Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri
Known for its bustling cities and beautiful landscapes, Missouri is also a hub for high-quality education, particularly in liberal arts. This comprehensive education model enables students to study various subjects, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The following are some of the best liberal arts colleges in Missouri, evaluated based on their programs, annual costs, enrollment, and SAT ranges.
William Jewell College
Located in Liberty, William Jewell College is a private liberal arts college committed to nurturing critical thinking and broad-mindedness in its students.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
William Jewell offers over 40 undergraduate liberal arts programs, ranging from Art to Religious Studies, showcasing its dedication to a well-rounded education.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost of attendance is about $35,000. The college has an enrollment of around 800 students, and the SAT range for admitted students is between 1070 and 1270.
Evangel University
Situated in Springfield, Evangel University is a private Christian liberal arts university with a student-focused approach to learning.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Evangel University offers various liberal arts programs in areas like Communication Studies, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Evangel University is approximately $24,000. The university enrolls about 2,000 students; the SAT range is typically between 1020 and 1220.
Westminster College – Missouri
Located in Fulton, Westminster College is a private, residential undergraduate college that offers an environment of learning, leadership, and service.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Westminster College offers a variety of liberal arts programs, such as English, Environmental Science, History, and Philosophy.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost to attend Westminster is approximately $28,000. The college enrolls about 700 students, with an SAT range of 990-1170.
Lincoln University – Missouri
Lincoln University, located in Jefferson City, is a public, historically black university known for its nurturing and diverse environment.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Lincoln University offers a variety of liberal arts programs, including English, History, International Relations, and Philosophy and Religion.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Lincoln University is approximately $8,000 for in-state students and $14,000 for out-of-state students. The university enrolls around 2,500 students, and the SAT ranges between 880 and 1080.
Stephens College
Located in Columbia, Stephens College is a private women’s college dedicated to the creative arts and health sciences.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Stephens offers several liberal arts programs, such as English/Creative Writing, Psychology, and Women’s Studies.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost to attend Stephens College is around $31,000. The college enrolls approximately 800 students; the SAT range is between 960 and 1190.
Central Methodist University – College of Graduate & Extended Studies
Situated in Fayette, this university is renowned for its nurturing academic environment and vibrant student life.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Central Methodist offers liberal arts programs in English, History, Music, and Sociology.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Central Methodist is around $24,000. The university enrolls about 1,000 students; the SAT range is typically between 970 and 1170.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Three Other States
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa
Beyond Missouri, Iowa also houses several outstanding liberal arts colleges, such as Grinnell College and Cornell College, known for their strong focus on undergraduate education and comprehensive liberal arts curriculum.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois
In Illinois, institutions like Knox College and Illinois Wesleyan University are noteworthy for their commitment to a liberal arts education that fosters critical thinking and intellectual growth.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kansas
In Kansas, colleges such as Baker University and Bethel College offer robust liberal arts programs, providing students with a broad and well-rounded education.
How a High SAT Score Can Make Up for a Below-Average GPA
While GPA is a crucial factor in college admissions, a high SAT score can also significantly boost a student’s chances of acceptance, particularly at liberal arts colleges, which look for well-rounded students. A high SAT score demonstrates a student’s ability to perform well in standardized testing conditions. It can help balance a lower GPA by indicating potential for success in a rigorous academic environment.
In conclusion, Missouri has numerous top-notch liberal arts colleges, each providing a unique blend of academics, culture, and community. These institutions offer an enriching environment for students, facilitating their academic growth and personal and professional development. The choice of institution ultimately depends on the individual’s academic interests, financial considerations, and personal preferences. With the proper preparation, particularly for the SAT, students can open the door to exciting opportunities offered by these excellent liberal arts colleges.
