Best Value Schools
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California in 2025
Best Value Schools, Aliso Viejo, California, United States, 92656
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California in 2025
January 13, 2025 | Admin
California is home to hundreds of colleges and universities, finding the best one to suit your needs can be daunting. The following is a ranked list of the top liberal arts colleges in California. Every school on this list is accredited. Schools were ranked using a matrix of cost, faculty to student ratio, and graduation rate. These key items of information show a well-rounded picture of the institution. Those with lower faculty to student ratios tend to provide more personalized instruction and mentoring. Whereas institutions with a lower tuition might yield students with lower debt and greater satisfaction with their investment. Lastly a higher graduation rate shows that students completed their degree program and saw that their investment was worth completing.
Featured Programs
Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies
Online
NON-PROFIT FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES PRIVATE REGIONALLY ACCREDITED
Brenau University\'s 100% online associate degree in liberal studies provides a broad education in two years, covering a variety of disciplines to help you build a solid foundation for your bachelor\'s degree or increase your employment opportunities.
Southern New Hampshire University
100% Online
NO GRE NO APPLICATION FEE NON-PROFIT PRIVATE
Maximize your transfer credits and complete your bachelor\'s degree faster with this flexible online bachelor\'s in General Studies from Southern New Hampshire University. SNHU offers one of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation and no application fee. Multiple term starts throughout the year - complete your degree at your own pace.
100% Online
NO APPLICATION FEE NON-PROFIT FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES PRIVATE
Advance your career and boost your earning potential when you complete your degree in the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies program at Aurora University. You\'ll initiate a major based upon your prior academic history and current interests and career goals to qualify for new titles and advancement opportunities.
Bachelor of Arts in General Studies, Healthcare Concentration
100% Online
NO APPLICATION FEE NON-PROFIT SMALL CLASS SIZES PRIVATE
The online BA in General Studies with a concentration in healthcare from Maryville University will equip you with skills to drive positive healthcare outcomes. No SAT or ACT scores required. Applicants must have acumulative GPA of 3.0.
Top 15 Liberal Arts Colleges in California
Pomona College
Points: 11 A private liberal arts college, Pomona College was established in 1887 by people that desired to create a college after those representative of New England. As a liberal arts institution, students have over 48 majors and minors to choose from in the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary studies. More than half of the students participate in research alongside faculty members. More than half of the students also participate in one of the many study abroad programs and internships available through the colleges. Students also have opportunities to participate in athletic programs and many arts programs from musical ensembles to theater.
At A Glance
Tuition: $54,762
Acceptance Rate: 8%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 8 to 1
Graduation Rate: 97%
Claremont McKenna College
Points: 11 A private liberal arts college, Claremont McKenna College offers the Cambridge/Oxford style of shared university resources among the Claremont Colleges. With 99% of faculty holding a Ph.D. or terminal degree in their field of study, students are instructed by highly educated and experienced faculty members. Nearly 94% of students participate in internship programs during their undergraduate education. Almost half of the students attending receive financial aid. Major fields of study include government, economics, finance, international relations, data science, environment economics, and many more.
At A Glance
Tuition: $56,475
Acceptance Rate: 9%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 8 to 1
Graduation Rate: 93%
Harvey Mudd College
Points: 11 A private liberal arts college within the Claremont Colleges, Harvey Mudd College offers top undergraduate programs in science and engineering. Founded in 1955, Harvey Mudd College awards bachelor of science degrees in biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, engineering, mathematics, and joint programs. The undergraduate engineering program has ranked second in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report and it is tied in 6th as the most innovative college. Students study and work alongside award-winning faculty who are accessible.
At A Glance
Tuition: $58,660
Acceptance Rate: 14%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 8 to 1
Graduation Rate: 93%
Scripps College
Points: 11 A private liberal arts college for women, Scripps College offers a rigorous curriculum in the sciences, communication, and English. Founded in 1926, Scripps is the Women\'s college of the Claremont Colleges. Part of the rigorous curriculum is the requirement for every student to complete a thesis or project as part of the graduation requirements. Scripps confers more STEM degrees than any other women\'s college in the nation. Most students live on campus, which is listed in the National Historic Places and happens to be one of the most beautiful college campuses in the nation.
