✨Liberal Arts Colleges (LACs): an overview✨

GAEA Academy
Oct 8, 2024
4 min read

If you are planning to study abroad in the U.S. and want a comprehensive education that prepares you for various career fields, you may have heard of Liberal Arts Colleges (LACs). Many international students, including Vietnamese students, have chosen to study at LACs. But what are they, and why should you consider applying to them? Here’s everything you need to know! ✨

1. What Are Liberal Arts Colleges? 📚

Liberal Arts Colleges (LACs), despite having "Arts" in the name, do not only focus on arts education. Liberal Arts education (from the Latin "liberalis" meaning ‘free’ and "ars" meaning ‘principled practice’) is a traditional academic program in the U.S. "Arts" here refers to learned skills rather than being limited to fine arts.
LACs offer undergraduate degrees and focus on broad education across social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and mathematics. These colleges tend to be smaller than national universities, and their goal is to develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, making students adaptable to a wide range of professions. Rather than specializing in just one area, Liberal Arts help you become a well-rounded individual, ready for various career paths.

2. Class Size: A Major Advantage of Liberal Arts 🏫

Liberal Arts Colleges are typically smaller than national universities, with student populations ranging from 1,000 to 3,000. This smaller size offers a more personalized learning experience, where you’re not just one of 300 students in a lecture, as you might be at larger universities.
Small class sizes are a significant advantage of Liberal Arts Colleges. With an average student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, you’ll have closer interactions with professors and fellow students. Unlike larger universities, you won’t face much competition for research or teaching assistant positions, allowing you to gain valuable experience for your career. Professors will also know you better, making them more willing to recommend you for graduate school or related career opportunities.

3. Career Opportunities 💼

Graduates of Liberal Arts Colleges are often highly regarded for their critical thinking skills and adaptability to various environments. Alumni pursue careers in fields like business, law, education, healthcare, technology, and many others.
Many students also go on to graduate school in specialized fields, giving them a competitive edge in the job market. This is largely due to the small class sizes at LACs.

4. Tuition & Fees 💰

Tuition at Liberal Arts Colleges can range from $40,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on location and school quality. But don’t worry—many schools offer generous financial aid packages, making education more affordable. Costs usually include housing, meals, transportation, books, and other fees, so be sure to review them carefully when researching schools.

5. Scholarships (Financial Aid) 🎓

One of the main reasons many international students attend Liberal Arts Colleges is the incredibly generous scholarship opportunities.
Most Liberal Arts Colleges offer various scholarships. These scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or awarded for talents in areas like arts or sports. Many schools commit to meeting 100% of the financial need for accepted students.
International students can often receive financial aid at top Liberal Arts Colleges. Many schools offer need-based financial aid, and some even provide full scholarships for international students with outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements.

6. Student Life 🎉

Student life at Liberal Arts Colleges is vibrant and diverse! You’ll find many extracurricular activities, clubs, sports teams, and community service opportunities that help you grow outside the classroom. The focus is on holistic development, nurturing leadership, and teamwork skills.

7. What Rank Should You Aim for in Liberal Arts Colleges? 🏆

According to US News, there are around 220 ranked Liberal Arts Colleges across the U.S.:
US News Best National Liberal Arts Colleges
Schools ranked in the top 50–60 have consistently high-quality teaching and career services across most departments. These schools are renowned for academic excellence and strong alumni networks, making them top choices for students worldwide. Beyond the top schools, many other LACs have specialized programs in certain fields, so be sure to research and choose based on your needs.

8. How to Prepare Your Application ✍️

Preparing an application for Liberal Arts Colleges takes more than just high grades! Here are some important steps:

High AP Scores: Taking advanced courses like AP shows your academic ability. Scoring 4 or 5 on AP exams offers many benefits:
- Math and Science: AP courses like Statistics, Economics (Micro/Macro), Calculus (AB/BC), Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are often recognized for higher placement at college.
- Humanities: AP English Literature, U.S. History, and Government may earn you credits or allow you to skip basic courses.
- Languages: AP scores in languages like Spanish, French, or Chinese can fulfill language requirements or let you move on to higher-level courses.
Even if you don’t earn credits for your major, high AP scores can help you skip basic courses, giving you more flexibility to explore other subjects or graduate early.
SAT Scores: While most Liberal Arts Colleges no longer require the SAT, submitting competitive scores still shows your readiness for college. If you're aiming for top schools, a target score of 1450+ will improve your chances:
- ERW (Reading & Writing): 700 - 760
- Math: 720 - 790
IELTS or TOEFL: If you’re an international student, strong English scores are essential.
- Most top Liberal Arts Colleges require a minimum IELTS score of 7.0, but competitive schools may prefer 7.5+, especially with no component (reading, writing, listening, speaking) below 6.5 or 7.0.
- For the TOEFL iBT, most top schools expect a minimum score of 100, with some requiring scores closer to 105–110. Scores for individual sections are also important. Many schools require a minimum of 25 in each section (reading, listening, speaking, and writing).
Compelling Personal Statement: Liberal Arts Colleges value deep thinkers, so make sure your personal essay reflects your unique experiences and perspectives.
Extracurricular Activities: Leadership roles in clubs, sports, or volunteer work will make your application stand out.
Recommendation Letters: Get recommendations from teachers who can speak about both your academic abilities and character, as this will strengthen your application.