A liberal arts college is a place for classes, seminars, or academic study at an institution of undergraduate learning which offers associate's or bachelor's degrees in liberal arts, including humanities, social sciences, history, language, arts, mathematics, and sciences. (Institutions which also offer postgraduate study are classified as universities.)

The institution provides undergraduate liberal-arts study across humanities, sciences, or related subjects. Liberal arts is not restricted to the visual or performing arts.

A vocational college directs its degree programs toward particular careers. A university also provides postgraduate study, beyond this college's undergraduate-only range.