25 Most Liberal Universities in the US 2024

If you’re someone who cares about politics, it’s a good idea to pick a college that shares your beliefs. But even if you’re not super into politics, choosing a school that aligns with your values could still make your college experience better. For instance, if you’re more on the left side politically, you might want to look into liberal colleges. One advantage of going to a school that matches your political views is that you’re likely to find friends who think like you do. Liberal colleges tend to attract students who share similar ideas. Plus, you’ll probably find clubs and groups on campus that focus on issues you care about. That means it could be easier and more fun to get involved in campus life. Here are the 25 Most Liberal Universities in the US 2024. Best Most Liberal Universities listing includes details like GPA requirements, median SAT and ACT scores, acceptance rates, admission requirements, and salary information. We also cover professional outcomes and academic highlights for each college.

25 Most Liberal Universities in the US 2024

1. University of California, Berkeley

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 17%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $70,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse fields like technology, education, and public policy. Berkeley alumni are known for their activism and contributions to social justice.

Academic Highlights: Berkeley offers a wide range of liberal arts programs, including social sciences and humanities. The university is a hub for political activism and social change.

2. Brown University

GPA Requirement: 3.9
Median SAT: 1480
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 6%
Admission Requirements: Excellent GPA, high SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $75,000.

Professional Outcomes: Brown graduates pursue careers in public service, academia, and creative industries. They often work in roles that promote social justice and equality.

Academic Highlights: Brown is known for its open curriculum, allowing students to explore various subjects freely. The university emphasizes critical thinking and creativity.

3. Wesleyan University

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1460
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 19%
Admission Requirements: Strong GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $60,000.

Professional Outcomes: Wesleyan alumni work in the arts, education, and nonprofit sectors. They are known for their dedication to social causes and community service.

Academic Highlights: Wesleyan offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on interdisciplinary studies. The university encourages students to engage in activism and social change.

4. Reed College

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1440
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 35%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $55,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates often pursue careers in academia, research, and the arts. Reed alumni are known for their intellectual curiosity and commitment to social justice.

Academic Highlights: Reed College offers a rigorous academic program with an emphasis on critical thinking. The college has a strong tradition of student activism and social engagement.

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5. Oberlin College

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1420
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 35%
Admission Requirements: Strong GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $56,000.

Professional Outcomes: Oberlin graduates often work in education, the arts, and social services. They are known for their commitment to progressive causes and social change.

Academic Highlights: Oberlin is famous for its liberal arts programs and conservatory of music. The college has a rich history of activism, particularly in civil rights.

6. Sarah Lawrence College

GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1400
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 55%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $53,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in creative fields, education, and advocacy. Sarah Lawrence alumni are known for their independent thinking and dedication to social justice.

Academic Highlights: Sarah Lawrence offers a unique approach to education, with a focus on individualized learning. The college encourages students to explore diverse perspectives and engage in social activism.

7. Vassar College

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1440
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 23%
Admission Requirements: Strong GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $65,000.

Professional Outcomes: Vassar graduates often work in public service, the arts, and education. They are known for their commitment to social justice and community service.

Academic Highlights: Vassar offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on social sciences and humanities. The college has a tradition of encouraging student activism and social engagement.

8. The New School

GPA Requirement: 3.5
Median SAT: 1350
Median ACT: 29
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $58,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in the arts, design, and media. The New School alumni are known for their innovative thinking and commitment to social change.

Academic Highlights: The New School offers a progressive education with a focus on creativity and social responsibility. The university encourages students to think critically and engage in activism.

9. Smith College

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1430
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 32%
Admission Requirements: Strong GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $62,000.

Professional Outcomes: Smith graduates often work in education, public service, and advocacy. They are known for their dedication to women’s rights and social justice.

Academic Highlights: Smith College offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on women’s studies and social sciences. The college has a rich history of activism and social engagement.

10. Barnard College

GPA Requirement: 3.9
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 14%
Admission Requirements: Excellent GPA, high SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $70,000.

Professional Outcomes: Barnard graduates pursue careers in public service, academia, and the arts. They are known for their commitment to women’s rights and social justice.

Academic Highlights: Barnard offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on women’s studies and social sciences. The college encourages students to engage in activism and social change.

11. Bard College

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1410
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $57,000.

Professional Outcomes: Bard graduates often work in the arts, education, and advocacy. They are known for their commitment to social justice and community service.

Academic Highlights: Bard offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on social sciences and the arts. The college has a tradition of encouraging student activism and social engagement.

12. Hampshire College

GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1400
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 63%
Admission Requirements: Strong GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $54,000.

Professional Outcomes: Hampshire graduates often work in creative fields, education, and social services. They are known for their independent thinking and dedication to social justice.

Academic Highlights: Hampshire offers a unique approach to education, with a focus on individualized learning and critical thinking. The college encourages students to engage in social activism.

