By Shayan Abbasi
When people think of elite colleges, Ivy League schools like Harvard, Princeton and Yale, or large national universities such as Stanford and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), often dominate the conversation. A liberal arts college (LAC)? What is that?
Some of the most exceptional institutions of higher learning come from top liberal arts colleges from the New England Small College Athletic Conference in Amherst, Williams and Bowdoin, or in the Claremont Colleges with Pomona, Claremont McKenna or Harvey Mudd.
A key measure of a school’s quality is how its students fare after graduation, and the top liberal arts colleges shine in this area. Harvey Mudd is first in starting salaries; for example, its students earn an average of $115,000 starting out, while graduates from MIT or Princeton, respectively, make $110, 200 and $95,600.
Amherst and Williams College, the New England elites, lead the country in per capita of students sent to law school, being second and seventh, respectively. Their strong emphasis on writing, critical thinking, and close mentorship gives students a highly competitive edge in the application process.
Another Massachusetts-based powerhouse, Wellesley College, one of the nation’s most prestigious women’s colleges, produces leaders across all disciplines, such as the former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and journalist Diane Sawyer.
Many top liberal arts colleges have long and storied reputations, producing graduates who have gone on to change the world. For example:
- Amherst College: Founded in 1821, this College is one of the oldest LACs in the United States, counting Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President, among its alumni.
- Swarthmore College: The Pennsylvania-based LAC is known for its academic rigor, home to Nancy Roman, the “Mother of the Hubble Space Telescope”.
- Claremont McKenna College: Specializing in government and economics, its alumni include Henry Kravis, founder of the global private equity firm, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts.
One of the main features of LACs is their small class sizes, with schools like Pomona and Swarthmore boasting student-to-faculty ratios as low as eight to one, allowing students to receive individual attention and mentorship which is rare at larger universities. Professors prioritize teaching over research, creating a more interactive learning environment. This approach, allowing for deeper connections with faculty, in turn, helps students secure strong letters of recommendation and access to personalized research opportunities.
Each LAC places an educational emphasis on different areas, with Claremont McKenna, for example, focusing on government and economics, making it a top feeder to Wall Street. Or, Bowdoin College, home to the largest environmental studies program amongst the LACs for over five decades.
Unlike national universities, where resources are often shared between undergraduates and graduate students, LACs are often focused entirely on undergraduate education. The smaller nature of liberal arts colleges allows for a stronger alumni connection, with seven out of 10 colleges in the highest percentage of alma mater donations being LACs.
However, liberal arts colleges may not be the best fit for everyone. If you prefer larger class sizes, or a more diverse array of professional opportunities, a national university might suit you better.
Ultimately, the choice between a liberal arts college and a national university depends on your learning style. Whether you prioritize small classes and mentorship, or the resources of a larger university, the most important factor is finding a place where you will thrive and be happy.
