MCLA vs. Suffolk University

Comparable Facts

Compare Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA with Suffolk University in Boston, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Suffolk University is larger than MCLA based on total student enrollment (6,356 students vs. 896 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is located in North Adams, MA (Distant Town setting); Suffolk University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Suffolk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 8:1; Suffolk University 15:1.

MCLA vs. Suffolk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCLA or Suffolk University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts than Suffolk University ($16,544 vs. $33,832).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts are 27.9% lower than at Suffolk University ($15,386 vs. $21,326).
• Suffolk University is 282.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than MCLA (about $35,114 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $12,436.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 122.4% higher at Suffolk University than at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (about $26,169 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $21,381.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts than at Suffolk University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Suffolk University students is 248.9% larger than aid received by Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts students ($31,558 vs. $9,045).

MCLA vs. Suffolk University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MCLA or Suffolk University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Suffolk University and MCLA.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Suffolk University (1200) is 130 points higher than at MCLA (1070).
• Incoming Suffolk University students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 19 at MCLA).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 960/1180; Suffolk University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 17/21; Suffolk University 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCLA - Test-free; Suffolk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Suffolk University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at MCLA (3.2).
• MCLA has a higher acceptance rate (89.7%) than Suffolk University (82.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at MCLA vs. 10.9% at Suffolk University.

MCLA vs. Suffolk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCLA and Suffolk University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Suffolk University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts's (53%).
• Graduates from Suffolk University earn a median of about $22,000 more per year than MCLA graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,100 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts graduates have a $2,341 lower median loan debt than Suffolk University graduates ($24,659 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, MCLA graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Suffolk University graduates ($254 vs. $279).
• More Suffolk University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MCLA students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.