At A Glance
Tuition: $57,188
Acceptance Rate: 24%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 10 to 1
Graduation Rate: 84%
Soka University of America
Points: 11 A private institution founded in 2001 by the Soka Gakkai International Buddhist movement, Soka has maintained a secular curriculum. It offers cross-disciplinary degrees and a focus on global perspective. Areas of study include health, Chinese, environmental studies, life sciences, international studies, and more.
At A Glance
Tuition: $33,982
Acceptance Rate: 39%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 8 to 1
Graduation Rate: 90%
Pitzer College
Points: 11 A private liberal arts college established in 1963 and a member of the Claremont Consortium. Popular majors include environmental analysis, psychology, economics, sociology, media studies, and self-designed degrees. It offers extensive student engagement outside the classroom. Faculty often hold Ph.D. or terminal degrees.
At A Glance
Location: Claremont, College
Tuition: $56,018
Acceptance Rate: 13%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 10 to 1
Graduation Rate: 88%
Occidental College
Points: 11 A coeducational institution that was affiliated with the Presbyterian Church until 1910 when it became non-sectarian. Established in 1887, Occidental offers study across diplomacy, economics, east Asian studies, biology, chemistry, and more. Core programs are designed to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
At A Glance
Tuition: $56,576
Acceptance Rate: 37%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 9 to 1
Graduation Rate: 81%
University of the West
Points: 9 A private Buddhist-affiliated institution offering a liberal arts education that blends Western liberal arts with Eastern wisdom and a global perspective. Fields include English, Psychology, Business Administration, Liberal Arts, and Religious Studies.
At A Glance
Location: Rosemead, California
Tuition: $12,956
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 10 to 1
Graduation Rate: 27%
Thomas Aquinas College
Points: 7 A private Roman Catholic liberal arts college, established in 1971. Its fully integrated, great books-based curriculum emphasizes discussion-based learning with small classes and a faculty tutor guiding dialogue. This model aims to develop critical thinkers who can articulate and defend arguments.
At A Glance
Location: Santa Paula, California
Tuition: $25,600
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 11 to 1
Graduation Rate: 82%
American Jewish University
Points: 7 American Jewish University seeks to advance the Jewish journey for individuals and the community. Areas of study include early childhood education, Rabbinnic studies, Hebrew, Yiddish, MBA, and more. Programs emphasize ethical problem solving and mentorship from dedicated faculty.
At A Glance
Tuition: $30,480
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 7 to 1
Graduation Rate: 63%
Whittier College
Points: 5 A private liberal arts college founded in 1887 by Quakers; non-sectarian since 1940. Known for small class sizes, mentorship, and a diverse campus culture. There are extensive athletic, arts programs, and clubs.
At A Glance
Location: Whittier, California
Tuition: $49,514
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 12 to 1
Graduation Rate: 64%
Westmont College
Points: 5 A private Christian liberal arts college founded in 1937. Westmont offers 26 bachelor of science degrees and 12 pre-professional programs with residential campus life. Programs span communications, engineering, biology, physics, political science, art, language, theater, and more.
At A Glance
Tuition: $46,594
Acceptance Rate: 62%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 11 to 1
Graduation Rate: 77%
Point Loma Nazarene University
Points: 5 A private Christian liberal arts college established in 1902. Located on the oceanfront in San Diego, it offers undergraduate and graduate programs across education, teaching, nutrition, design, marketing, mathematics, and more. Faculty mentor students across academics, spiritual growth, and professional opportunities.
At A Glance
Tuition: $36,950
Acceptance Rate: 69%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 14 to 1
Graduation Rate: 71%
Points: 5 A private Christian liberal arts college founded in 2005. Non-denominational and welcoming to students of all faiths. Core courses and electives form the degree, with concentrations in Biblical studies, Business and Entrepreneurship, Education, English and Communications, Health and Life Sciences, Media Culture and Arts, Philosophy and Politics, and Psychology.
At A Glance
Tuition: $31,846
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 15 to 1
Graduation Rate: 41%
Marymount California University
Points: 5 A private Catholic institution offering liberal arts education with undergraduate and graduate programs. Fields include business, psychology, accounting, management, marketing, biology, and more. Students participate in athletics, clubs, and study abroad opportunities to gain real-world skills.
At A Glance
Whether you’re trying to start your career or make a big change, we can help you find the perfect school to help you reach your goals.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
California is home to hundreds of colleges and universities, finding the best one to suit your needs can be daunting. The following is a ranked list of the top liberal arts colleges in California. Every school on this list is accredited. Schools were ranked using a matrix of cost, faculty to student ratio, and graduation rate. These key items of information show a well-rounded picture of the institution. Those with lower faculty to student ratios tend to provide more personalized instruction and mentoring. Whereas institutions with a lower tuition might yield students with lower debt and greater satisfaction with their investment. Lastly a higher graduation rate shows that students completed their degree program and saw that their investment was worth completing.
Featured Programs
Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies
Online
NON-PROFIT FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES PRIVATE REGIONALLY ACCREDITED
Brenau University\'s 100% online associate degree in liberal studies provides a broad education in two years, covering a variety of disciplines to help you build a solid foundation for your bachelor\'s degree or increase your employment opportunities.
Southern New Hampshire University
100% Online
NO GRE NO APPLICATION FEE NON-PROFIT PRIVATE
Maximize your transfer credits and complete your bachelor\'s degree faster with this flexible online bachelor\'s in General Studies from Southern New Hampshire University. SNHU offers one of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation and no application fee. Multiple term starts throughout the year - complete your degree at your own pace.
100% Online
NO APPLICATION FEE NON-PROFIT FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES PRIVATE
Advance your career and boost your earning potential when you complete your degree in the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies program at Aurora University. You\'ll initiate a major based upon your prior academic history and current interests and career goals to qualify for new titles and advancement opportunities.
Bachelor of Arts in General Studies, Healthcare Concentration
100% Online
NO APPLICATION FEE NON-PROFIT SMALL CLASS SIZES PRIVATE
The online BA in General Studies with a concentration in healthcare from Maryville University will equip you with skills to drive positive healthcare outcomes. No SAT or ACT scores required. Applicants must have acumulative GPA of 3.0.
Top 15 Liberal Arts Colleges in California
Pomona College
Points: 11 A private liberal arts college, Pomona College was established in 1887 by people that desired to create a college after those representative of New England. As a liberal arts institution, students have over 48 majors and minors to choose from in the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary studies. More than half of the students participate in research alongside faculty members. More than half of the students also participate in one of the many study abroad programs and internships available through the colleges. Students also have opportunities to participate in athletic programs and many arts programs from musical ensembles to theater.
At A Glance
Tuition: $54,762
Acceptance Rate: 8%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 8 to 1
Graduation Rate: 97%
Claremont McKenna College
Points: 11 A private liberal arts college, Claremont McKenna College offers the Cambridge/Oxford style of shared university resources among the Claremont Colleges. With 99% of faculty holding a Ph.D. or terminal degree in their field of study, students are instructed by highly educated and experienced faculty members. Nearly 94% of students participate in internship programs during their undergraduate education. Almost half of the students attending receive financial aid. Major fields of study include government, economics, finance, international relations, data science, environment economics, and many more.
At A Glance
Tuition: $56,475
Acceptance Rate: 9%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 8 to 1
Graduation Rate: 93%
Harvey Mudd College
Points: 11 A private liberal arts college within the Claremont Colleges, Harvey Mudd College offers top undergraduate programs in science and engineering. Founded in 1955, Harvey Mudd College awards bachelor of science degrees in biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, engineering, mathematics, and joint programs. The undergraduate engineering program has ranked second in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report and it is tied in 6th as the most innovative college. Students study and work alongside award-winning faculty who are accessible.
At A Glance
Tuition: $58,660
Acceptance Rate: 14%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 8 to 1
Graduation Rate: 93%
Scripps College
Points: 11 A private liberal arts college for women, Scripps College offers a rigorous curriculum in the sciences, communication, and English. Founded in 1926, Scripps is the Women\'s college of the Claremont Colleges. Part of the rigorous curriculum is the requirement for every student to complete a thesis or project as part of the graduation requirements. Scripps confers more STEM degrees than any other women\'s college in the nation. Most students live on campus, which is listed in the National Historic Places and happens to be one of the most beautiful college campuses in the nation.
At A Glance
Tuition: $57,188
Acceptance Rate: 24%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 10 to 1
Graduation Rate: 84%
Soka University of America
Points: 11 A private institution founded in 2001 by the Soka Gakkai International Buddhist movement, Soka has maintained a secular curriculum. It offers cross-disciplinary degrees and a focus on global perspective. Areas of study include health, Chinese, environmental studies, life sciences, international studies, and more.
At A Glance
Tuition: $33,982
Acceptance Rate: 39%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 8 to 1
Graduation Rate: 90%
Pitzer College
Points: 11 A private liberal arts college established in 1963 and a member of the Claremont Consortium. Popular majors include environmental analysis, psychology, economics, sociology, media studies, and self-designed degrees. It offers extensive student engagement outside the classroom. Faculty often hold Ph.D. or terminal degrees.
At A Glance
Location: Claremont, College
Tuition: $56,018
Acceptance Rate: 13%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 10 to 1
Graduation Rate: 88%
Occidental College
Points: 11 A coeducational institution that was affiliated with the Presbyterian Church until 1910 when it became non-sectarian. Established in 1887, Occidental offers study across diplomacy, economics, east Asian studies, biology, chemistry, and more. Core programs are designed to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
At A Glance
Tuition: $56,576
Acceptance Rate: 37%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 9 to 1
Graduation Rate: 81%
University of the West
Points: 9 A private Buddhist-affiliated institution offering a liberal arts education that blends Western liberal arts with Eastern wisdom and a global perspective. Fields include English, Psychology, Business Administration, Liberal Arts, and Religious Studies.
At A Glance
Location: Rosemead, California
Tuition: $12,956
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 10 to 1
Graduation Rate: 27%
Thomas Aquinas College
Points: 7 A private Roman Catholic liberal arts college, established in 1971. Its fully integrated, great books-based curriculum emphasizes discussion-based learning with small classes and a faculty tutor guiding dialogue. This model aims to develop critical thinkers who can articulate and defend arguments.
At A Glance
Location: Santa Paula, California
Tuition: $25,600
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 11 to 1
Graduation Rate: 82%
American Jewish University
Points: 7 American Jewish University seeks to advance the Jewish journey for individuals and the community. Areas of study include early childhood education, Rabbinnic studies, Hebrew, Yiddish, MBA, and more. Programs emphasize ethical problem solving and mentorship from dedicated faculty.
At A Glance
Tuition: $30,480
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 7 to 1
Graduation Rate: 63%
Whittier College
Points: 5 A private liberal arts college founded in 1887 by Quakers; non-sectarian since 1940. Known for small class sizes, mentorship, and a diverse campus culture. There are extensive athletic, arts programs, and clubs.
At A Glance
Location: Whittier, California
Tuition: $49,514
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 12 to 1
Graduation Rate: 64%
Westmont College
Points: 5 A private Christian liberal arts college founded in 1937. Westmont offers 26 bachelor of science degrees and 12 pre-professional programs with residential campus life. Programs span communications, engineering, biology, physics, political science, art, language, theater, and more.
At A Glance
Tuition: $46,594
Acceptance Rate: 62%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 11 to 1
Graduation Rate: 77%
Point Loma Nazarene University
Points: 5 A private Christian liberal arts college established in 1902. Located on the oceanfront in San Diego, it offers undergraduate and graduate programs across education, teaching, nutrition, design, marketing, mathematics, and more. Faculty mentor students across academics, spiritual growth, and professional opportunities.
At A Glance
Tuition: $36,950
Acceptance Rate: 69%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 14 to 1
Graduation Rate: 71%
Points: 5 A private Christian liberal arts college founded in 2005. Non-denominational and welcoming to students of all faiths. Core courses and electives form the degree, with concentrations in Biblical studies, Business and Entrepreneurship, Education, English and Communications, Health and Life Sciences, Media Culture and Arts, Philosophy and Politics, and Psychology.
At A Glance
Tuition: $31,846
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Faculty to Student Ratio: 15 to 1
Graduation Rate: 41%
Marymount California University
Points: 5 A private Catholic institution offering liberal arts education with undergraduate and graduate programs. Fields include business, psychology, accounting, management, marketing, biology, and more. Students participate in athletics, clubs, and study abroad opportunities to gain real-world skills.
At A Glance
Whether you’re trying to start your career or make a big change, we can help you find the perfect school to help you reach your goals.
#J-18808-Ljbffr