Why liberal arts?
Liberal arts is an educational model that can be traced back to ancient Greece, in Plato’s The Republic. Liberal arts programs aim to produce well-rounded citizens who are able to participate productively in society in many different facets. Liberal arts students will take a strong core curriculum, learning about math, hard science, social science, the arts, the humanities, and more, in addition to their chosen field of study.
American liberal arts schools tend to be smaller and more intimate. Classes tend to have fewer students and emphasize participation over pure lecture. They often have strong senses of community, and alumni remain involved in their alma mater.
Expert Perspective
Sara Miller | Executive Director at Green Halo Scholars , Law School Application Reader at W&L
Also see: What are the benefits of a liberal arts education?
What are the drawbacks?
Despite all the great things about liberal arts, it’s not without its downsides. A liberal arts education tends to be more expensive than the traditional university experience. It can also be harder to find a job after graduation. While some liberal arts programs are more profession-oriented than others, they typically emphasize learning for learning’s sake over learning how to do a job. Liberal arts graduates tend to have the best luck finding work where their employer also attended a liberal arts program, or understands their merit.
Related: Liberal arts colleges vs universities: Everything you need to know
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Frequently asked questions about liberal arts schools
Are liberal arts schools more expensive?
The only way to really know what a college will cost you is to gain admission and read your financial aid award letter. Sometimes, a school with a higher price tag could end up being cheaper because of their financial aid, whereas a school with lower tuition could end up being more expensive by not offering any aid.
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