13. Mount Holyoke College

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1420
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 38%
Admission Requirements: Strong GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $60,000.

Professional Outcomes: Mount Holyoke graduates often work in public service, education, and advocacy. They are known for their commitment to women’s rights and social justice.

Academic Highlights: Mount Holyoke offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on women’s studies and social sciences. The college has a rich history of activism and social engagement.

14. Bennington College

GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1390
Median ACT: 29
Acceptance Rate: 61%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $55,000.

Professional Outcomes: Bennington graduates often work in creative fields, education, and social services. They are known for their independent thinking and dedication to social justice.

Academic Highlights: Bennington offers a unique approach to education, with a focus on individualized learning and creativity. The college encourages students to explore diverse perspectives and engage in activism.

15. Pitzer College

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1440
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 16%
Admission Requirements: Strong GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $64,000.

Professional Outcomes: Pitzer graduates often work in public service, education, and advocacy. They are known for their commitment to social justice and community service.

Academic Highlights: Pitzer offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on social sciences and environmental studies. The college encourages students to engage in activism and social change.

16. Grinnell College

GPA Requirement: 3.9
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 19%
Admission Requirements: Excellent GPA, high SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $65,000.

Professional Outcomes: Grinnell graduates often work in public service, academia, and the arts. They are known for their commitment to social justice and community service.

Academic Highlights: Grinnell offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on social sciences and humanities. The college has a tradition of encouraging student activism and social engagement.

17. Macalester College

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1430
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 31%
Admission Requirements: Strong GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $62,000.

Professional Outcomes: Macalester graduates often work in public service, education, and advocacy. They are known for their commitment to social justice and community service.

Academic Highlights: Macalester offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on international studies and social sciences. The college encourages students to engage in activism and social change.

18. Skidmore College

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1410
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 27%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $61,000.

Professional Outcomes: Skidmore graduates often work in creative fields, education, and social services. They are known for their independent thinking and dedication to social justice.

Academic Highlights: Skidmore offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on social sciences and the arts. The college has a tradition of encouraging student activism and social engagement.

19. Scripps College

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1440
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 24%
Admission Requirements: Strong GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $63,000.

Professional Outcomes: Scripps graduates often work in public service, education, and advocacy. They are known for their commitment to women’s rights and social justice.

Academic Highlights: Scripps offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on women’s studies and social sciences. The college has a rich history of activism and social engagement.

20. Kenyon College

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1430
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 34%
Admission Requirements: Strong GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $64,000.

Professional Outcomes: Kenyon graduates often work in public service, education, and the arts. They are known for their commitment to social justice and community service.

Academic Highlights: Kenyon offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on social sciences and humanities. The college has a tradition of encouraging student activism and social engagement.

21. Amherst College

GPA Requirement: 3.9
Median SAT: 1460
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 11%
Admission Requirements: Excellent GPA, high SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $72,000.

Professional Outcomes: Amherst graduates pursue careers in public service, academia, and the arts. They are known for their commitment to social justice and community service.

Academic Highlights: Amherst offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on social sciences and humanities. The college has a tradition of encouraging student activism and social engagement.

22. Haverford College

Professional Outcomes: Haverford graduates often work in public service, education, and advocacy. They are known for their commitment to social justice and community service.

Academic Highlights: Haverford offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on social sciences and humanities. The college encourages students to engage in activism and social change.

23. Swarthmore College

GPA Requirement: 3.9
Median SAT: 1470
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 9%
Admission Requirements: Excellent GPA, high SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $75,000.

Professional Outcomes: Swarthmore graduates pursue careers in public service, academia, and the arts. They are known for their commitment to social justice and community service.

Academic Highlights: Swarthmore offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on social sciences and humanities. The college encourages students to engage in activism and social change.

24. Bowdoin College

GPA Requirement: 3.9
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 9%
Admission Requirements: Excellent GPA, high SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $72,000.

Professional Outcomes: Bowdoin graduates pursue careers in public service, academia, and the arts. They are known for their commitment to social justice and community service.

Academic Highlights: Bowdoin offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on social sciences and humanities. The college has a tradition of encouraging student activism and social engagement.

25. Carleton College

Professional Outcomes: Carleton graduates pursue careers in public service, academia, and the arts. They are known for their commitment to social justice and community service.

Academic Highlights: Carleton offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on social sciences and humanities. The college has a tradition of encouraging student activism and social engagement.

Most Liberal Universities in the US – Conclusion

Choosing a college that aligns with your political and social values can significantly enhance your college experience. The schools listed above are among the most liberal in the country, each with unique strengths and commitments to diversity, inclusion, and social justice. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant urban campus like New York University’s or a historic institution with a strong focus on research like UC Berkeley, these colleges offer environments where you can thrive both academically and personally. If you prioritize progressive values, activism, and a supportive community, any of these schools could be a great fit for your higher education journey.