Liberal arts colleges provide a well-rounded education that emphasizes critical thinking, communication skills, and creative problem-solving. In this list, we have compiled the top 100 liberal arts schools with acceptance rates of 35% and above for the class of 2022. These schools offer a diverse range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and a supportive campus community for students to thrive and succeed in their undergraduate education.
Each liberal arts college on this list has its own unique set of admission requirements that prospective students must meet in order to be considered for acceptance. Typically, applicants are required to submit high school transcripts, standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay. Some schools may also require a resume, interviews, or portfolios for specific programs like art or music.
The admission process for these liberal arts colleges is highly competitive due to the large number of applications received each year. After submitting all required application materials, prospective students will undergo a holistic review by the admissions committee. This review takes into account not only academic achievements but also extracurricular involvement, leadership experience, and personal qualities that demonstrate a potential fit for the school’s mission and values. Ultimately, the goal of the admissions process is to select a diverse and talented incoming class that will contribute positively to the college community.
School | Acceptance Rate (%) |
---|---|
Soka University of America | 37% |
Bryn Mawr College | 38% |
Macalester College | 41% |
Mount Holyoke College | 51% |
Oberlin College | 39% |
College of the Holy Cross | 38% |
Franklin and Marshall College | 35% |
Occidental College | 37% |
Union College | 38% |
Thomas Aquinas College | 72% |
Whitman College | 52% |
Centre College | 76% |
Connecticut College | 38% |
Gettysburg College | 45% |
Sewanee – University of the South | 47% |
Agnes Scott College | 66% |
Dickinson College | 49% |
Furman University | 61% |
Rhodes College | 51% |
Spelman College | 40% |
DePauw University | 67% |
St. Lawrence University | 48% |
Lawrence University | 61% |
Wabash College | 63% |
Berea College | 35% |
St. John’s College (MD) | 55% |
St. Olaf College | 43% |
Wheaton College (IL) | 85% |
Kalamazoo College | 73% |
Sarah Lawrence College | 53% |
College of Wooster | 56% |
Beloit College | 54% |
Hobart and William Smith Colleges | 61% |
Knox College | 72% |
Lewis & Clark College | 55% |
Illinois Wesleyan University | 61% |
St. John’s College (NM) | 63% |
University of Puget Sound | 84% |
Wofford College | 69% |
Allegheny College | 68% |
Hendrix College | 80% |
Hillsdale College | 41% |
Transylvania University | 95% |
Willamette University | 89% |
Cornell College | 71% |
Earlham College | 52% |
Muhlenberg College | 48% |
Principia College | 91% |
Virginia Military Institute | 53% |
College of St. Benedict | 91% |
Juniata College | 71% |
Wheaton College (MA) | 48% |
Luther College | 65% |
Gustavus Adolphus College | 68% |
New College of Florida | 69% |
Reed College | 36% |
Southwestern University | 43% |
Ursinus College | 78% |
Augustana College | 59% |
Bennington College | 57% |
College of the Atlantic | 68% |
Ohio Wesleyan University | 71% |
St. Anslem College | 76% |
Saint John’s University (MN) | 90% |
St. Mary’s College (IN) | 82% |
St. Mary’s College of Maryland | 82% |
Best Liberal Arts Colleges with High Acceptance Rates
The acceptance rate is determined by the number of full-time undergraduate students admitted to the institution divided by the number that applied. Read on to find good universities with high acceptance rates, Liberal Arts Colleges With High Acceptance Rates, liberal arts colleges ranked by acceptance rate, and good universities with high acceptance rates.
Considerations for this data were applicable to four-year public and private not-for-profit institutions that enroll at least 100 freshmen each year, offer a bachelor’s degree or higher and do not meet the Carnegie classification for an Associate’s or Specialty school.
20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America
The Best Liberal Arts Colleges ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from students and alumni. The ranking compares more than 200 top liberal arts colleges in the U.S. Read on to find good universities with high acceptance rates, Liberal Arts Colleges With High Acceptance Rates, liberal arts colleges ranked by acceptance rate, and good universities with high acceptance rates.
