Introduction
Choosing the right university for the arts and humanities is crucial for students aiming to excel in these fields. This blog highlights some of the top-ranked institutions worldwide, offering a comprehensive overview of their programs, costs, and unique features. From Harvard's prestigious liberal arts framework to UCL's competitive admissions, explore what each university has to offer aspiring artists, historians, and humanists.
Here is a list of top colleges arts and humanities according to the QS Rankings:
Harvard University
QS Ranking - 01
Harvard University offers extensive arts and humanities programs within its prestigious liberal arts framework. An undergraduate course in this division costs approximately $55,000 per year, including tuition and housing. The curriculum is broad, encompassing over 15 departments and four interdisciplinary undergraduate programs, covering subjects such as art, music, visual studies, theatre, and English. Students can pursue joint degrees that combine arts and humanities with sciences, offering a well-rounded educational experience.
University of Cambridge
QS Ranking - 02
The University of Cambridge is renowned for its rigorous arts and humanities programs. Tuition fees for these degrees are around £9,250 per year for UK/EU students, with various scholarships and bursaries available to support students financially. Undergraduate degrees at Cambridge typically span three years. The curriculum includes faculties such as music, history, classics, theology and religion, and English language and literature.
University of Oxford
QS Ranking - 03
At the University of Oxford, the tuition fees for arts and humanities degrees are approximately £9,250 per year for UK/EU students, with various scholarships and financial aid options available. Undergraduate degrees in this division usually last three years. Oxford's humanities division offers subjects such as music, history, classics, theology, and English, with students being admitted to specific courses and able to pursue joint degrees.
Stanford University
QS Ranking - 04
Stanford University offers diverse arts and humanities programs within its School of Humanities and Sciences, which awards 63% of all undergraduate degrees. The total cost of attendance for an arts and humanities degree is around $77,000 per year, covering tuition, room, board, and other expenses. Bachelor's degrees in this division typically span four years. The curriculum includes many subjects, with opportunities for interdisciplinary programs that foster a broad educational experience.
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
QS Ranking - 05
The University of California, Berkeley, offers comprehensive arts and humanities programs. The total cost of attendance is around $35,000 per year for California residents and $67,000 for non-residents. Financial aid is available to assist with these costs. The duration for bachelor's degrees in this division is typically four years. UCB's curriculum covers a diverse range of subjects, including art, music, literature, philosophy, and history, with options for interdisciplinary degrees catering to various academic interests.
Yale University
QS Ranking - 06
Yale University offers arts and humanities programs with tuition fees of $46,870 for the Yale School of Art and $49,500 per year for the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. The overall cost of attendance is approximately $74,397. Undergraduate programs last four years and cover diverse fields, emphasizing interdisciplinary education. Graduate programs range from two years for a master's to five or six years for a PhD. Admission is highly competitive, with an undergraduate acceptance rate of 12.7%.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
QS Ranking - 07
MIT's arts and humanities programs cost $57,590 in tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year, for a total estimated cost of $79,850. Undergraduate programs are typically four years long and feature a strong humanities foundation and interdisciplinary opportunities. Graduate programs range from one to two years for a master's to five or six years for a PhD. Admissions are extremely competitive, with an undergraduate acceptance rate of 7.3%.
New York University
QS Ranking - 08
NYU's College of Arts and Science charges $59,082 in tuition for 2024-2025, estimated at $79,548. Undergraduate programs last four years, allowing students to explore various subjects before declaring a major. Graduate programs range from one to two years for a master's to five or six years for a PhD. Admissions are competitive, with an undergraduate acceptance rate of 16%.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
QS Ranking - 08
UCLA's College of Letters and Science charges $13,240 for California residents and $44,540 for non-residents, for total estimated costs of $35,568 and $66,868, respectively. Undergraduate programs last four years and offer a broad curriculum before major declaration. Graduate programs range from one to two years for a master's to five or six years for a PhD. Admissions are highly competitive, with an undergraduate acceptance rate of 12%.
UCL
QS Ranking - 10
UCL's Faculty of Arts and Humanities charges £26,000 for international students and £9,250 for UK/EU students, with total estimated costs of around £30,000 and £22,000, respectively—undergraduate programs typically last three years, offering a broad curriculum before the significant declaration. Graduate programs range from one year for a master's to three or four years for a PhD. Admissions are highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 16%.
Conclusion
Deciding on the best university for arts and humanities involves considering various factors such as program offerings, costs, and the overall academic environment. The universities listed above are renowned for their exceptional arts and humanities programs, each providing unique student opportunities to thrive. Whether you aim to study at an Ivy League institution or a top-tier UK university, these options promise a robust educational experience that can shape your future career in the arts and humanities.
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