Top 15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York
New York is home to several prestigious liberal arts colleges renowned for their academic excellence and strong emphasis on a well-rounded education. From ... read more...small, intimate campuses to urban settings, New York's liberal arts colleges offer diverse environments that foster intellectual growth and personal development. In this article, Toplist has compiled some of the liberal arts colleges in New York that you may know.
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Barnard College, founded in 1889, offers a distinctive liberal arts education experience for its diverse student body. Situated in the vibrant city of New York, the college's setting provides a unique and enriching environment for academic and personal growth. With a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,442 and a compact 4-acre campus, Barnard College ensures an intimate learning experience. As a women's college with a partnership with the nearby Columbia University, Barnard students have access to a diverse range of academic and extracurricular opportunities, including classes, sports, and organizations at both institutions.
Ranked #11 among National Liberal Arts Colleges, Barnard College fosters a community where women can explore the intersections of diverse academic fields while engaging in discussions on gender, feminism, and women's rights. Additionally, the college offers ample internship opportunities in New York City and provides an urban New York program, enriching the student's academic and cultural experiences. With its rich history and commitment to empowering women through education, Barnard College continues to offer a compelling liberal arts education in one of the world's most dynamic cities.DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1889
- Phone: +1 212-854-5262
- Cost: $28,366 / year
- Students: 2,959 Undergrads
- Address: 3009 Broadway, New York, NY
- Website: https://barnard.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barnardcollege
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barnardcollege/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/barnardcollege
Ranking:
- Best Women's Colleges in America: 1 of 22
- Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America: 8 of 309
- Best Small Colleges in America: 9 of 968
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Hamilton College, a prestigious liberal arts college in Clinton, New York, boasts a rich history dating back to its establishment as the Hamilton-Oneida Academy in 1793. The institution was renamed Hamilton College in 1812 to honor Alexander Hamilton, one of its founding trustees.
Hamilton College is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum, offering 57 areas of study and 44 majors, with options for interdisciplinary concentrations. As of fall 2021, it enrolled approximately 2,000 undergraduate students, representing 45 U.S. states and 46 countries. Notably, the college is committed to diversity, with a student body consisting of 53% female and 47% male students.
Hamilton College also has a strong athletic tradition, with its teams participating in the New England Small College Athletic Conference. The institution's enduring legacy is built on a dedication to academic excellence, a vibrant student community, and a commitment to providing a comprehensive liberal arts education.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1793
- Phone: +1 315-859-4011
- Cost: $26,803 / year
- Students: 2,070 Undergrads
- Address: 198 College Hill Road, Clinton, NY
- Website: https://www.hamilton.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HamiltonCollege
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hamiltoncollege/
- YouTube: https://shorturl.at/jyJNX
Ranking:
- Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America: 13 of 309
- Best Small Colleges in America: 14 of 968
- Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America: 21 of 285
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Vassar College, a private liberal arts institution located in Poughkeepsie Town, New York, was established in 1861 by Matthew Vassar. Initially a women's college, Vassar became coeducational in 1969, offering over fifty majors leading to BA degrees.
Known as one of the historic Seven Sisters colleges, it has an expansive campus spanning over 1,000 acres with more than 100 buildings, including two National Historic Landmarks. The college's varsity sports teams, known as the Brewers, compete in the NCAA's Division III as members of the Liberty League.
Student life at Vassar is diverse, featuring numerous organizations such as theater, comedy, cappella groups, and club sports teams, reflecting an inclusive and vibrant community. The college prides itself on an esteemed academic staff, an arboretum campus featuring over 200 species of trees, and a commitment to providing a comprehensive and diverse educational experience to its approximately 2,500 students.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1861
- Phone: +1 845-437-7000
- Cost: $27,249 / year
- Students: 2,498 Undergrads
- Address: 124 Raymond Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY
- Website: https://www.vassar.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vassarcollege/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vassarcollege/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/vassar
Ranking:
- Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America: 17 of 309
- Best Small Colleges in America: 19 of 968
- Best Colleges for Public Policy in America: 30 of 643
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Colgate University is a prestigious private liberal arts college located in Hamilton, New York. Established in 1819, it has undergone several name changes before adopting its present name in 1890. With an academic staff of 355, the university primarily focuses on undergraduate education, offering 56 majors leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree. The campus, covering 575 acres, provides a picturesque, rural setting for the 3,219 undergraduate students and 11 postgraduate students.