- Soka University of America: 37%
- Bryn Mawr College: 38%
- Macalester College: 41%
- Mount Holyoke College: 51%
- Oberlin College: 39%
- College of the Holy Cross: 38%
- Franklin and Marshall College: 35%
- Occidental College 37%
- Union College: 38%
- Thomas Aquinas College: 72%
- Whitman College: 52%
- Centre College: 76%
- Connecticut College: 38%
- Gettysburg College: 45%
- Sewanee – University of the South: 47%
- Agnes Scott College: 66%
- Dickinson College 49%
- Furman University: 61%
- Rhodes College: 51%
- Spelman College: 40%
- DePauw University: 67%
- St. Lawrence University: 48%
- Lawrence University: 61%
- Wabash College: 63%
- Berea College: 35%
- St. John’s College (MD): 55%
- St. Olaf College: 43%
- Wheaton College (IL): 85%
- Kalamazoo College: 73%
- Sarah Lawrence College: 53%
- College of Wooster: 56%
- Beloit College: 54%
- Hobart and William Smith Colleges: 61%
- Knox College: 72%
- Lewis & Clark College: 55%
- Illinois Wesleyan University: 61%
- St. John’s College (NM): 63%
- University of Puget Sound: 84%
- Wofford College: 69%
- Allegheny College: 68%
- Hendrix College: 80%
- Hillsdale College: 41%
- Transylvania University: 95%
- Willamette University: 89%
- Cornell College: 71%
- Earlham College: 52%
- Muhlenberg College: 48%
- Principia College: 91%
- Virginia Military Institute: 53%
- College of St. Benedict: 91%
- Juniata College: 71%
- Wheaton College (MA): 48%
- Luther College: 65%
- Gustavus Adolphus College: 68%
- New College of Florida: 69%
- Reed College: 36%
- Southwestern University: 43%
- Ursinus College: 78%
- Augustana College: 59%
- Bennington College: 57%
- College of the Atlantic: 68%
- Ohio Wesleyan University: 71%
- St. Anslem College: 76%
- Saint John’s University (MN): 90%
- St. Mary’s College (IN): 82%
- St. Mary’s College of Maryland: 82%
Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings
RANKING | ARTS COLLEGES | ACCEPTANCE RATES | EARLY ACCEPTANCE RATES | SAT SCORE RANGE | ACT SCORE RANGE | ENROLLMENT | STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO | 4 YEAR GRADUATION RATE | TUITION & FEES |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Williams | 13% | 34% | 1410-1550 | 32-35 | 2,127 | 7:1 | 90% | $57,280 |
2 | Amherst | 13% | 35% | 1390-1540 | 31-34 | 1,855 | 7:1 | 85% | $58,640 |
3 | Swarthmore | 9% | 34% | 1380-1550 | 31-34 | 1,559 | 8:1 | 87% | $54,656 |
4 | Wellesley | 20% | 32% | 1330-1520 | 30-34 | 2,534 | 8:1 | 84% | $56,052 |
5 | Pomona | 8% | 20% | 1400-1540 | 31-34 | 1,679 | 8:1 | 89% | $54,762 |
6 | Bowdoin | 10% | 28% | 1300-1510 | 30-34 | 1,828 | 9:1 | 88% | $56,350 |
7 | Carleton | 20% | 20% | 1350-1530 | 31-34 | 2,097 | 9:1 | 88% | $57,111 |
8 | Claremont McKenna | 9% | 28% | 1350-1500 | 31-34 | 1,327 | 8:1 | 82% | $56,475 |
9 | Middlebury | 17% | 45% | 1330-1500 | 31-34 | 2,626 | 8:1 | 83% | $56,216 |
10 | Washington and Lee University | 21% | 40% | 1348-1490 | 31-34 | 2,223 | 8:1 | 92% | $54,830 |
11 | Colby | 13% | 38% | 1350-1510 | 31-33 | 2,000 | 10:1 | 87% | $57,280 |
12 | Haverford | 19% | 44% | 1370-1530 | 32-34 | 1,310 | 9:1 | 88% | $56,698 |
13 | Smith | 31% | 54% | 1320- 490 | 30-33 | 2,903 | 8:1 | 83% | $54,224 |
14 | Grinnell | 24% | 55% | 1370-1530 | 30-34 | 1,716 | 9:1 | 78% | $54,354 |
15 | Hamilton | 21% | 32% | 1350-1510 | 31-34 | 1,915 | 9:1 | 88% | $56,530 |
16 | Vassar | 25% | 39% | 1370-1510 | 31-33 | 2,456 | 8:1 | 88% | $58,770 |
17 | Colgate University | 25% | 41% | 1320-1510 | 31-34 | 2,969 | 9:1 | 84% | $58,045 |
