with a small student population. This university ranks 26th out of 41 colleges for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were roughly 101 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Indiana University - Southeast in the most recent year we have data available. Those liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who get their degree from Indiana University - Southeast earn $5,878 more than the standard liberal arts / sciences & humanities student.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Indiana University - Southeast

14
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
265 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
34.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Cincinnati, Cincinnati State is a public college with a moderately-sized student population. This college ranks 14th out of 91 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 265 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Cincinnati State in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree program at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College make $5,085 above the typical college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

15
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
233 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
35.2% Growth in Graduates

University of Akron Main Campus is a fairly large public university located in the city of Akron. This university ranks 23rd out of 91 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 233 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at University of Akron Main Campus 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 income of $28,190.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from University of Akron Main Campus

16
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
247 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
26.7% Growth in Graduates

UW - Whitewater is a large public university located in the town of Whitewater. This university ranks 10th out of 46 schools for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were approximately 247 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at UW - Whitewater in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program at University of Wisconsin - Whitewater earn $6,579 above the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

17
Alverno crest
Alverno College
Milwaukee, WI
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
36 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
8.3% Growth in Graduates

Alverno is a small private not-for-profit college located in the large city of Milwaukee. This college ranks 21st out of 46 schools for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were about 36 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Alverno in the most recent year we have data available. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities degree recipients from Alverno College receive an earnings boost of approximately $13,250 above the average earnings of liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates.

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

18
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
510 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
1.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the rural area of Sugar Grove, Waubonsee is a public college with a moderately-sized student population. This college ranks 22nd out of 85 colleges for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were about 510 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Waubonsee in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program report average early career earnings of $27,597.

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

19
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1,312 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$28,760 Median Starting Salary

Cuyahoga Community College District is a large public college located in the city of Cleveland. This college ranks 13th out of 91 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 1312 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Cuyahoga Community College District in the most recent data year. After graduating, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients typically make about $28,760 in the first five years of their career.

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

20
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
223 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$35,269 Median Starting Salary

Ball State is a very large public university located in the small city of Muncie. A Best Colleges rank of #181 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Ball State is a great university overall.

There were approximately 223 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Ball State in the most recent year we have data available. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities degree recipients from Ball State University receive an earnings boost of approximately $3,707 over the typical earnings of liberal arts / sciences & humanities majors.

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

21
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1,837 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$27,619 Median Starting Salary

Harper College is a fairly large public college located in the suburb of Palatine. This college ranks 25th out of 85 schools for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were about 1837 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Harper College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients typically earn an average of $27,619 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from William Rainey Harper College

22
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1,231 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
0.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the medium-sized city of Warren, Macomb Community College is a public college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 12th out of 56 schools for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were about 1231 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Macomb Community College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program make about $29,791 in the first couple years of working.

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

23
Xavier crest
Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
47 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$47,064 Median Starting Salary

Xavier is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Cincinnati. A Best Colleges rank of #277 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Xavier is a great university overall.

There were roughly 47 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Xavier in the most recent year we have data available. Those liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who get their degree from Xavier University earn $15,502 more than the standard liberal arts / sciences & humanities grad.

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

24
Oakland Community College crest
Oakland Community College
Auburn Hills, MI
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
818 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
0.9% Growth in Graduates

Oakland Community College is a large public college located in the suburb of Auburn Hills. This college ranks 22nd out of 56 colleges for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were about 818 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Oakland Community College in the most recent data year. Those liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who get their degree from Oakland Community College make $5,785 more than the average liberal arts / sciences & humanities student.

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

25
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
91 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$31,745 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #210 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Illinois State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 91 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Illinois State 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 income of $31,745.

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

Rest of the Top Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in the Great Lakes Region

26
27
Oakland crest
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI
28
29
30

Additional Noteworthy Schools

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

Rank College Location
31 Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids, MI
32 Indiana University - Kokomo Kokomo, IN
33 Delta College University Center, MI
34 Elgin Community College Elgin, IL
35 South Suburban College South Holland, IL
36 Ferris State University Big Rapids, MI
37 Wayne County Community College District Detroit, MI
38 Michigan State University East Lansing, MI
39 College of DuPage Glen Ellyn, IL
40 Ohio University - Athens Campus Athens, OH
41 Kent State University at Geauga Burton, OH
42 Grand Valley State University Allendale, MI
43 Rock Valley College Rockford, IL
44 Columbus State Community College Columbus, OH
45 Indiana University - South Bend South Bend, IN
46 Sinclair Community College Dayton, OH
47 Ohio State University - Newark Campus Newark, OH
48 Mott Community College Flint, MI
49 Youngstown State University Youngstown, OH
50 Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL
51 Illinois Central College East Peoria, IL

Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Colleges by State

Explore the best liberal arts / sciences & humanities colleges for a specific state in the Great Lakes Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Indiana 38 3,773
Michigan 38 9,705
Ohio 38 11,432
Illinois 38 18,186
Wisconsin 37 2,375

View All Rankings >

Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Majors to Study

Major Annual Graduates
Liberal Arts General Studies 61,536

View All Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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