Advantages of Attending a Liberal Arts College

If you are in the later years of high school, you are probably starting to consider your options for college. One of the most important question you will eventually have to answer is what type of school you would like to attend, state, liberal arts, or private (there is often overlap between the last two.) Although each type of school has its own benefits, this article will detail the various advantages you can take away from attending a liberal arts institution.

What is a Liberal Arts College?

A liberal arts college is one that typically has a wide-ranging curriculum that applies to all students that attend the institution. Typically, the curriculum stresses the development of a well-rounded student (see below for further discussion of this,) with students usually required to take courses in a variety of areas. Although attendees usually have their own majors and course of study, they must also fulfill various requirements so that, for example, an English major will also probably take courses in science, mathematics, and history, in order to ensure that they see the connections between various branches of knowledge.

Smaller Class Sizes

Most liberal arts colleges tend to smaller than state schools, with the result that class sizes are similarly smaller. The small class size encourages discussion and intense interaction between students, something that typically does not occur in large lecture classes where students do not know one another or the professor very well and therefore do not feel as inclined to engage in class discussion. Furthermore, students often get to know their professors very well, and the resulting professional relationship can often last for years and prove very beneficial for the student.

Well-Rounded Education

As mentioned earlier, liberal arts colleges require their students to take classes across a range of disciplines in order to ensure that students are well-rounded. There are many advantages to being well-rounded, especially in a world where knowledge is becoming increasingly compartmentalized. Students at a liberal arts college learn to to become lifelong learners, seeing knowledge as something that is continually attained throughout life rather than just during the college years.

Strong Preparation

Liberal arts colleges also provide extensive and excellent preparation for various fields, ranging from education to medicine to politics. A recent article in College Newsnotes that a substantial number of famous and influential individuals, including 19% of United States Presidents, have attended liberal arts college. Attending a liberal arts education is also excellent preparation for students who plan on pursuing advanced degrees such as graduate schools, law degrees, and others. In essence, much of this stems from the fact that individualized instruction encourages students to think for themselves.

All in all, attending a liberal arts college can be a tremendously stimulating and exciting experience, and can truly benefit those who may not feel entirely comfortable attending a larger state institution. If you're looking for a smaller college that provides rigorous instruction and individual, then consider attending or applying to one of the great liberal arts institutions located in all parts of the United States.