18 | Davidson | 19% | N/A | 1290-1450 | 29-33 | 1,843 | 9:1 | 90% | $53,049 |
19 | United States Naval Academy | 9% | N/A | 1150-1370 | 26-32 | 4,512 | 8:1 | 91% | $0 for in-state and $0 for out-of-state |
20 | Wesleyan University | 17% | 50% | 1320-1500 | 30 – 34 | 3,217 | 8:1 | 85% | $57,004 |
Best Liberal Arts Colleges
It’s easier for prospective international students to gain admission to some U.S. colleges than others. Among the 117 ranked National Universities that received at least 500 international applicants and reported this data to U.S. News, the average acceptance rate for international students was 43.8% for fall 2020. But at some institutions, the acceptance rate was significantly higher, 99.85% in one case. For prospective international students interested in studying in the U.S. and curious about where they might have a good chance of getting in, here are the 13 ranked National Universities – institutions that are often research-oriented and offer bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees – including ties, with the highest acceptance rates for international undergraduate applicants.
Who wouldn’t want to study at one of the best universities in the United States, if money wasn’t an object? But, even if you can afford it, this won’t be enough. Competition can be tough, so every extra piece of information is a plus. That’s why we collected the acceptance rates for the top 20 universities in the U.S., as featured in the latest QS Rankings 2022, from TopUniversities.com. The acceptance rates are the official numbers for the 2020 application intake.
What exactly are acceptance rates? Well, this is the percentage of the students who got accepted after going through the application process of the university. This should not be confused with enrolment rates, which is the percentage of students who got accepted and then chose to actually start studying at that university.
Who wouldn’t want to study at one of the best universities in the United States, if money wasn’t an object? But, even if you can afford it, this won’t be enough. Competition can be tough, so every extra piece of information is a plus.
That’s why we collected the acceptance rates for the top 20 universities in the U.S., as featured in the latest QS Rankings, from TopUniversities.com. The acceptance rates are the official numbers for the 2020 application intake.
What exactly are acceptance rates? Well, this is the percentage of the students who got accepted after going through the application process of the university. This should not be confused with enrolment rates, which is the percentage of students who got accepted and then chose to actually start studying at that university.
At the end of the article, we’ve also included the 2020 graduation rates for the top 20 universities. This is the percentage of students who graduate their studies from the universities, from the number of students who enrolled.
Best universities in the U.S. – Acceptance rates for 2020
As expected, the best unis in the United States also have the lowest acceptance rates in the country. There are a lot of students applying and the universities have very strict admission standards. So, the competition is very tight.
Just keep in mind that universities with low acceptance rates aren’t necessarily the right ones for you. This is your education, not a popularity contest. It’s more important to find an academic programme that you’re interested in and speaks to your interests and future career.
