Best Liberal Arts Colleges in the Midwest

best liberal arts colleges in the midwestThose looking for a top quality education should look into the best liberal arts colleges in the Midwest. A liberal arts education is ideal for students looking to earn an undergraduate degree while developing top communications skills and getting one-on-one attention as needed. Liberal Arts colleges provide well-rounded education while offering small class sizes and excellent curriculum choices. During the first two years, students may take courses from a wide variety of disciplines which may include the arts, communication, natural sciences, social sciences, and literature. After two years, a major is chosen. Common majors include English, history, math, biology, and chemistry.

Details of Best Liberal Arts Colleges in the Midwest

The midwest is one of the four regions of the United States of America and is comprised of 12 states in north-central and north-eastern United States. The midwest region of the U.S. is home to many quality liberal arts colleges and several of them are discussed below.

Grinnell College

Grinnell College is a private liberal arts college located in Grinnell, IA. Bachelor’s degrees are offered in the humanities, sciences, and social studies. The unique curriculum gives students the opportunity to learn through experience. A few foreign language courses that are offered include Chinese, Arabic, and Russian.

One of the things that makes Grinnell College one of the Best Liberal Arts Colleges in the Midwest is that the majority of admitted students are in the top 25% of their high school graduating class. Total yearly tuition is $50,000. Need-based grants help students meet almost 100% of their need. Student loans and work-study programs are also available.

Carleton College

Carleton College is a private liberal arts college located in Northfield, MN. Carleton offers many bachelor’s degree programs including art, chemistry, Russian, and education. Unique course offerings include Arabic, Hebrew, and Judaic studies. Pre-professional programs are also offered.

During the admissions process, Carleton requires SAT scores, transcripts, an interview, application, and essay. Admissions is selective. Yearly tuition and fees are $44,000. The average grant amount is $43,000 for those whose families make less than $50,000. Loans and work-study are also offered if needed.

Denison University

Located in Granville, OH, Denison University offers numerous liberal arts bachelor’s degree programs. Just a few include music, black studies, biology, and neuroscience. Pre-professional offerings include law, medicine, and engineering.

During the admissions process, Denison requires submission of an application, transcripts, an essay, and recommendations. Tuition is $40,500. Need-based financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans and work-study.

Oberlin College

Another one of the Best Liberal Arts Colleges in the Midwest is Oberlin College.  Located in Oberlin, OH, Oberlin offers bachelor’s degrees in anthropology, literature, mathematics, and more. Some music conservatory offerings include a Bachelor of Music, performance diploma, and a Master of Music in Teaching.

Admission requires the submission of a transcript, test scores, recommendations, and an application. For admission to the music conservatory, an audition is also required. Yearly tuition is $44,500. 100% of financial need is met in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. The music conservatory tuition is $30,000. Loans are available to music students.

Cornell College

Cornell College is located in Mount Vernon, IA. A few bachelor’s degrees offered include art, biology, and music. Programs are taken one course at a time. Pre-professional programs are offered in many fields.

The admissions process requires an application, essay, transcript, test scores, and teacher recommendations. Tuition is $35,000. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.

These colleges offer the best in liberal arts education while still being amazingly affordable.  At first glance, tuition costs may seem high, but most of the financial need is met in the form of grants which don’t need to be paid back.  These colleges are among the best liberal arts colleges in the midwest.

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