The university is associated with the NCAA Division I Patriot League for its sports programs and is renowned for its competitive admissions standards, being among the 100 most selective colleges in the United States. Colgate University maintains a diverse student body, with a 54% female and 46% male enrollment, and offers over 200 clubs and organizations for student participation. Additionally, the university holds a small graduate program in Master of Arts in Teaching.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1819
- Phone: +1 315-228-7000
- Cost: $24,500 / year
- Students: 3,142 Undergrads
- Address: 13 Oak Drive Hamilton, NY
- Website: https://www.colgate.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colgateuniversity
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colgateuniversity/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/cuatchannel13
Ranking:
- Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America: 18 of 309
- Best Colleges for International Relations in America: 23 of 405
- Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America: 31 of 285
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Skidmore College is a renowned private institution founded in 1903 and ranks #38 in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges for National Liberal Arts Colleges. With a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,758 and a sprawling 890-acre campus, it offers a vibrant academic environment.
The college follows a semester-based academic calendar and encourages freshmen to immerse themselves in the First Year Experience Program, which includes introductory Scribner Seminars and the option for select freshmen to spend a semester in London. Skidmore's unique academic approach allows students to choose from about 50 majors or design their programs. All students, regardless of major, engage in science and mathematics courses.
Outside the classroom, the Thoroughbreds, Skidmore's sports teams, compete in the NCAA Division III Liberty League. The campus location in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. provides access to diverse activities, from experiencing the local culture to outdoor adventures. With an emphasis on faculty-student research collaboration and notable alumni achievements in various fields, Skidmore College offers a rich and holistic learning experience.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1903
- Phone: +1 518-580-5000
- Cost: $31,553 / year
- Students: 2,655 Undergrads
- Address: 815 North Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY
- Website: https://www.skidmore.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkidmoreCollege
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skidmorecollege/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SkidmoreCollege
Ranking:
- Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America: 41 of 309
- Best Small Colleges in America: 43 of 968
- Best Colleges for Kinesiology and Physical Therapy in America: 46 of 591
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Union College, situated in Schenectady, New York, is a well-known liberal arts institution that fosters a vibrant community of bright minds and courageous hearts. At Union, students experience a unique blend of liberal arts and engineering, offering a diverse range of academic opportunities across 62 majors and minors.
With a low student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, personalized attention and academic guidance are integral to the student experience. The college's dynamic curriculum encourages interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to explore various academic disciplines and engage in diverse learning experiences.
Union College is proud of its robust student life, boasting over 130 clubs and organizations that cater to a wide array of interests, ensuring each student finds their fit and thrives within the campus community. Additionally, the college's strong emphasis on career preparedness and alumni success, with an over 85% career satisfaction rate, sets it apart as an institution committed to the holistic development and success of its students.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1795
- Phone: (518) 388-6000
- Cost: $39,101 / year
- Students: 2,065 Undergrads
- Address: 807 Union St, Schenectady, NY
- Website: https://www.union.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unioncollege
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unioncollege/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/unioncollege
Ranking:
- Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America: 43 of 309
- Best Small Colleges in America: 46 of 968
- Best Colleges for Global Studies in America: 79 of 202
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Bard College, located in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, is a prestigious liberal arts institution renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and socially conscious education. Founded in 1860, Bard College offers a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum that encourages students to explore a wide range of disciplines, including the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The college prides itself on its small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a vibrant campus community.
Bard College is particularly distinguished for its innovative approach to education, which includes the Bard Prison Initiative, an initiative offering college education to incarcerated individuals. Furthermore, the college's emphasis on interdisciplinary study, experiential learning, and global engagement prepares students to become critical thinkers and engaged citizens in a rapidly changing world. Overall, Bard College's commitment to academic rigor, social responsibility, and intellectual exploration makes it a distinguished institution within the landscape of liberal arts education.DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1860
- Cost: $24,318 / year
- Students: 1,982 Undergrads
- Address: 30 Campus Rd, Annandale-On-Hudson, NY
- Website: https://www.bard.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BardCollegeNY
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bardcollege/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bardwebvideo
Ranking:
- Best Colleges for Music in America: 50 of 265
- Best Colleges for Art in America: 67 of 736
- Best Colleges for English in America: 75 of 901
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In a constantly evolving world, a liberal arts education at Marymount Manhattan College (MMC) not only focuses on what you learn but also how you learn. This holistic approach extends beyond the traditional classroom setting, encouraging students to explore diverse disciplines and experiences, and fostering a deep understanding of societal and environmental issues.
Through MMC's liberal arts foundation, students engage in real-world experiences such as internships, volunteer work, and global study opportunities, enriching their education beyond textbooks. This dynamic educational model, exemplified by the Environmental Studies program, encourages critical thinking, interdisciplinary connections, and refined expression of thoughts through conversations, creative projects, and writing.