Here are the acceptance rates for the best universities in the U.S.:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – 6.7%
- Stanford University – 4.34%
- Harvard University – 4.92%
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech) – 8%
- University of Chicago – 7.9%
- University of Pennsylvania – 10%
- Yale University – 7%
- Columbia University – 6.1%
- Princeton University – 6.5%
- Cornell University – 15%
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor – 26%
- Johns Hopkins University – 14%
- Northwestern University – 28%
- University of California, Berkeley (UCB) – 17%
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – 17%
- New York University (NYU) – 32%
- University of California, San Diego (UCSD) – 30.2%
- Duke University – 7.6%
- Carnegie Mellon University – 15.4%
- Brown University – 9.3%
Acceptance rates of other good universities in the U.S.
If the numbers at top U.S. universities seem too low, here are a few universities with higher acceptance rates that we recommend:
- University of Portland – 76,7%
- Boston University – 33%
- Florida Atlantic University – 63,3%
- American University Washington DC – 36,1%
- Drexel University – 74,7%
- University of San Francisco – 64,4%
- University of Texas at Austin – 31,8%
Best universities in the U.S. – Graduation rates for 2020
Ok, acceptance rates at the top U.S. universities are pretty low. But how about the graduation rates? What percentage of students who get accepted and enroll actually finish their studies at the university?
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – 92,7%
- Stanford University – 94%
- Harvard University – 98%
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech) – 79%
- University of Chicago – 94.2%
- University of Pennsylvania – 95.2%
- Yale University – 97%
- Columbia University – 95%
- Princeton University – 97.6%
- Cornell University – 93%
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor – 90%
- Johns Hopkins University – 94%
- Northwestern University – 93,5%
- University of California, Berkeley (UCB) – 92%
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – 91%
- New York University (NYU) – 84%
- University of California, San Diego (UCSD) – 87,2%
- Duke University – 94.5%
- Carnegie Mellon University – 88%
- Brown University 95,5%
It makes sense that students who get accepted at top-tier universities are more motivated to finish their studies given the effort, time, and financial investment.
liberal arts colleges for c students
Below, we have listed the Best Colleges for C Average Students in the USA. They include the following;
The University of Kansas.
Colorado State University.
The University of Hawaii.
Ohio University.
Louisiana State University.
The University of Illinois – Chicago.
Biola University.
New School – New York.
University at Albany – Suny
Howard University
1. University of Kansas
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Approximate cost: $10,182
The University of Kansas accepts applications on a rolling basis and is located in the centre of the United States.
Despite being one of only 62 invited members of the renowned Association of American Universities.
The University of Kansas remains one of the best colleges for average students in the USA.
They provide hundreds of academic and research disciplines to pick from.
Notwithstanding what type of student you are, you can follow your academic and research interests.
Whether you’re an A, B, or C student, this school is for you.
It is consistently ranked highly in academic rankings and is regarded as a world-class research institution.
2. Colorado State University
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Approximate cost: $43,437
Take the next step toward your future by enrolling at Colorado State University.
Colorado State University is one of the best colleges for c students.
Also, it is an excellent choice for an active student due to its pleasant temperature and outdoor lifestyle.
Their students may have different goals, but one thing they all have in common is that they all succeed.
CSU will provide you with the information, skills, and connections you need to establish a successful future.
Early action admission is available at Colorado State University, with a December 1 deadline.
The usual admission rate – due February – is 80%, whereas the early entrance acceptance rate is 96 per cent.
See the: 10 Best Colleges in Mississippi For Students in 2022
3. University of Hawaii
Acceptance Rate: 77%
The University of Hawaii (UH) Manoa is a world-class university located in the Pacific Ocean.
This is another of the best colleges for average students in the USA.
Students here are learning, performing research, honing critical thinking abilities, and acquiring a global perspective.
Typically, the application deadline for the University of Hawaii, which is located in a tropical paradise, is March 1.
Students must finish a minimum of 124 credits and have a C (not C-) average to achieve a baccalaureate degree (minimum GPA of 2.0).
4. Ohio University
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Approximate cost: Residents-$25,158; Non-Residents-$34,622; International – $40,630
Ohio University is a research university with a lot going on.
On a global scale, OHIO academics have made significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge.
They also contribute in the areas of professional service, teaching, and mentoring.
