Liberal arts colleges focus on teaching students how to think, reason, and communicate effectively, rather than just training them for a single profession. The curriculum usually includes a mix of subjects like literature, history, mathematics, science, philosophy, and social sciences. This approach gives students a broad perspective and the ability to adapt to different career paths.
Maryland is home to many excellent liberal arts colleges that embody this approach to education. These colleges are ideal for students who enjoy exploring multiple fields of study, value close interaction with professors, and want a learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking and creativity. They also appeal to individuals who aim to develop skills that are highly valued in many professional fields, from business and education to government, research, and the arts.
Our post is all about the best liberal arts colleges in Maryland. We’ve weighed factors like teaching quality, campus life, graduation success, and overall value; explore the list below to see which schools made the cut.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland
Explore some of the top liberal arts colleges in Maryland below.
1. St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Of course, St. Mary’s College of Maryland deserves a top spot on the list of the best liberal arts colleges in Maryland. In fact, it holds a very special place in history as the nation’s first designated public honors college, a model that inspired others across the country.
It is located in the historic St. Mary’s City and was founded back in 1840. It blends the feel of a small, private liberal arts school with the affordability of a public institution. Students here enjoy a rigorous yet supportive academic environment designed to challenge them while also preparing them for life after graduation.
St. Mary’s offers 21 majors (with more in development), 29 minors, seven pre-professional programs, and even a master’s program in education. The college is known for focusing on both academics and personal growth, so it’s no surprise that the school is recognized as one of only two public honors colleges in the entire United States.
2. Goucher College
Another top liberal arts college in Maryland is Goucher College, located in Towson. Founded in 1885, Goucher began as a women’s college in Baltimore before moving to its current campus in 1953. It later became coeducational in 1986, opening its doors to all students while keeping its strong tradition of academic excellence.
Goucher offers a wide range of programs, with 31 majors and 39 minors, giving students plenty of options to explore their interests. One of the things that makes Goucher truly stand out is its commitment to global learning; every undergraduate is required to have a study abroad experience as part of their education. This makes Goucher one of only two colleges in the entire country with such a requirement.
In addition to undergraduate studies, Goucher also provides graduate programs through the Welch Center for Graduate and Professional Studies, offering master’s degrees in areas like education, fine arts, and even historic preservation.
3. St. John’s College
St. John’s College is one of the oldest and most respected liberal arts colleges in the United States, with campuses in Annapolis, Maryland, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Founded in 1696 as King William’s School and granted a collegiate charter in 1784, the school has built a long tradition of academic excellence.
The college is best known for its Great Books curriculum, adopted in 1937. Instead of offering a wide range of majors, students study the foundational works of Western thought in philosophy, literature, science, history, and mathematics. This program leads to a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, which is the equivalent of completing a double major in philosophy and the history of math and science, along with a double minor in classical studies and comparative literature.
St. John’s also offers graduate programs through its Graduate Institute, including a master’s degree in liberal arts. Its strong academic reputation is reflected in national rankings; U.S. News & World Report (2024) placed the college at #75 in Best National Liberal Arts Colleges, #35 in Best Value Schools, and #25 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
4. Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University Maryland, located in Baltimore, is a private Jesuit institution founded in 1852. It is one of the oldest Jesuit colleges in the United States. The university is guided by the Jesuit motto Ad maiorem Dei gloriam (“for the greater glory of God”), which reflects its mission of combining academic excellence with values-based education.
At Loyola, students complete a strong core curriculum that balances the humanities, sciences, math, and social sciences, ensuring they gain both broad knowledge and specialized expertise in their majors. Undergraduate degrees are offered through three main schools: Loyola College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Education, and the Joseph A. Sellinger School of Business and Management.
This blend of liberal arts and professional programs gives students the skills to think critically, lead responsibly, and succeed in a wide range of careers.
5. Washington College
Washington College, located in Chestertown, is one of the oldest private liberal arts colleges in Maryland, founded in 1782 with a charter from the state. The college offers students a wide range of choices, with 34 majors and 35 minors spanning the humanities, sciences, social sciences, and professional fields. Popular programs include Business Administration, Psychology, Biology, Economics, English, and Political Science.
The school also has a long list of distinguished alumni. For instance, James M. Cain, the famous novelist and journalist best known for The Postman Always Rings Twice, studied here. Another standout is H. Lawrence Culp Jr., who went on to become the CEO of both Danaher Corporation and General Electric.
FAQs About Liberal Arts Colleges
1. How do I choose the right liberal arts college in Maryland?
Picking the right liberal arts college requires you to look at what matters most to you, like the programs offered, the vibe on campus, location, and available financial aid. Check out the courses and majors to see if they match your interests and career plans. If you can, visit the campus, talk to current students, and get a feel for the school to make sure it’s a place where you’ll thrive.
2. Are liberal arts degrees valuable in the job market?
Absolutely! A liberal arts degree teaches you skills employers really value: critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. These skills can be applied in almost any career, from business and government to education and the arts. While some fields may take a bit more time to break into, the versatility you gain makes you adaptable and ready for many opportunities.
3. How much does it cost to attend these colleges?
Costs vary widely. Private colleges in Maryland have higher tuition than public ones, but many schools offer scholarships, grants, and financial aid to help with expenses. Check each college’s tuition and see what kind of support they offer so you can plan your budget without surprises.
4. Can I transfer credits into a liberal arts college?
Yes, you can often transfer credits, but each college has its own rules. Before applying, check with the admissions office to see which of your previous courses will count toward your degree. This helps make sure your hard work so far doesn’t go to waste.
Take your time to explore your options, think about what matters most to you, and pick a college that feels like the right fit. Your journey starts here, and the possibilities are endless.