What kind of college do you want to attend? Since you found this list, we hope the answer is a liberal arts school. Liberal arts colleges and universities focus on a broad approach to the sciences, arts, and humanities. No matter what major you choose, these schools will provide you with a well-rounded education that will equip you with the skills you need to succeed in any field. As a scientist, you’ll still have a background in communication and creative thinking. As an artist, you’ll still learn how to research and think logically when problem-solving. Liberal arts schools are the masters of interdisciplinary learning, and they’re great options to reach your higher education goals. Start learning about great liberal arts institutions you could apply to with this list of schools in the Western US. If you’d like to request more information, just press the green “Connect me” buttons and the schools will be in touch with you soon!
The College of Idaho
The College of Idaho is a private college located in Caldwell, Idaho—25 miles west of Boise. Approximately 1,100 total students are enrolled, with 25 undergraduate majors, 37 minors, and 34 specializations offered in the fine arts and humanities, natural sciences and mathematics, social sciences and history, and professional fields. Students enjoy a small 10:1 student-faculty ratio, numerous off-campus and study abroad programs, and the College’s innovative PEAK curriculum, in which undergraduates earn a major and three minors in four years across four academic peaks.
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Colorado College
Colorado College is a private liberal arts college in Colorado Springs, Colorado—at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. The College’s community of around 2,000 students study in over 40 major programs, 30 departmental minors, and 24 thematic minors—which are specialized pathways that examine particular themes from an interdisciplinary perspective. CC also offers its unique Block Plan curriculum where students take one class at a time for three and a half weeks, diving into their passions in small, discussion-based classes with professors who encourage them to grow and succeed.
Fort Lewis College
Fort Lewis College is a public liberal arts college in Durango, Colorado. Designated as a Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution, the College is home to more than 3,400 students—over 41% of whom are Native American and come from more than 175 Native tribes and Alaskan villages—who study in 50+ academic programs, with popular majors in Engineering, Teacher Education, Environmental Studies, Business Administration, Biology, Psychology, and Health Sciences. Fort Lewis also offers support through over 100 student groups as well as the resources provided by the Leadership Center and the Counseling Center on campus.
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno Pacific University is a private institution in California’s Central Valley that integrates faith with over 100 areas of study. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, PhD-holding professors provide personalized mentorship and a Four-Year Graduation Guarantee. Students enjoy over 300 days of sunshine near national parks and beaches while benefiting from robust financial aid, with 98% of students receiving support. It is an ideal choice for those seeking a supportive, values-based liberal arts education.
Linfield University
Linfield University is a private undergraduate institution in McMinnville, Oregon—38 miles southwest of Portland. Linfield provides a personalized academic experience through 50 undergraduate programs in the School of Business, the School of Nursing, and the College of Arts and Science. More than 1,700 undergrads participate in 40 student-led clubs, 14 performing arts groups, 300 leadership positions, four media organizations, intramural and club sports, and 21 NCAA Division III athletic teams.
Mount Saint Mary's University
Mount Saint Mary's University is a private Catholic liberal arts university in Los Angeles, California. Recognized as one of the most diverse schools in the country, Mount Saint Mary’s is the only women’s Catholic university in the western United States and the only women’s university in Los Angeles, serving 2,600+ women across two campuses and online. Students can choose from more than 30 majors and nearly 50 minors, participate in study abroad and faculty research, and pursue other experiential learning opportunities that complement their classroom studies.
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Reed College
Reed College is a small private college in Portland, Oregon. More than 1,500 students benefit from 38 majors and 15 minors (including interdisciplinary options), an average class size of 16, and a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. Reed provides a singular example of the liberal arts experience: a structured curriculum with an emphasis on personal inquiry; extensive written and in-person feedback from professors on assignments; and a deeply collaborative academic environment.
University of Redlands
University of Redlands is a private university in Redlands, California—65 miles from Los Angeles. Redlands offers more than 40 programs of study, with popular majors in Biology, Business, Communication & Sciences Disorders, and Psychology. The University is home to 2,400+ students from 45 states and 43 countries who participate in more than 100 student organizations and 120,000+ total community service hours.
Whitworth University
Whitworth University is a private Presbyterian university located just seven miles from the center of Spokane, Washington. With around 2,500 enrolled students, a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, and 92% of classes with fewer than 30 students, Whitworth offers more than 100 academic programs through the College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, and School of Education. Students can also take advantage of unique clubs, intramural sports, 21 NCAA Division III athletic teams, 20 instrumental and vocal ensembles, multiple theater events and art exhibits, and more.
Keeping an open mind during your college search? Explore even more great schools across the country with all our CX featured college lists.
