Overview
Enrollment
| Location | North Adams, Massachusetts |
| Online | mcla.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Distant Town |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) operates as a public liberal arts college in North Adams, located in the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts. Established in 1894 as North Adams Normal School, MCLA's compact urban campus spans 105 acres in a former industrial city that has evolved into an arts and culture destination. The college maintains a focus on liberal arts education while offering programs in business, education, and STEM fields, with particular recognition for its arts management and education programs. MCLA provides traditional dormitory housing for students across five residence halls, with first-year students required to live on campus. The institution competes in NCAA Division III athletics as the MCLA Trailblazers, participating in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
MCLA is rated within the top 50% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 960/1180 |
| ACT | 17/21 |
| GPA | 3.2 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Massachusetts Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $10,854 |
| Room and Board | $14,634 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,150 |
| Total One Year Cost | $29,668 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $10,854 |
| Room and Board | $14,634 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,150 |
| Total One Year Cost | $38,613 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| English and Literature | 20% |
| Business | 20% |
| Social Sciences | 15% |
| General Studies | 10% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 9% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering MCLA are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=167288 IPEDS survey data for Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
Current students may use the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025