OHIO offers around 250 undergraduate programs, as well as graduate programs in a variety of areas.
It also has a medical school and several online courses.
The University is one of the best colleges for c students, as the state of Ohio has a sliding admissions policy.
It is also home to 11 colleges and 15 schools, as well as several campuses, centres, and institutions.
5. Louisiana State University
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Approximate cost: Resident-$20,126 and Non-Resident- $36,803
Louisiana State University (LSU) Baton Rouge is a great place to start if you’re looking for a southern school.
It accepts students on a rolling basis and has a 76 per cent acceptance rate.
Furthermore, LSU has a degree program for you with over 235 academic subjects to choose from.
They also offer a variety of pathways to medical, dental, veterinary medicine, and nursing school, to mention a few.
Minimum entrance requirements include a 3.0 unweighted academic GPA based on 19 core units.
Also Read: Top 10 Highest Paying Medical Jobs in 2022
6. University of Illinois – Chicago
Acceptance Rate: 72%
Approximate cost: In-state: $27,474 Out-of-state: $40,330
The University of Illinois at Chicago is the city’s major University.
It is also one of the country’s top 200 research institutions and one of the best colleges for C students.
This is a city high school for kids who desire to live in the city.
With 15 colleges and dozens of areas of study, you can explore your potential in different fields.
Such fields as biological sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, arts, business, technology, and many others.
Outside of the classroom, there are several activities available to suit your interests and help you communicate with your classmates.
Moreover, the University offers 83 bachelor’s degrees, 93 master’s degrees, and 64 doctoral degrees.
The application deadline is January 15.
7. Biola University
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Approximate cost: $52,902
Biola University is a nationally ranked Christian university in the heart of Southern California. Biola University, founded in 1908, offers biblically-based education, intentional spiritual development, and vocational training.
It is well-known for its academic brilliance as well as innovation.
Also, the learning environment is unique, and all faculty, staff, and students have devoted Christians.
With nine schools and over 150 academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels, you have a wide span of choice.
Explore nearly 150 programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels.
Programs are designed to challenge your thinking, strengthen your faith, and prepare you for a life of influence.
Applications for early action must be submitted by the deadline of November 15.
8. New School – New York
Acceptance Rate: 65%
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Approximate cost: $24,300
The New School is a private school in New York City that has a strong arts department.
The New school stands out in the crowd.
It is the world’s only institution with a world-renowned design school, a progressive liberal arts college, and a famous performing arts college.
Also, legendary graduate programs and colleges work together to create innovative ways to make the world more just, attractive, and well-designed.
Additionally, applications must be submitted by January 15.
Being able to live in New York while pursuing an education is certainly interesting and enriching.
It is remarkably one of the best colleges for C average Students in the USA.
9. University at Albany – SUNY
Acceptance Rate: 55%
Approximate cost: $9,816 – $15,048
The University at Albany, located in New York’s capital city, is the foremost public research university in the Capital Region.
With more than 17,000 students, there is a wide breadth of possibilities available in an environment that fosters individual success.
This is certainly one of the best colleges for c students.
You will be able to select from more than 150 undergraduate programs and 125 graduate programs.
In addition, the University adopts a letter-based grading system.
With pluses and minuses (+/-). A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, and E are acceptable grades (“E” denotes failure).
The application deadline for the University at Albany, which is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, is March 1.
10. Howard University – Washington
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Approximate cost: $12,483 – $15,654.50 per semester
Howard Institution, founded in 1867, is a federally chartered, private doctoral research university in Washington, DC.
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The University is committed to teaching students from varied backgrounds and is one of the colleges for C students.
It has a long history of supporting the education and growth of underrepresented groups in the United States and around the world.
With an enrollment of about 11,000 students in its undergraduate, graduate, professional, and dual degree programs.
Howard provides top-tier education as well, making it one of the best colleges for C average Students in the USA.
The University spans more than 120 areas of study throughout 13 schools and colleges. Howard University is a historically African-American institution.
Furthermore, it typically has a February 15 application deadline.