Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Set in the Berkshires, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts pairs a close-knit campus with the creative energy of North Adams. Academically, it's known for strong teaching across the arts, sciences, education, and public service, with hands-on learning and close faculty attention. Facilities include studios, labs, a library, performance spaces, and a lively student center. Students find advising, tutoring, counseling, health services, and a career office that actually helps.
Life here feels active but grounded. Clubs, campus media, open mics, and intramurals mix with quick access to hiking, snow days, and leaf-peeping. The vibe is welcoming and first-gen friendly, collaborative more than competitive. Career prep leans on internships, community projects, and an alumni network. And the town adds range: galleries, live music, and MASS MoCA nearby. Traditions stay low-key and genuine, heavy on service and shared moments.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) offers 20 degree programs across 15 major academic fields, graduating approximately 185 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Education (1 programs, 27 graduates), Business (1 programs, 23 graduates), Arts (3 programs, 19 graduates), Interdisciplinary (1 programs, 18 graduates) and Social Sciences (2 programs, 18 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Education (1 programs, 27 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Education | 27 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
|
13.0101 |
Business (1 programs, 23 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0201 |
Arts (3 programs, 19 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visual and Performing Arts | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0101 |
| Fine and Studio Arts Management | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.1002 |
| Art Studies | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0701 |
Interdisciplinary (1 programs, 18 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi- and Interdisciplinary Studies | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
|
30.9999 |
Social Sciences (2 programs, 18 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
| Political Science and Government | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
Psychology (1 programs, 17 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
Biological Sciences (1 programs, 11 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
Health (2 programs, 11 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologic Technology | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.0911 |
| Community Health and Preventive Medicine | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.2208 |
Computer & IT (1 programs, 10 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0101 |
English (1 programs, 10 graduates)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
23.0101 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA)
How much does it cost to attend Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA)?
The annual tuition at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is $11,884 for in-state students and $20,829 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $29,668 for in-state students and $38,613 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $14,634 (on) / $8,400 (off) and books and supplies $1,000.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts offer?
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) offers 20 academic programs across 15 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (1 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (1 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (3 programs)
- Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs (1 programs)
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts?
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) has an 92.4% acceptance rate and a 13.4% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 1,543
- Students admitted: 1,425
- Students enrolled: 191
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts?
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) provides financial aid to 21% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $9,606 and average loans of $6,988.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $6,516
- State/Local grants: $4,589
- Institutional grants: $4,140
- Federal loans: $5,526
The university supports 176 students with grants and 171 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts graduates?
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) graduates earn a median salary of $36,803 after 6 years and $48,102 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $32,972 (25th percentile) to $67,133 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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