About

About Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

public liberal arts collegesmall class sizesopen access admissionslow student faculty ratio

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a public liberal arts college in North Adams, MA, known for its public liberal arts college, small class sizes, and open access admissions. With an acceptance rate of 92%, MCLA is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 177 students each year. MCLA is test optional; submitting a strong score can strengthen an application, though it is not required for consideration. MCLA offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $7,530 per year; the sticker price of $37,130 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

92%
Overall Accept Rate

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
MCLA is one of only a handful of public liberal arts colleges in the country, so make sure your essay or activities list reflects a genuine curiosity that crosses disciplines rather than a narrow focus on one subject area. Admissions readers are specifically looking for students who thrive in a small, discussion-based classroom environment.
Demonstrated Interest
North Adams is a small arts and culture hub in the Berkshires, home to Mass MoCA, and MCLA students regularly engage with that community through internships and projects. In your application, mention any interest in arts, community revitalization, or place-based learning to show you have thought concretely about life on this campus.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$37k/yr$9.8k
30k-48k~$37k/yr$10.8k
48k-75k~$37k/yr$13.3k
75k-110k~$37k/yr$16.0k
110k+~$37k/yr$22.7k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

49%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$37k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
798
Undergrad Enrollment
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch