The best value small liberal arts colleges are those that give you the best bang for your buck, not just because they’re cheaper but also because they offer a quality education.
Do you think the larger, more expensive colleges are your only options for earning an education? Think again. This article will list the top 6 Best Value small liberal arts colleges in the United States, based on tuition cost, enrollment size and graduation rate, graduation success rate and student-faculty ratio.
The best value small liberal arts colleges include Principia College, Pomona College, Swarthmore College, Grinnell College and many more. These colleges offer academic excellence and provide the best value for your money.
Read on to find more!
Are Small Liberal Arts Colleges Worth it?
Quality education is essential, no matter where you get it. But when it comes to your career and future success, is a small liberal arts college worth the investment?
The answer may surprise you. While the average cost of attendance at a small liberal arts college is higher than that of a public university, the return on investment (ROI) is also much higher. In fact, according to a recent study by PayScale, the ROI for graduates of small liberal arts colleges was nearly double that of public university graduates.
So what does this mean for you? First, it means that if you’re looking for a great return on your educational investment, a small liberal arts college is worth considering. Not only will you get an excellent education, but you’ll also be more likely to land a good job and earn a high salary after graduation.
The Best Value Small Liberal Arts Colleges – Get the Best Education for Your Money
Principia College
Founded in 1910, Principia College is a small liberal arts college located in Elsah, Illinois. The college was founded by Mary Kimball Morgan and affiliated with the United Church of Christ. It enrols approximately 500 students and offers more than 30 majors and programs.
The college is known for its rigorous academic program, which prepares students for success in graduate school and beyond. Principia also has a solid commitment to service and leadership, with numerous opportunities for students to get involved on campus and in the local community.
According to US News & World Report, Principia College ranks #1 in Best Value Schools and #51 in National Liberal Arts Colleges in the United States. The school has an acceptance rate of 84%, and the student-faculty ratio is 5:1, with 100% of its classes having fewer than 20 students.
Financial aid is available for those who qualify, making Principia an affordable option for quality education. The college also offers several scholarships and grants to help make college more affordable for all students.
Think Principia College when searching for the best value small liberal arts colleges in the USA.
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Pomona College
Pomona College is one of the best value small liberal arts colleges in the United States. Located in Claremont, California, Pomona College is a top-ranked liberal arts college that offers a rigorous academic experience to its students.
Pomona College is known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Pomona College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1 and an average class size of 18 students.
Pomona College ranks as the #4 in best value school by US News & World Report. The admission is very selective, with an acceptance rate of 7%. The college offers more than 50 majors and minors, and students can design their majors.
Pomona College is need-blind in its admissions process and meets 100% of demonstrated financial needs of all admitted students. The college also offers many merit-based scholarships. Pomona College’s tuition for the 2022-2023 academic year is $52,238.
Pomona College’s campus is located just 35 miles east of Los Angeles. The college’s location allows students to take advantage of all that Southern California offers, including internships, research opportunities, and cultural experiences.
Swarthmore College
Established in 1864, Swarthmore College is a small liberal arts college located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. The college was founded by Quakers looking to create an institution emphasizing intellectual rigour, personal growth, and social responsibility.
Today, the college enrols approximately 1,500 students across the United States and worldwide. Swarthmore offers a rigorous academic program with more than 40 majors and minors.
According to US News & World Report, Swarthmore College’s ranking includes #4 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and #5 in Best Value Schools. The college is also committed to providing an inclusive and supportive community for all students.
In addition to its strong academic program, Swarthmore offers various extracurricular activities, including over 100 student organizations and clubs. The college is also home to some performing arts groups, including an orchestra, choir, and theater company.
Grinnell College
Grinnell College is a top-ranked liberal arts college with a long history of academic excellence.
The college is located in Grinnell, Iowa, and enrols just over 1,700 students. Grinnell is known for its rigorous academic program, competitive admissions process, and high-achieving students.
Grinnell college is one of the best value small liberal arts colleges in the United States. The school ranks #8 in Best Value Schools and #15 in National Liberal Arts Colleges by US News & World Report. Grinnell college admission is very selective, with an acceptance rate of 11%. The student-faculty ratio is 9:1, with 62.7% of its classes having fewer than 20 students.
The college strongly commits to teaching and research, and the faculty is recognized globally. Grinnell also has a longstanding community service tradition, including a commitment to social justice and equity.
Grinnell College is an excellent choice for students looking for a challenging academic environment and wanting to be part of a supportive community that values service and social responsibility.
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Claremont McKenna College
Founded in 1946, Claremont McKenna College (CMC) is a private liberal arts college in Claremont, California. The college was known as the Claremont Men’s College, CMC, and is a member of the Claremont Colleges consortium.
Its nine academic institutions include two undergraduate colleges, six graduate schools, and one research institute. It enrols about 1500 students and has an acceptance rate of 11%. The student-faculty ratio is 8:1, with 74% of its classes having fewer than 20 students.
CMC is known for its strong economics, finance, international relations, and public policy programs. The college also offers several joint degree programs with other Claremont Colleges.
Forbes ranks CMC as the 31st best value college in the country, and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance ranks it as the 8th best value among private colleges. Also, the US News and World Report rank the school as #9 in Best value schools in the United States.
It is without a doubt that Claremont McKenna College is ranked among the top best value small liberal arts colleges in the country.
Soka University of America
The Soka University of America is one of the best value small liberal arts colleges in the country. It is a private, non-profit institution that was founded in 1987. The school has an excellent academic reputation and offers a unique educational experience that includes traditional liberal arts and international perspectives.
The Soka University of America is in Aliso Viejo, California, just outside Los Angeles. The campus is beautiful and modern, with state-of-the-art facilities. The student body is diverse, with students from all over the world.
The school offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, with concentrations in Business, Education, Humanities, International Studies, Social Sciences, and Sustainability. There are also several Master’s degree programs available.
Tuition at the Soka University of America is very reasonable, especially compared to other private colleges and universities. Financial aid is also available for those who qualify.
Suppose you are looking for the best value small liberal arts colleges that offer an excellent education at a reasonable price. In that case, Soka University of America should be at the top of your list!
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New England
The Best liberal arts colleges in New England and the Northeast include:
- Williams College
- Bowdoin College
- Amherst College
- Wellesley College
- Middlebury College
- Wesleyan University
- Colby College
- Smith College
- Bates College
- Trinity College
- College of the Holy Cross
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best value small liberal arts colleges offer a high-quality education at an affordable price. There are many excellent schools to choose from, so be sure to research and find the one that best fits your needs. Then, with careful planning and a little luck, you can find the perfect school for you and your budget.