Recent debates about whether or not liberal arts colleges are worth it have sparked much discussion. Some argue that they are no longer necessary in this modern day and time, where anyone can get any kind of education anywhere at anytime through online courses and other means.
Liberal arts college students often take more than one class per subject per semester, making them seem expensive and out-of-reach.
Furthermore, many people believe that getting an “arts” degree is just as valuable as say, a business administration major. This isn’t necessarily false, but most BA degrees don’t make you know how to write effective arguments either!
The truth however, is that liberal arts educations continue to play an important role in our society. They help develop deeper understanding and appreciation for the humanities and the sciences, which both depend on each other to exist and thrive.
This article will talk about some ways that liberal arts colleges differ from other types of schools and why they deserve to be protected.
They are affordable
One of the biggest criticisms of liberal arts colleges is that they are expensive. This argument usually comes from students who have either been given a lot of money or experienced a lot of stress because tuition has continued to rise.
However, this criticism is only true if you attend college very aggressively. If you are willing to go to just a few universities each year then it is much more affordable. Plus, many students feel that attending a university with wider range of majors and courses helps them learn more about life.
Furthermore, some schools offer scholarships and need-based financial aid so overall cost can be lower than what people think!
Liberal arts campuses also promote an education that teaches you how to read, write, and study smartly. These skills help you in your career and future lifestyle.
They are also a great way to meet new people and connect with others. Many students find work opportunities after graduation which include starting their own business or moving into teaching or social work.
They are selective
Liberals arts colleges are not open to every student that wants to attend them. Only some people are eligible to apply to become an art major or study music at these schools.
These institutions aim to produce well-rounded students who have diverse skills beyond just studying art or music. Students in other areas of studies can show these skills by taking classes across different departments or fields.
Many liberal arts colleges require students to take certain courses outside of their main field to graduate, which help develop related skill sets. These include things like writing, communication, and mathematics.
By requiring these additional courses, they promote academic growth for students. It is also important to note that many employers look more favorably on candidates with degrees in various disciplines as opposed to those with only a bachelor’s degree.
They are prestigious
Many people have theories about why liberal arts colleges are popular these days. Some say that they promote socialization, by having classes with lots of students attending. Others claim that their curricula is rich and diversified, so there’s more opportunity to learn something new every day. A few believe that the community spirit promotes success, as classmates help each other out and contribute to the educational experience.
All of these points seem reasonable, but one thing most definitely contributes to the popularity of liberal arts schools — they just feel good!
When you attend a college that focuses on the humanities or natural science disciplines, it feels like you’re learning something important and significant. You may not be studying literature or physics, but what you are learning – how to think critically and analyze information- still counts as a skill worth developing.
Furthermore, studies show that student engagement and feeling connected to your school will actually improve your academic performance. This is especially true at liberal arts colleges, where students take an active role in shaping the culture and offering extra services for others.
It’s easy to get distracted by chasing after big dreams or spending time outside of class, but research shows that staying focused on your education and supporting yourself and others helps achieve greater things.
They are a great choice for students
Between all of these different departments, cultures, majors, and levels of education you get as an undergraduate student at a liberal arts college, there is always something new to explore or experience.
Liberal arts colleges offer a wide range of courses that focus on more than just your major area. Some examples include creative writing, sociology, psychology, history, art, political science, economics, mathematics, and others.
These so called “general studies” courses are designed to help you develop skills in reading, math, reasoning, and communication. By taking many such classes, you will find yourself with a well rounded set of abilities.
Furthermore, some professors may even have specialties outside of their main field which they can teach to you. This gives you exposure to other areas, and helps you hone your ability to learn beyond what only their curriculum teaches you.
A liberal arts education not only benefits students in terms of knowledge, it also shapes who you become as a person. You gain self-confidence from learning about various fields, and understanding how things work.
You feel comfortable in non-technical areas, and this carries over into other parts of your life.
They are a great choice for students who like to think
Recent studies show that there is no difference in how well educated people are dependent upon whether their education was in liberal arts or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Some studies go as far as stating that being over-educated is actually detrimental to your success in life!
Liberal arts colleges have been dying out since the Industrial Revolution when wealthy elites could afford their expensive tuition. In fact, many universities only exist due to large donations from rich individuals.
But this doesn’t mean they don’t offer valuable skills to students. There are several reasons why attending college as a student of liberal arts will not waste your money. Here are some of them.
They are a great choice for students who like to try new things
Many people believe that only liberal arts colleges offer a well-rounded education, but this is not true. All universities award at least some degree programs in subjects such as business, science, technology, and medicine. A college student can choose to attend any of these schools after they earn their bachelor’s degree.
Liberal arts colleges focus more on teaching students how to think about important issues rather than focusing on specific fields or disciplines. This has been criticized because many times academic institutions emphasize learning about topics over educating students.
However, there are several reasons why this perception of liberal arts colleges being limited in their field of study is false. One reason is that most major general studies programs contain courses related to different areas of academia. For example, studying humanities courses may include classes in psychology, sociology, or philosophy.
Another reason is that many career paths require advanced knowledge beyond what is typically taught in undergraduate level courses. For instance, studying history may teach you something about politics, which could help you be an effective leader.
They are a great place to develop your skills
There is a myth that college students only learn how to read, write, and do math while in school. Students of liberal arts colleges know this isn’t true.
Liberal arts schools teach students much more than just the basics. These classes focus not only on academic content, but also on things like writing, literature, history, and philosophy.
These subjects help students understand other areas of life. For example, studying English teaches you about communication, reading material teaches you about literacy, and learning about history gives you insight into different cultures.
All three of these things apply directly to what you will do for a career. Being educated outside of the classroom doesn’t mean you won’t get good grades, but it can help you achieve success in other ways.
There are many paths to successful living including educationally focused ones. Don’t let someone tell you that there’s no use in getting an education if nothing comes after it.
They are a great place to gain experience
Many people have discussed how liberal arts colleges offer more than just education, they provide you with an incredible community that shapes you as a person.
Liberal arts schools focus less on testing and material knowledge and more about educating your mind through reading, exploring different disciplines, and engaging in creative projects.
These educational experiences help you develop skills such as critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and self-expression.
By studying many subjects instead of only one or two, you learn what it’s like to be part of a team that works together towards a common goal.
You get to explore different viewpoints and philosophies, which helps you hone your own beliefs and principles.
