by our College Data Analytics TeamCollege Factual looked at 70 colleges and universities when compiling its 2025 Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 7,695 associate degrees in general studies during the 2022-2023 academic year.
Jump to one of the following sections: * Our Methodology
The general studies associate degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. Important measures of a quality general studies program can vary widely even among the top schools. Below we explain some of the most important factors to consider before making your choice:
The overall quality of a associate degree school is important to ensure a quality education, not just how well they do in a particular major. To make it into this list a school must rank well in our overall Best Colleges ranking. This ranking considered factors such as graduation rates, overall graduate earnings and other educational resources to identify great colleges and universities.
In addition to the above, you should consider some of the following factors:
Our complete ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best colleges for general studies students working on their associate degree.
Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Strengthen your communication and critical-thinking skills with this online associate in liberal arts degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
Explore the top ranked colleges and universities for general studies students seeking a an associate degree. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.
Every student who is interested in an associate degree in general studies needs to check out Lincoln Land Community College. Located in the rural area of Springfield, LLCC is a public college with a moderately-sized student population.More information about a associate in general studies from Lincoln Land Community College
It's hard to beat Waubonsee Community College if you wish to pursue an associate degree in general studies. Located in the rural area of Sugar Grove, Waubonsee is a public college with a moderately-sized student population.More information about a associate in general studies from Waubonsee Community College
It's difficult to beat William Rainey Harper College if you wish to pursue an associate degree in general studies. Harper College is a large public college located in the large suburb of Palatine.More information about a associate in general studies from William Rainey Harper College
Every student pursuing a degree in an associate degree in general studies needs to look into Macomb Community College. Located in the midsize city of Warren, Macomb Community College is a public college with a fairly large student population.More information about a associate in general studies from Macomb Community College
Oakland Community College is a fairly large public college located in the suburb of Auburn Hills.More information about a associate in general studies from Oakland Community College
College of Lake County is a large public college located in the large suburb of Grayslake.More information about a associate in general studies from College of Lake County
Located in the rural area of Marion, IWU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population.More information about a associate in general studies from Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global
Grand Rapids Community College is a large public college located in the medium-sized city of Grand Rapids.More information about a associate in general studies from Grand Rapids Community College
Delta College is a moderately-sized public college located in the rural area of University Center.More information about a associate in general studies from Delta College
Located in the town of Marion, IWU is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.More information about a associate in general studies from Indiana Wesleyan University
SSC is a small public college located in the large suburb of South Holland.More information about a associate in general studies from South Suburban College
COD is a very large public college located in the large suburb of Glen Ellyn.More information about a associate in general studies from College of DuPage
Located in the midsize city of Dayton, Sinclair Community College is a public college with a fairly large student population.More information about a associate in general studies from Sinclair Community College
Ohio State University - Newark Campus is a small public university located in the small suburb of Newark.More information about a associate in general studies from Ohio State University - Newark Campus
Here are some additional great schools for General Studies students in the Great Lakes Region that almost earned our Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region award.
| Rank | College | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Mott Community College | Flint, MI |
| 16 | Illinois Central College | East Peoria, IL |
| 17 | City Colleges of Chicago - Harold Washington College | Chicago, IL |
| 18 | Northern Michigan University | Marquette, MI |
| 19 | Kalamazoo Valley Community College | Kalamazoo, MI |
| 20 | Kankakee Community College | Kankakee, IL |
| 21 | Ferris State University | Big Rapids, MI |
| 22 | Moraine Valley Community College | Palos Hills, IL |
| 23 | Danville Area Community College | Danville, IL |
Explore the best general studies colleges for a specific state in the Great Lakes Region .
General Studies is one of 3 different types of Liberal Arts General Studies programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Liberal Arts | 25,596 |
| Individualized Studies | 3,411 |
| Humanities | 1,242 |