Embracing the liberal arts at MMC cultivates astute business management, the intricate connections between mind and body, as well as an appreciation for the nuances of language. Ultimately, the liberal arts at MMC fortify students to read between the lines, and value listening, contribution, and lifelong learning, empowering them to navigate diverse career paths with confidence and insight.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1936
- Phone: +1 212-517-0400
- Cost: $31,750 / year
- Students: 1,533 Undergrads
- Address: 221 East 71st Street New York, NY
- Website: https://www.mmm.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarymountManhattan
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nycmarymount/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/MarymountManhattan
Ranking:
- Best College Locations in America: 54 of 1,527
- Safest College Campuses in America: 69 of 1,306
- Best Colleges for Performing Arts in America: 114 of 558
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Hobart and William Smith Colleges are outstanding private liberal arts institutions situated in Geneva, New York. Established in the 19th century, they have a rich history and are associated with notable individuals such as Fulbright, Rhodes, and Marshall scholars, as well as Pulitzer and Emmy awardees.
The colleges offer a diverse range of academic programs, including degrees in Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and various Master's degrees. With a combined campus covering 170 acres, the colleges provide an intimate and personalized learning environment.
Founded separately as Hobart College for men and William Smith College for women, the institutions now operate jointly while maintaining their unique traditions. Hobart and William Smith Colleges are members of the New York Six Liberal Arts Consortium and are consistently ranked among the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the United States.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1822
- Phone: +1 315-781-3000
- Cost: $34,239 / year
- Students: 1,547 Undergrads
- Address: 300 Pulteney St, Geneva, NY
- Website: https://www.hws.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hwscolleges
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hwscolleges/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/hobartandwilliamsmith
Ranking:
- Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America: 73 of 309
- Best Colleges for Global Studies in America: 73 of 202
- Best Colleges with No Application Fee in America: 76 of 684
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The School of Liberal Arts and Business (SLAB) at SUNY Oneonta is a dynamic institution offering 19 baccalaureate degree programs across 13 academic departments, blending professional and liberal arts studies. Its faculty is dedicated to the United Nations frameworks centered around Sustainable Development Goals, providing an environment that promotes sustainability, inclusivity, and service.
Students at SLAB, regardless of major, have the opportunity to engage in music lessons, theater productions, visual arts, and other creative pursuits, enriching their educational experience. SLAB offers degrees in areas such as Business Administration, Professional Accounting, Music Industry, Theatre, Art & Design, and various liberal arts disciplines, ensuring that students are well-prepared for specific professional goals or post-graduate studies in fields such as law, divinity, or healthcare.
Emphasizing both theory and application, SLAB programs equip students with powerful career development and versatility, allowing them to craft their unique academic path and enhance their career readiness. The School seeks to meet students where they are in their educational journey, offering enriching and diverse experiences while building practical skills.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1889
- Phone: +1 607-436-3500
- Cost: $17,594 / year
- Students: 5,238 Undergrads
- Address: 108 Ravine Pkwy, Oneonta, NY
- Website: https://suny.oneonta.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SUNYOneonta
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunyoneonta/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SUNYOneonta
Ranking:
- Best Greek Life Colleges in America: 92 of 689
- Top Party Schools in America: 95 of 1,512
- Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America: 120 of 309
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The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), located in New York City, is renowned for its comprehensive liberal arts curriculum integrated into every degree program. The School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at FIT emphasizes critical thinking, communication skills, and a global perspective to enrich students' professional and personal lives. This commitment is demonstrated through various departments, such as English and Communication Studies, Film, Media, and Performing Arts, History of Art, Modern Languages and Cultures, Science and Mathematics, and Social Sciences.
Additionally, FIT offers an honors program, Presidential Scholars, designed to provide motivated and gifted students with specially designed liberal arts courses, interdisciplinary group projects, monthly colloquia, and a range of extracurricular activities. The college's unique approach ensures a well-rounded education for students, nurturing their intellectual abilities and global awareness while leveraging the vibrant cultural landscape of New York City as an extended campus.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1944
- Phone: +1 212-217-7999
- Cost: $8,637 / year
- Students: 6,875 Undergrads
- Address: 227 West 27th Street, New York City
- Website: https://www.fitnyc.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FashionInstituteofTechnology/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitnyc/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fit
Ranking:
- Best College Locations in America: 10 of 1,527
- Best Colleges for Design in America: 14 of 438
- Best Colleges for Art in America: 41 of 736
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St. Lawrence University, founded in 1856, is a distinguished liberal arts institution located in Canton, New York. With a sprawling 1,100-acre campus, it is home to around 2,145 undergraduate students and is renowned for its comprehensive academic approach.
Recognized as one of the top National Liberal Arts Colleges, it offers a unique first-year program focusing on speaking, writing, and research. The university boasts a vibrant campus life, featuring a thriving Greek community, diverse extracurricular activities, and robust athletic opportunities.
