St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland is situated near the Chesapeake Bay, just minutes from the United States Naval Academy and the Maryland State House. Students enjoy the city’s historic charm and the campus overlooking College Creek. St. John’s College Annapolis is about 30 miles from Washington, DC.

Here are a few reasons why St. John’s College Annapolis is one of the best liberal arts colleges.

1. It’s an affordable liberal arts college in Maryland.
   St. John’s College recently lowered its tuition, which is now $36,040 a year for undergraduates, thanks to generous donors. The Graduate Institute offers a master’s degree in liberal arts, too. Now students can enjoy one of the most affordable liberal arts program in the state of Maryland.
2. Top college ranking sites recognize its value.
   St. John’s College Annapolis makes Niche.com’s list of Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland. It also appears on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges in Maryland, ranking No. 61 in National Liberal Arts Colleges. Its score comes from a variety of indicators, like graduation rates, faculty resources, tuition and affordability, and student success.

3. Merit scholarships are more than test scores.
   Unlike some other liberal arts colleges, St. John’s College considers a student’s academic and aspirational qualities instead of test scores or grades. Students can receive merit scholarships based on their integrity, curiosity and desire to add meaning to their life—the best qualities of a true Johnnie. Those who do receive a merit scholarship can earn up to a full-tuition fellowship.

4. It follows a true liberal arts curriculum.
   St. John’s College’s offers a one-of-a-kind program that immerses students in the Great Books and unmediated discussion. In small, seminar-style classes, students read books that cover math, natural sciences, economics, poetry, political theory, theology, and more. The curriculum appeals to students who want to study a variety of subjects—including literature, humanities, philosophy, music, and classics.
5. It’s named one of the Colleges That Change Lives.
   In the book “Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change The Way You Think About Colleges,” author Loren Pope names St. John’s College one of those schools. To be considered, characteristics include small classes, dedicated faculty, holistic admissions and a learning environment that fosters personal and intellectual growth in unexpected ways.