Best of the Great Lakes: Baccalaureate Colleges with an Arts and Sciences Focus

This ranking presents some of the finest institutions of the Great Lakes. They have each distinguished themselves as top performers within their class – comprising the top third of colleges in their category and the Great Lakes region.

To earn their well-deserved place on this prestigious list, colleges had to meet stringent eligibility criteria. Firstly, they needed to be located within the Great Lakes region, known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage. Additionally, these colleges had to demonstrate a steadfast commitment to an arts and sciences curriculum, establishing themselves as baccalaureate colleges with an arts and sciences focus.

The inclusion of the arts and sciences focus criterion brings forth numerous advantages associated with these outstanding institutions. By emphasizing an expansive education in the liberal arts and sciences, these colleges foster an environment that cultivates critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and holistic growth. Students are exposed to a diverse range of academic disciplines, enabling them to develop a well-rounded perspective, make interdisciplinary connections, and navigate the complexities of our rapidly evolving world.

Within this carefully curated list, colleges are meticulously ranked using a comprehensive array of metrics and assessments. The ranking consider factors that indicate the quality of the college experience. These include student satisfaction, on-time graduation rates, high earnings potential, and low student debt.

Student satisfaction serves as a vital indicator of the quality of education and campus environment. It reflects the overall experience of students, encompassing factors such as supportive faculty, engaging academic programs, vibrant campus life, and access to resources and opportunities that enhance personal and intellectual development.

On-time graduation rates exemplify the commitment of these colleges to guide and support their students towards timely degree completion. By offering effective academic advising, clear pathways to graduation, and a nurturing learning environment, these institutions equip students with the necessary tools to complete their studies efficiently and embark on their professional journeys.

High earnings potential highlights the value of a college education, showcasing the positive impact these institutions have on their graduates’ future career prospects. Colleges that prioritize real-world application of knowledge, career readiness initiatives, and strong industry connections help students launch successful careers, setting them on a path towards financial stability and professional fulfillment.

Moreover, low student debt levels underscore the institutions’ dedication to providing affordable and accessible education. By offering financial aid options, scholarships, and promoting responsible borrowing practices, these colleges empower students to pursue their academic dreams without burdening them with overwhelming debt, ensuring a solid foundation for their future endeavors.

These institutions, with their unwavering commitment to an arts and sciences focus and a holistic approach to education, are shaping the minds and futures of their students, empowering them to become well-rounded individuals and influential contributors to society.

Best Colleges of the Great Lakes

Baccalaureate Colleges with an Arts and Sciences Focus

1	Kenyon College	Gambier	OH
2	Wheaton College	Wheaton	IL
3	Denison University	Granville	OH
4	Illinois College	Jacksonville	IL
5	DePauw University	Greencastle	IN
6	Lake Forest College	Lake Forest	IL
7	Wabash College	Crawfordsville	IN
8	Oberlin College	Oberlin	OH
9	Saint Norbert College	De Pere	WI
10	Kalamazoo College	Kalamazoo	MI
11	The College of Wooster	Wooster	OH