The Value of Liberal Arts College: Is It the Right Choice for You?

What Are Liberal Arts Colleges?

If you are preparing for college, you’ve probably heard people talking about liberal arts. A liberal arts college is a small institute of higher education that focuses on well-rounded intellectual development rather than career training. 

These institutes emphasize interdisciplinary education and small class sizes to facilitate learning, mentorship, and cognitive skill development. Students may pursue programs in the humanities, natural or social sciences, arts, and more. But whatever they study, the emphasis is on developing critical thinking and wide-ranging skills to prepare students for a broad variety of vocational paths. 

The Benefits of Attending a Liberal Arts College

There are many benefits to attending this type of school! Here are a few of the biggest you should know about while you’re considering your choices. 

Personalized Learning

Many large schools have classes with dozens or hundreds of students, making it difficult to reach out to your professor for one-on-one learning. Liberal arts colleges have smaller student-to-faculty ratios. This opens the door to the opportunity for mentorship with faculty members.

Well-Rounded Education 

When it comes to higher schooling, this discipline offers a broad range of subjects. These not only help students prepare for a variety of future vocational paths, but also encourage critical thinking and other vital skills. 

Critical Thinking & Communication Skills 

Liberal arts courses don't just teach information; they also help students learn vital cognitive skills. Courses emphasize thoughtful discussion, writing, and analytical thinking -- skills that will aid them in their future, regardless of their job plans.

Strong Community & Networking

A smaller campus size means a close-knit community with peer support. College networks are likely to lead to long-term professional connections, which can aid in future career development.

Liberal Arts vs. Research Universities: Key Differences

Sometimes, these types of colleges are compared to research universities, and some people even think of them as the same. But the truth is there are some key differences between these types of schools. 

Class Size & Teaching Style 

Liberal arts colleges are completely focused on teaching, usually with smaller class sizes to allow for one-on-one mentorship. The universities, on the other hand, have a combined focus of both teaching and professor-driven study in a variety of fields. These tend to be larger, since they offer not just four-year degrees, but also graduate programs.

Curriculum Approach 

Liberal arts colleges focus on broader general education, helping students develop cognitive skills to aid them in a wide variety of life paths. Research universities are highly divided by fields of study, since they are intended to help students focus on specialized career tracks. 

Career Readiness 

While universities focus on helping students narrow their educational focus, liberal arts colleges teach broad skills that can be applied to many job tracks. 

Common Misconceptions About Liberal Arts Colleges

These institutions often get a bad rap due to widespread misconceptions about what they offer. Let's dispel a few common misconceptions about liberal arts colleges and how they prepare students for their future professions. 

"Liberal Arts Degrees Don’t Lead to Good Jobs"

This is absolutely untrue! A four-year liberal arts degree can lead to excellent career opportunities. These students have found success in business, technology, teaching, and many other fields. A liberal arts degree helps prepare for a broad range of vocations by providing versatile life skills. 

Here are a few more things you can do with a liberal arts degree:

• Marketing

• Graphic design

• Journalism

• Real estate

• Public relations

• Sales

• Human resources

• Technical writing

• Mediation

• Translation

• Museum curation

• Social work

• Counseling

"Only Humanities Majors Exist at Liberal Arts Schools"

You don't have to study the humanities or fine arts at a liberal arts institute. In fact, there are many excellent STEM, social science, and business programs available. Students at liberal arts schools can study anything from engineering to computer science, biology, natural sciences, and more. 

Some students also take courses in the liberal arts before transferring to another institution to complete their bachelor's degree. This offers them the chance to hone these important life skills before focusing on a specialty. 

"Liberal Arts Schools Are Too Expensive" 

Some people argue that these colleges are too expensive for most students. While it is true that liberal arts schools tend to be more expensive than larger public universities, there are also options for financial aid. These include loans, income-based aid, and scholarships. The exact offerings will vary depending on the institution, so it’s important to learn about the financial aid options before you apply. 

Another consideration is the long-term earning potential. Many liberal arts school graduates find excellent jobs, making the financial investment worthwhile (and paying back loans a bit easier!). 

Choosing the Right Liberal Arts College

So if you think a liberal arts program might be a good choice, how do you decide which one is the right fit? 

• Academic Programs & Majors — Look for schools that have strong programs that reflect your personal and professional interests, even if you’re not sure what you want to do as a job. Look at what past students have said about those programs and what they have gone on to do.
  

• Campus Culture and Size — Get a sense of the school’s culture and community to see how you might fit in socially and academically. Programs, social initiatives, clubs, and other outreaches are a great indicator.
  

• Financial Aid & Scholarships – Look into the financial aid opportunities each school provides and what you need to do to apply. 

How Growing Minds Can Help with College Admissions

Choosing a college can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Growing Minds helps students who are readying for secondary education.

Our expert admissions team offers counseling for students considering liberal arts schools. We’ll help you compare your options and find the right college based on your personal interests and vocational goals. 

We’ll also help you get started on college applications and other required documentation such as Common App essays, guiding you through the whole process until you find the school that’s perfect for you. 

Conclusion: Is a Liberal Arts College Right for You?

Trying to decide if liberal arts is the right choice for your education goals? Here are a few things to bear in mind as you weigh your options:

• Smaller class sizes, offering the chance for mentorship

• Tight-knit, supportive community

• Well-rounded education emphasizing important life skills and preparing for a wide range of professional paths
  

Take your time comparing your university options. That includes visiting schools, talking to current students, and reaching out for admissions support.

Feel like you need more support during this time? Reach out to Growing Minds for personalized college counseling!