This is an interesting topic. We also are trying to figure out whether it makes real sense to go the liberal arts path. Our DC is a bit of an introvert but can make friends when given the right opportunity however, placing DC in a LARGE univesity seems like a real risk. DC also very much excels in history/english less so in math and sciences (but does get by fine with decent grades). The issue as we see it is that a liberal arts degrees appears to leave graduates with little options other than a graduate school. That is fine but what if DC changes their mind (perish that thought) midway through the process! Then what? Ykes!

Try a collge which focuses on both like University of Rochester. It is one of the "new Ivies."

College prof here, who attended both a liberal arts college (for undergrad) and research university for MA/PhD. I wouldn't decide on a college based upon your anecdotal survey of employment after college graduation.

I would, however, consider a couple of different factors. First, if your child knows what she wants to major in (and this isn't necessarily important at this stage, unless she is premed, which has a lot of science requirements that need to be started in the first year), then choose a school with the strongest undergraduate reputation in that field. Otherwise, choose the school that has the best overall reputation. A top liberal arts college grad is far more likely to have fulfilling employment or chances at admission to a top graduate program than a graduate from a mediocre university.

Definitely aim for a liberal education - whether it is at a liberal arts college or a large university.

Students need to develop skills that will serve them in a career that will span a lot of jobs - skills like critical thinking, written & oral communication, problem-solving, etc.

People who use college as a place to train for a particular job wind up short-changed in the long term.

The best thing is to get a well-rounded, broad education that focuses on a set of key learning outcomes, includes in-depth study in a particular field (engineering, mathematics, english, etc.) AND also to seek out institutions that offer a lot of hands-on, applied learning opportunities - internships, service-learning, learning communities, research opportunities, etc.

Yes -- thanks for clarifying this point, which often seems rather murky in discussions about college admissions. Sign me, mom of Princeton computer science major, who is loving his course on Nabakov this term.

I think you've got two different questions.

One is whether to study a liberal arts discipline, and the other is whether or not to choose a small liberal arts college. You can study English at UVA or College Park, or physics at Wellesley or Morehouse.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:liberal arts degrees are useless unless you plan to pursue a masters.

Studying the liberal arts can help you develop the ability to write well and think critically, which maybe you could benefit from.

Good one you got me. what's a starting salary for liberal arts vs computer science bachelors and can you make 100k a year 3 years out of school.

Liberal arts grad here (not the PP). I made the equivalent of that in today's dollars about 4 years out of liberal arts college after getting an MBA. So yes I got a masters, but now I make way more and am thankful for my liberal arts degree. If I had pursued an undergraduate business degree (assuming I knew what that was at age 17, or had any interest in it, neither of which was the case) I don't think I'd be in the same place.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:liberal arts degrees are useless unless you plan to pursue a masters.

Studying the liberal arts can help you develop the ability to write well and think critically, which maybe you could benefit from.

Good one you got me. what's a starting salary for liberal arts vs computer science bachelors and can you make 100k a year 3 years out of school.

Anonymous wrote:liberal arts degrees are useless unless you plan to pursue a masters.

Studying the liberal arts can help you develop the ability to write well and think critically, which maybe you could benefit from.

Internships are key and figuring out what you want to do while you're in college. Not always easy I know. Back when I graduated with my humanities major, I just moved home and figured it out as I went along - but that was a lot easier to do back in the day. Now I tell my kid she has got to get good work experience while she is in college. Don't wait.

liberal arts degrees are useless unless you plan to pursue a masters.

We think it is likely to be law..meaning of course graduate school (i.e., law). That of coruse would tend to support the Liberal Arts approach. I think what it comes down to is a fear that pursuing that course of study up front may not leave many options if at the end of the day, DC changes the old mind...as they are prone to do.

I think we've established that college does not equal job.

What does your DC want to study?

I think you need to take a longer term view. Certainly going to a more vocational type program will be more likely to lead to a job, but is it the job your kid wants long term? Can they know at age 17 what they want to do long term (some can)? Is it a job with upward potential?

Liberal arts probably means graduate school of some type. Is that something your kid is interested in? Suited for? Can afford?

It's also not black and white. There are plenty of liberal arts type majors at universities. There are engineering programs at some liberal arts schools.

I personally am biased towards liberal arts - I went to one, my DH went to one, my DC goes to one. But it's not for everyone.

Trying to figure out which is the best way to go on the college route. Know several people from top east coast liberal arts schools who are graduating...but NO JOBS! Conversely, know several people with degrees out of the major universities...they are EMPLOYED. Recognize that majors etc. have alot to do with the end result so it is bit over an overstatement to categorize liberal arts as "ok" but good luck getting a job. Just curious if others have thoughts on the subject.