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2025 Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in the Plains States Region

104 Colleges in the Plains States Region
30,177 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.

College Factual looked at 104 colleges and universities when compiling its 2025 Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 30,177 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 Plains States 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

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in the Plains States Region list to help you make the college decision. 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 Plains States 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.

20 Top Plains States Region Schools in Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities

1
Iowa crest
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Graduate Certificate Highest Degree Type
191 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$40,791 Median Starting Salary

University of Iowa is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Iowa is a very large public university located in the city of Iowa City. A Best Colleges rank of #80 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Iowa is a great university overall.

There were roughly 191 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Iowa in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program at University of Iowa get $9,229 more than the typical graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

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

2
KU crest
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
Graduate Certificate Highest Degree Type
260 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
54.6% Growth in Graduates

University of Kansas is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities. KU is a very large public university located in the small city of Lawrence. A Best Colleges rank of #192 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means KU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 260 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at KU in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities degree recipients from University of Kansas earn a boost of around $10,965 over the typical income of liberal arts / sciences & humanities majors.

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

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
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
329 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$33,358 Median Starting Salary

Every student pursuing a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities has to look into Bismarck State College. BSC is a small public college located in the city of Bismarck. A Best Colleges rank of #231 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means BSC is a great college overall.

There were roughly 329 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at BSC in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program make about $33,358 in their early career salary.

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

4
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
57 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$40,009 Median Starting Salary

Every student pursuing a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities needs to look into University of Northern Iowa. Located in the city of Cedar Falls, UNI is a public university with a moderately-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #270 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UNI is a great university overall.

There were roughly 57 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at UNI in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program at University of Northern Iowa earn $8,447 above the standard college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from University of Northern Iowa

5
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1,165 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$29,855 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of Overland Park, JCCC is a public college with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #347 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means JCCC is a great college overall.

There were approximately 1165 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at JCCC in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program earn around $29,855 in the first couple years of working.

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

6
Columbia College Missouri crest
Columbia College
Columbia, MO
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
636 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$46,103 Median Starting Salary

Columbia College Missouri is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit college located in the city of Columbia. This college ranks 12th out of 48 colleges for overall quality in the state of Missouri.

There were approximately 636 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Columbia College Missouri in the most recent data year. Those liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who get their degree from Columbia College receive $14,541 more than the typical liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduate.

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

7
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
1,002 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$31,453 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Ankeny, DMACC is a public college with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #408 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means DMACC is a great college overall.

There were approximately 1002 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at DMACC 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 $31,453.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Des Moines Area Community 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
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
301 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$26,133 Median Starting Salary

Located in the town of Brainerd, Central Lakes College is a public college with a small student population. A Best Colleges rank of #402 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Central Lakes College is a great college overall.

There were approximately 301 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Central Lakes 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 $26,133.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Central Lakes College - Brainerd

9
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
412 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$23,747 Median Starting Salary

Iowa Central Community College is a small public college located in the remote town of Fort Dodge. A Best Colleges rank of #498 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Iowa Central Community College is a great college overall.

There were about 412 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Iowa Central Community College in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program earn about $23,747 for their early career.

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

10
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
883 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
19.3% Growth in Graduates

Normandale Community College is a moderately-sized public college located in the small city of Bloomington. A Best Colleges rank of #526 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Normandale Community College is a great college overall.

There were roughly 883 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Normandale Community College in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree program at Normandale Community College get $2,247 more than the standard graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

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

11
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
85 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$39,317 Median Starting Salary

Mizzou is a very large public university located in the midsize city of Columbia. A Best Colleges rank of #131 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Mizzou is a great university overall.

There were approximately 85 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Mizzou in the most recent data year. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities degree recipients from University of Missouri - Columbia get an earnings boost of about $7,755 over the typical earnings of liberal arts / sciences & humanities majors.

