What is a Liberal Arts College?

There is no formal definition of a liberal arts college but most schools define it as an undergraduate education where at least half of the degrees awarded are for study in the field of liberal arts. Liberal arts colleges emphasize undergraduate study in the liberal arts and the sciences. Generally, students matriculated in these colleges major in a particular discipline while also studying a wide range of academic subjects, such as those in the humanities as well as the sciences.

What Are the “Liberal Arts?”

In the broadest sense, it is an education that provides students with an overview of the arts, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and mathematics. The common majors include, but are not limited to, English, history, philosophy, anthropology, sociology, psychology, communication, linguistics and language, political science, and mathematics.

Class Sizes

Class sizes are often much smaller, along with smaller student-to-teacher ratios, when compared to the relatively larger class sizes at bigger universities that may have introductory courses seating hundreds of students. With more emphasis on student-focus and teaching-orientation than on research, students have more opportunities to work closely with faculty and professors. Seminars, rather than lectures, are the preferred means of discourse, which leads to higher student involvement and increased opportunities to contribute in class and ask questions, while interacting with professors and students outside of the classroom.

Community

Liberal arts colleges can be described as residential colleges; students often live and study away from home. Its small units of schools within the college create a distinct sense of community and personal connection.

Differences Between a Liberal Arts College and a National University

• Liberal arts colleges usually have less name recognition and global reputation compared to national universities.
• Liberal arts colleges are generally private and smaller.
• The majority of liberal arts colleges are located in more suburban and residential areas although some are located in cities.
• Liberal arts colleges generally have higher tuition but award more scholarships and financial aid opportunities when compared to public and private universities.
• Liberal arts colleges offer a more traditional undergraduate education with the majority of degrees awarded in disciplines such as the natural and social sciences, the humanities, and the arts. Universities, however, usually consist of graduate and professional schools along with undergraduate programs. For students who are more interested in earning a technical degree, such as those in accounting, computer science or engineering, larger universities may be the better choice.
• Liberal arts colleges have fewer clubs and student organizations when compared to universities that have more options both on and off campus, including more recognized athletic teams and Greek life.

Whether or not students decide to apply to a liberal arts college or to larger public or private university, the most important knowledge to keep in mind is for applicants to apply to schools that best fit their needs and cater to their academic and career goals. Students should not only apply to the best-ranked schools; rather, they should choose schools based on the type of school culture and community that best fits their personalities.