Edited by: Dr. Paul Sparacio
Last Updated: 5/1/2025
Quick Highlights:
- Our #1 ranked most liberal college in the US is San Francisco State University, followed by Sarah Lawrence College.
- Many liberal colleges are known for political activism and have histories of student involvement in social justice.
- These colleges offer a wide range of academic programs but often emphasize liberal arts, equality, and creative expression.
- Campuses are typically engaged in various progressive movements, attracting students who value similar political and social viewpoints.
Since the 2016 presidential campaign, college students have become more involved in politics than before, according to a survey from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). Additionally, these findings correlate with an increased political activism at 52% of high schools in America.
Naturally, college seekers may choose schools that support their political leanings and ideologies. Many factors influence a college’s political leanings, including location, administration, and faculty. Some institutions simply have a history of being more liberal or conservative, and such legacies are often determined by its founders and values.
While you’ll likely find Republicans, Democrats, and everything in between at college, attending a college that’s aligned with your beliefs can ensure you’re surrounded by professors and classmates who think similarly.
If you’re a Democratic voter who is passionate about learning from left-leaning viewpoints, here’s a look at the most liberal colleges in America. To supply you with the best of the best in liberal colleges, we considered the following points when compiling this list, such as:
- The school’s ability to provide quality liberal degree programs,
- Offering various learning degree formats, such as online, on-campus, or hybrid coursework,
- Has an excellent reputation and has earned applicable awards in the field,
- Taught by qualified professionals in your field of choice,
- Offers financial aid opportunities, such as federal loans, scholarships, and grants,
- Displays proper accreditation, ,
- Prepares graduates for career placement in your chosen field.
Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@collegerank.net.
San Francisco State University
Similar to Portland State University, San Francisco State University is a public university that’s known for having strong political leanings toward the left. SF State is one of the best liberal colleges in California and is home to the nation’s first College of Ethnic Studies.
San Francisco State University’s Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:
- In-State Tuition: $7,950 per year.
- Out-of-State Tuition: $19,830 per year.
SF State belongs to the California State University system, which comprises 23 campuses across the state. San Francisco State offers a wide range of majors and has a lower cost than most other schools on this list, making it a solid choice for liberal students who want an interdisciplinary education for a great value.
The student body is around 25,917, making it considerably larger than most liberal arts schools. To date, more than 280,000 graduates across the globe are making a difference in science, public service, business, and more. Notable alumni include:
- Danny Glover, actor and director
- Dana Carvey, comedian, actor, and producer
- Annette Bening, actress
- Rebecca Solnit, writer
- Kirk Hammett, musician
What do students think about SF State? Students at SFSU often highlight the university’s diverse and inclusive environment, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of San Francisco. The campus is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with numerous student organizations and activities that cater to a wide array of interests. Academically, SFSU offers a broad spectrum of programs, with the College of Liberal & Creative Arts standing out for its interdisciplinary approach and dedicated faculty.
Many students appreciate the university’s commitment to social justice and community engagement, which are integral to its liberal arts education. However, some reviews mention challenges such as large class sizes in introductory courses and the high cost of living in San Francisco. Overall, SFSU is praised for providing a well-rounded education in a dynamic urban setting.
Sarah Lawrence College
Sarah Lawrence College is among the best liberal colleges located outside of New York City in Bronxville, New York. Sarah Lawrence is also known for being one of the best colleges to attend for creative writing, but it also offers a range of study areas in the social and life sciences.
Sarah Lawrence College boasts one of the most intimate student-to-faculty ratios of all college campuses, with a 9:1 ratio. This makes it a great choice for liberal arts students longing for personalized study and guidance from dedicated faculty members. Students who want to work closely with experts in their fields, especially in the visual and performing arts, will likely succeed at Sarah Lawrence.
Sarah Lawrence College’s Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:
- Tuition: $69,608 per year.
Sarah Lawrence was at one time a women’s school and continues to maintain more female students than men, but it’s open to all genders. Some famous Sarah Lawrence College alumni include:
- Barbara Walters, journalist, and author
- Alice Walker, novelist, poet, and social activist
- Ann Patchett, author
- Yoko Ono, multimedia artist and singer
- Carly Simon, singer, songwriter, and author
- Jordan Peele, actor, and comedian
- Louise Gluck, poet, and essayist
What do students think about Sarah Lawrence College?Sarah Lawrence College is renowned for its unique educational approach, emphasizing individualized study and close faculty-student collaboration. Students often highlight the college’s seminar-style classes and the “don” system, where each student is paired with a faculty advisor for personalized guidance.
The liberal arts curriculum is flexible, allowing students to design their own academic paths, which fosters creativity and independent thinking. The campus community is described as tight-knit and supportive, with a strong emphasis on the arts and humanities. However, some students note that the self-directed nature of the academics requires a high level of self-motivation and discipline. Overall, Sarah Lawrence offers a distinctive and immersive liberal arts experience for those seeking a personalized education.
Portland State University
Portland State University (PSU) is one of a handful of public research universities that are considered exceptionally liberal. Likewise, U.S. News & World Report ranks PSU as one of the nation’s most innovative universities.
Portland is one city that’s passionate about doing good in the world, and its university demonstrates this ethos. While Portland’s admissions rate is fairly high, students at PSU will be challenged to think critically in new ways.
PSU is also less of a party school, and both students and faculty members are focused on enacting positive change through environmentalism, social justice, and redefining what it means to be an American university in the current era.
Portland State University’s Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:
- In-State Tuition: $12,420 per year
- Out-of-State Tuition: $33,012 per year
Portland State University is located in the heart of Portland, Oregon, yet students still have access to traditional campus elements like rolling green lawns and elegant libraries. Famous PSU alumni include:
- Carolyn Davidson, graphic designer (designed the Nike Swoosh logo!)
- Holly Madison, American television personality
- Clint Didier, American football player and politician
- Mike Richardson, professional football player
What do students think about PSU? PSU is celebrated for its urban campus located in the heart of downtown Portland, providing students with ample opportunities for internships and community engagement. The university offers a diverse range of programs, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility. Students often praise the flexible scheduling options, including evening and online classes, which cater to non-traditional students and those balancing work commitments.
The campus culture is described as inclusive and progressive, with a commitment to diversity and equity. However, some students mention that the large student population can make it challenging to receive personalized attention in certain courses. Overall, PSU provides a dynamic and adaptable liberal arts education within a vibrant urban setting.
Mills College at Northeastern University
Mills is a top liberal college in Oakland, California. This liberal arts school is for women and gender non-binary students, but accepts graduate students of all gender identities. Mills is less selective than other schools on this list, making it a great option for students applying to multiple schools.
Mills students often attend to study social sciences, marketing, business, management, E