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!
California Baptist University
California Baptist University is a private Baptist university in Riverside, California—60 miles east of Los Angeles. CBU offers two associate degree programs, more than 100 bachelor’s programs, 40 master’s degrees, and seven doctoral programs to more than 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students, with an average class size of 22 and a student-faculty ratio of 19:1. Students can also enjoy NCAA Division I varsity sports, 60+ clubs and organizations, a mouthwatering menu at the University’s spacious cafeteria, a cool swim in the enormous pool in the Lancer Aquatics Center, and solitude in the historic Annie Gabriel Library.
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 Christian university in Fresno, California. FPU offers students more than 100 areas of study—including nearly 40 majors and 40 minors—taught by professors who are experts in their fields, with 80% holding the highest degrees possible. The University’s 800+ undergraduate students can get involved in 16 NCAA Division II athletic teams, 16 clubs and organizations, and special opportunities like STEM Learning Communities and the Intercultural Learning Center.
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University is a private Catholic university in Spokane, Washington. More than 7,300 students are enrolled in over 50 majors, 20+ master's, and five doctorate programs as well as 60+ minors and over 70 concentrations. The University also offers more than 130 student organizations—such as cultural clubs, community service, student government, and faith-sharing groups and retreats—as well as competitive Division I athletic teams and club and intramural sports.
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.
Soka University of America
Soka University of America is a private university in Aliso Viejo, California. With an average class size of 12 and an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, the University has a small enrollment of around 450 students who pursue liberal arts degrees and concentrations in Environmental Studies, Humanities, International Studies, Life Sciences, and Social & Behavioral Sciences. Study abroad is required at Soka, with 35 cities for students to choose from.
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.