The campus's restriction on motorized vehicles fosters a tranquil environment, while its proximity to the Adirondack Mountains provides numerous recreational opportunities. Notably, the university is committed to the arts, evident in the student-run music venue, the Java Barn. Its distinguished alumni, including Jeffery H. Boyd and actor Viggo Mortensen, further underscore its esteemed reputation in liberal arts education.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1856
- Phone: +1 800-285-1856
- Cost: $31,744 / year
- Students: 2,222 Undergrads
- Address: 23 Romoda Dr, Canton, NY
- Website: https://www.stlawu.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StLawrenceU/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stlawrenceu/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/stlawrenceu
Ranking:
- Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America: 93 of 309
- Best Colleges with No Application Fee in America: 122 of 684
- Best Colleges for Political Science in America: 124 of 822
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Liberal Arts at Purchase College offers a unique and diverse educational experience, exemplified by the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts (BALA) program. This interdisciplinary approach enables students to craft a tailored program that merges various fields such as dance, journalism, visual arts, biology, video production, and environmental science.
BALA is designed for students who seek a highly individualized and innovative major, with the opportunity to work with two faculty sponsors to create a curriculum not accommodated by traditional majors. The collaboration and mentorship opportunities provided by faculty sponsors enhance the educational journey of currently matriculated students.
Notable alumni achievements further exemplify the program's potential, including individuals who have pushed boundaries by combining disciplines such as dance and journalism. With a commitment to academic excellence and creativity, Purchase College's liberal arts program fosters a space for students to explore, innovate, and realize their academic aspirations.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1967
- Phone: (914) 251-6000
- Cost: $19,458 / year
- Students: 3,145 Undergrads
- Address: 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY
- Website: https://www.purchase.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SUNYPurchaseCollege
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purchasecollege/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PurchaseCollege
Ranking:
- Best Colleges for Performing Arts in America: 130 of 558
- Best Colleges for Art in America: 235 of 736
- Best Colleges for English in America: 303 of 901
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Hartwick College is a private liberal arts institution in Oneonta, New York, and has a rich history dating back to its founding as Hartwick Seminary in 1797. With an endowment of $76.7 million, the college boasts a picturesque 425-acre main academic campus and a 920-acre environmental campus. Its academic offerings include 31 majors, 24 areas of study, and 11 minors, leading to Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees.
Notably, the college offers a pre-engineering program with cooperative agreements with prestigious universities, allowing students to earn engineering degrees in partnership with Clarkson University and Columbia University. Additionally, Hartwick's innovative three-year bachelor's degree program has garnered national attention for its cost-saving and quality.
Emphasizing experiential learning, the Liberal Arts in Practice curriculum encourages students to gain real-world experience through internships, volunteer work, and job shadowing, while providing robust support for networking and career development. In conclusion, Hartwick College's commitment to academic excellence, experiential learning, and innovative programs firmly establishes it as a leading institution in the liberal arts education landscape.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1797
- Phone: +1 607-431-4000
- Cost: $22,523 / year
- Students: 1,137 Undergrads
- Address: P.O. Box 4022 Oneonta, New York
- Website: https://www.hartwick.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HartwickCollege
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hartwickcollege/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HartwickCollege
Ranking:
- Best Greek Life Colleges in America: 212 of 689
- Top Party Schools in America: 251 of 1,512
- Most Diverse Colleges in America: 308 of 1,517
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Sarah Lawrence College is a distinguished private liberal arts institution located in Bronxville, New York. Established in 1926 by real estate magnate William Van Duzer Lawrence, the college was originally intended to provide arts and humanities education exclusively for women.
Notably, it became a pioneer in academia as the first liberal arts college in the U.S. to integrate a rigorous approach to the arts with the principles of progressive education, emphasizing individualized teaching and personalized curricular efforts. Sarah Lawrence places significant value on independent study, particularly in areas such as the humanities, performing arts, and writing.
Notably, the college transitioned to coeducation in 1968 and continues to maintain a suburban campus spread across 44 acres. With a current student body comprising approximately 1,675 individuals, Sarah Lawrence College remains dedicated to its founding principles of promoting wisdom through understanding.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1926
- Phone: +1 914-337-0700
- Cost: $34,091 / year
- Students: 1,512 Undergrads
- Address: 1 Mead Way, Bronxville, NY
- Website:https://www.sarahlawrence.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahlawrencecollege
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahlawrencecollege/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sarahlawrencecollege
Ranking:
- Colleges with the Best Academics in America: 262 of 1,543
- Colleges with the Best Professors in America: 361 of 1,527
- Most Diverse Colleges in America: 371 of 1,517