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
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Massachusetts. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Education (3)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.0101
Education, General.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert, MSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Massachusetts Avg | MA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $77,650 | -$850 (-1.1%) |
25-9042 | Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education | N/A | N/A | N/A |
25-9043 | Teaching Assistants, Special Education | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Business (4)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0201
Business Administration and Management, General.
(Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Massachusetts Avg | MA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-1011 | Chief Executives | $262,930 | N/A | N/A |
11-1021 | General and Operations Managers | $133,120 | $124,240 | -$8,880 (-6.7%) |
11-2022 | Sales Managers | $160,930 | $149,260 | -$11,670 (-7.3%) |
11-3012 | Administrative Services Managers | $126,030 | $115,120 | -$10,910 (-8.7%) |
11-3013 | Facilities Managers | $114,520 | $113,320 | -$1,200 (-1%) |
11-3051 | Industrial Production Managers | $129,180 | $134,260 | +$5,080 (+3.9%) |
11-3071 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $116,010 | $112,260 | -$3,750 (-3.2%) |
11-3111 | Compensation and Benefits Managers | $156,230 | $165,980 | +$9,750 (+6.2%) |
11-3121 | Human Resources Managers | $160,480 | $168,990 | +$8,510 (+5.3%) |
11-3131 | Training and Development Managers | $140,590 | $140,120 | -$470 (-0.3%) |
11-9021 | Construction Managers | $119,660 | $123,210 | +$3,550 (+3%) |
11-9072 | Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling | $87,060 | $74,960 | -$12,100 (-13.9%) |
11-9151 | Social and Community Service Managers | $86,100 | $78,560 | -$7,540 (-8.8%) |
11-9179 | Personal Service Managers, All Other | $70,620 | $65,740 | -$4,880 (-6.9%) |
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $131,350 | -$18,540 (-12.4%) |
13-1051 | Cost Estimators | $83,160 | $115,010 | +$31,850 (+38.3%) |
13-1071 | Human Resources Specialists | $79,730 | $80,610 | +$880 (+1.1%) |
13-1081 | Logisticians | $87,600 | $80,690 | -$6,910 (-7.9%) |
13-1082 | Project Management Specialists | $108,100 | $96,210 | -$11,890 (-11%) |
13-1111 | Management Analysts | $114,710 | $121,490 | +$6,780 (+5.9%) |
13-1141 | Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $82,920 | $88,820 | +$5,900 (+7.1%) |
13-1199 | Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $92,380 | $80,900 | -$11,480 (-12.4%) |
25-1011 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $113,840 | $97,230 | -$16,610 (-14.6%) |
52.0302
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
(AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Massachusetts Avg | MA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
13-2082 | Tax Preparers | $58,860 | $62,360 | +$3,500 (+5.9%) |
43-3031 | Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | $52,020 | $57,890 | +$5,870 (+11.3%) |
43-3051 | Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks | $56,870 | $58,500 | +$1,630 (+2.9%) |
43-4011 | Brokerage Clerks | $67,680 | $66,430 | -$1,250 (-1.8%) |
43-9111 | Statistical Assistants | $55,470 | $66,940 | +$11,470 (+20.7%) |
Arts (3)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0101
Visual and Performing Arts, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Massachusetts Avg | MA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $92,280 | -$9,960 (-9.7%) |
27-1012 | Craft Artists | $45,340 | $47,090 | +$1,750 (+3.9%) |
27-1013 | Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $76,450 | $68,100 | -$8,350 (-10.9%) |
27-1019 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $79,490 | $88,290 | +$8,800 (+11.1%) |
27-4021 | Photographers | $55,650 | $60,060 | +$4,410 (+7.9%) |
50.0701
Art/Art Studies, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Massachusetts Avg | MA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $92,280 | -$9,960 (-9.7%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $81,420 | +$7,720 (+10.5%) |
27-1012 | Craft Artists | $45,340 | $47,090 | +$1,750 (+3.9%) |
27-1013 | Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $76,450 | $68,100 | -$8,350 (-10.9%) |
27-4021 | Photographers | $55,650 | $60,060 | +$4,410 (+7.9%) |
50.1002
Fine and Studio Arts Management.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Massachusetts Avg | MA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $131,350 | -$18,540 (-12.4%) |
13-1011 | Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes | $165,600 | N/A | N/A |
25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $92,280 | -$9,960 (-9.7%) |
Health (4)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.0000
HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Massachusetts Avg | MA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
99-9999 | NO MATCH | N/A | N/A | N/A |
51.0911
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Massachusetts Avg | MA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $133,090 | -$4,810 (-3.5%) |
29-2034 | Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | $79,760 | $89,050 | +$9,290 (+11.6%) |
51.0913
Athletic Training/Trainer.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Massachusetts Avg | MA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $133,090 | -$4,810 (-3.5%) |
29-9091 | Athletic Trainers | $63,960 | $64,210 | +$250 (+0.4%) |
51.2208
Community Health and Preventive Medicine.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Massachusetts Avg | MA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9111 | Medical and Health Services Managers | $137,730 | $133,290 | -$4,440 (-3.2%) |
21-1094 | Community Health Workers | $55,970 | $53,960 | -$2,010 (-3.6%) |