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

12
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
335 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
2.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Saint Cloud, St Cloud Technical and Community College is a public college with a small student population. This college ranks 24th out of 52 colleges for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were about 335 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at St Cloud Technical and Community College in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities major at St Cloud Technical and Community College get $6,240 more than the typical graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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

13
Century College crest
Century College
White Bear Lake, MN
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
434 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
1.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of White Bear Lake, Century College is a public college with a moderately-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #486 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Century College is a great college overall.

There were approximately 434 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Century College in the most recent year we have data available. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities degree recipients from Century College get an earnings boost of around $6,814 above the average earnings of liberal arts / sciences & humanities majors.

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

14
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
510 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$33,011 Median Starting Salary

MCC is a fairly large public college located in the city of Omaha. This college ranks 5th out of 19 colleges for overall quality in the state of Nebraska.

There were roughly 510 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at MCC in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program earn about $33,011 in the first couple years of their career.

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

15
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
101 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
2.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Grand Forks, UND is a public university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #335 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UND is a great university overall.

There were roughly 101 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at UND in the most recent year we have data available. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities degree recipients from University of North Dakota receive an earnings boost of about $11,386 over the typical income of liberal arts / sciences & humanities majors.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from University of North Dakota

16
IHCC crest
Inver Hills Community College
Inver Grove Heights, MN
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
255 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
1.6% Growth in Graduates

IHCC is a small public college located in the large suburb of Inver Grove Heights. This college ranks 31st out of 52 colleges for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were approximately 255 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at IHCC in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities major at Inver Hills Community College earn $10,344 more than the typical college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

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

17
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
648 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
$32,056 Median Starting Salary

Anoka-Ramsey Community College-Coon Rapids Campus is a moderately-sized public college located in the suburb of Coon Rapids. This college ranks 29th out of 52 schools for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were roughly 648 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Anoka-Ramsey Community College-Coon Rapids Campus in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program make about $32,056 for their early career.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Anoka-Ramsey Community College

18
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
399 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
13.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Omaha, UNOMAHA is a public university with a large student population. This university ranks 7th out of 19 schools for overall quality in the state of Nebraska.

There were approximately 399 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at UNOMAHA in the most recent data year. Those liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who get their degree from University of Nebraska at Omaha receive $9,330 more than the typical liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduate.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from University of Nebraska at Omaha

19
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
2,499 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded
5.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Kansas City, MCC is a public college with a large student population. This college ranks 15th out of 48 colleges for overall quality in the state of Missouri.

There were approximately 2499 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at MCC in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program report average early career wages of $28,092.

More information about a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities from Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City

20
Hesston crest
Hesston College
Hesston, KS
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
23rd Most Popular In KS
71 Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Degrees Awarded

Located in the rural area of Hesston, Hesston is a private not-for-profit college with a fairly small student population. This college ranks 8th out of 44 colleges for overall quality in the state of Kansas.

There were approximately 71 liberal arts / sciences & humanities students who graduated with this degree at Hesston in the most recent data year.

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

Rest of the Top Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in the Plains States Region

Additional Noteworthy Schools

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

Rank College Location
21 St Charles Community College Cottleville, MO
22 Iowa Western Community College Council Bluffs, IA
23 Lake Superior College Duluth, MN
24 Minnesota State Community and Technical College Fergus Falls, MN
25 Hawkeye Community College Waterloo, IA
26 Ridgewater College Willmar, MN
27 University of Missouri - Kansas City Kansas City, MO
28 Bemidji State University Bemidji, MN
29 Northland Community and Technical College Thief River Falls, MN
30 Southeastern Community College West Burlington, IA
31 Dakota College at Bottineau Bottineau, ND
32 Marshalltown Community College Marshalltown, IA
33 Iowa State University Ames, IA
34 Kirkwood Community College Cedar Rapids, IA

Best Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Colleges by State

Explore the best liberal arts / sciences & humanities schools for a specific state in the Plains States Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Kansas 38 6,337
Minnesota 38 6,252
Iowa 38 5,963
South Dakota 38 222
Missouri 38 8,234
Nebraska 36 1,607
North Dakota 35 953

View All Rankings >

Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Majors to Study

Major Annual Graduates
Liberal Arts General Studies 30,177

View All Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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