An online degree in Liberal Arts can provide a student with a broad-based education which can be applied to a number of career fields.
Featured Liberal Arts Colleges
1. Colorado Technical University
2. Strayer University
3. Saint Leo University
The schools included on this list of Top 10 Online Colleges for Liberal Arts provide a quality curriculum and the flexibility to pursue a degree at a time which is convenient for adult learners.
#1 University of Massachusetts
Executive Summary
UMass is a highly respected university offering over 100 online degree programs. Prospective students can choose from Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degrees.
Tuition
All students attending UMass pay the same amount of intuition, regardless of where they live. Undergraduate courses cost $125-$1,980. Graduate students pay $1,230-$2,250 per course.
Unique Features
Students can choose to complete a degree program completely online, or combine on-campus courses with online ones. This blended learning option gives students the flexibility to find the education solution which will work best for them.
#2 American Public University
Executive Summary
APU is a completely online university which is regionally and nationally accredited. The school was established in 1991 and has a virtual student body of over 100,000 students.
Tuition
Tuition for undergraduate students at APU is $250 per credit hour, and graduate students pay $325 per credit hour.
Unique Features
This school offers a range of liberal arts programs, including ones offered at the Associate, Bachelor and Master’s levels. APU was the winner of the Ralph E. Gomory Award for Quality Online Education in 2009.
#3 Boston University
Executive Summary
Boston University’s online courses run on a seven-week schedule. Students have the freedom to do classwork at a day and time which is convenient for them, but must complete the course within the required timeframe. Most students take two courses per semester.
Tuition
The cost of attending Boston University online is $630 per credit hour for undergraduate programs.
Unique Features
Boston U offers an Undergraduate Degree Completion Program for students who have previously started to work towards a degree but did not finish it. Students enrolled in this program complete 16 liberal arts courses in 30 months to earn their degree.
#4 Saint Leo University
Executive Summary
Saint Leo has been named one of the best regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report for 2012.
Tuition
Undergrad students attending St. Leo online pay $470 per credit hour.
Unique Features
This school offers an Associate and a Bachelor’s degree program in Liberal Studies, as well as undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology. The Liberal Studies program includes courses in fine arts, business, humanities, social and natural sciences.
#5 Brandman University
Executive Summary
Brandman University was established in 1958 and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Classes are held on a year-round basis, and faculty members have real-world experience in their respective subject areas.
Tuition
Undergraduate tuition for Brandman online students is $470 per credit hour.
Unique Features
This school offers an Associate degree in General Studies, as well as Bachelor of Arts programs in Applied Studies, Psychology, Liberal Studies, Social Science and Sociology.
#6 University of Minnesota
Executive Summary
The University of Minnesota is a public research university which has ranked well on several lists, including ones compiled by U.S. News & World Report.
Tuition
MN residents pay $448.08 per credit for undergraduate courses, while graduate students who live in the state pay $1,167.67. Non-resident undergrads pay $640.39 per credit, and non-resident graduate students are charged $1,788.84.
Unique Features
The school’s Inter-college Program allows online students to design a Bachelor’s degree which fits their interests and goals. Students work with a faculty advisor to choose two or three areas to focus on, or an interdisciplinary program.
#7 Arizona State University
Executive Summary
ASU was ranked as a top-tier university by U.S. News & World Report. Students who choose this school have access to all the institution’s online libraries to access materials such as ebooks, journals and research databases.
Tuition
Tuition for undergraduate students at ASU is $524 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Students who are interested in pursuing a liberal arts education at ASU can choose from Bachelor’s degree programs in Interdisciplinary Studies, Liberal Studies, History, Film and Media Studies, Political Science, Psychology and Sociology.
#8 Oregon State University
Executive Summary
OSU is a research university and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. All online programs are taught by experienced faculty members.
Tuition
Students attending OSU online in an undergraduate program pay $248 per credit.
Unique Features
OSU offers an online undergraduate degree in Liberal Studies which provides learners with a well-rounded curriculum. Since each person enrolled in the program designs their own major, they can focus on material which fits in with their interests and future aspirations.
#9 Schiller International University
Executive Summary
SIU is a private school which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
Undergraduate students pay $490 per credit hour to attend SIU.
Unique Features
The online Bachelor’s degree program in Interdisciplinary Studies gives students a high amount of flexibility in choosing courses, and work with a faculty advisor to develop a program which reflects their interests and needs.
#10 Columbia College
Executive Summary
Columbia College was founded in 1851. Students who choose to study at Columbia College can work at their own pace. Courses are conducted in eight-week sessions starting in January, March, June, August and October each year.
Tuition
Undergraduate students at Columbia College pay $229 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Columbia offers an Associate in Arts degree program, as well as Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in General Studies, and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Sociology online. Students can also choose from undergraduate degree programs in American Studies, History and Military Studies.