25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $133,090 | -$4,810 (-3.5%) |
Interdisciplinary (1)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
30.9999
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Massachusetts Avg | MA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
99-9999 | NO MATCH | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Social Sciences (2)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
45.1001
Political Science and Government, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Massachusetts Avg | MA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $131,350 | -$18,540 (-12.4%) |
19-3094 | Political Scientists | $137,600 | $125,710 | -$11,890 (-8.6%) |
19-4061 | Social Science Research Assistants | $63,560 | $62,290 | -$1,270 (-2%) |
25-1065 | Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $105,160 | $96,260 | -$8,900 (-8.5%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $81,420 | +$7,720 (+10.5%) |
45.1101
Sociology, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Massachusetts Avg | MA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $131,350 | -$18,540 (-12.4%) |
19-3041 | Sociologists | $111,670 | $117,910 | +$6,240 (+5.6%) |
19-4061 | Social Science Research Assistants | $63,560 | $62,290 | -$1,270 (-2%) |
25-1067 | Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary | $97,270 | $86,780 | -$10,490 (-10.8%) |
Psychology (1)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
42.0101
Psychology, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Massachusetts Avg | MA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $131,350 | -$18,540 (-12.4%) |
19-3032 | Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | $134,400 | N/A | N/A |
19-3033 | Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $106,850 | $100,300 | -$6,550 (-6.1%) |
19-3039 | Psychologists, All Other | $111,340 | $116,190 | +$4,850 (+4.4%) |
19-4061 | Social Science Research Assistants | $63,560 | $62,290 | -$1,270 (-2%) |
25-1066 | Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | $93,530 | $104,350 | +$10,820 (+11.6%) |
Biological Sciences (1)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
26.0101
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Massachusetts Avg | MA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers | $173,500 | $223,520 | +$50,020 (+28.8%) |
19-1029 | Biological Scientists, All Other | $100,440 | $87,310 | -$13,130 (-13.1%) |
19-1099 | Life Scientists, All Other | $101,940 | $119,970 | +$18,030 (+17.7%) |
19-4012 | Agricultural Technicians | $49,680 | N/A | N/A |
19-4013 | Food Science Technicians | $54,400 | $64,240 | +$9,840 (+18.1%) |
19-4021 | Biological Technicians | $58,020 | $66,550 | +$8,530 (+14.7%) |
19-4092 | Forensic Science Technicians | $75,260 | $81,300 | +$6,040 (+8%) |
25-1042 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $101,340 | $98,650 | -$2,690 (-2.7%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $81,420 | +$7,720 (+10.5%) |
Computer & IT (2)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0101
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Massachusetts Avg | MA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-3021 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $187,990 | $184,710 | -$3,280 (-1.7%) |
15-1211 | Computer Systems Analysts | $111,960 | N/A | N/A |
15-1221 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | $152,310 | $161,110 | +$8,800 (+5.8%) |
15-1241 | Computer Network Architects | $135,890 | $128,480 | -$7,410 (-5.5%) |
15-1242 | Database Administrators | $107,440 | $98,800 | -$8,640 (-8%) |
15-1243 | Database Architects | $142,620 | $142,390 | -$230 (-0.2%) |
15-1244 | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $101,190 | $106,540 | +$5,350 (+5.3%) |
15-1253 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $110,260 | $103,330 | -$6,930 (-6.3%) |
15-1255 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | $111,450 | $113,950 | +$2,500 (+2.2%) |
15-1299 | Computer Occupations, All Other | $116,700 | $92,810 | -$23,890 (-20.5%) |
25-1021 | Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $105,830 | $96,350 | -$9,480 (-9%) |
11.0103
Information Technology.
(AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Massachusetts Avg | MA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-3021 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $187,990 | $184,710 | -$3,280 (-1.7%) |
15-1211 | Computer Systems Analysts | $111,960 | N/A | N/A |
15-1212 | Information Security Analysts | $127,730 | $117,560 | -$10,170 (-8%) |
15-1221 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | $152,310 | $161,110 | +$8,800 (+5.8%) |
15-1241 | Computer Network Architects | $135,890 | $128,480 | -$7,410 (-5.5%) |
15-1243 | Database Architects | $142,620 | $142,390 | -$230 (-0.2%) |
15-1252 | Software Developers | $144,570 | $146,960 | +$2,390 (+1.7%) |
15-1253 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $110,260 | $103,330 | -$6,930 (-6.3%) |
15-2051 | Data Scientists | $124,590 | $120,190 | -$4,400 (-3.5%) |
English (1)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
23.0101
English Language and Literature, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Massachusetts Avg | MA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1123 | English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $90,400 | $82,700 | -$7,700 (-8.5%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $81,420 | +$7,720 (+10.5%) |
43-9081 | Proofreaders and Copy Markers | $52,730 | $60,760 | +$8,030 (+15.2%) |
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 34 academic programs across 16 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (4 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (4 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (3 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (3 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 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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