About Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Founded in 1894, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. is a Public college. Located in Massachusetts, which is a city setting in Massachusetts, the campus itself is Town. The campus is home to 1,444 full time undergraduate students, and 200 full time graduate students.

The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 12:1. There are 91 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate77%
Application Deadline
Application Fee40
SAT Range890-1130
ACT Range20-25

Admissions at MCLA are considered Less Selective, with ,12% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 16 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

93% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 41% were in the top quarter, and 9% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

0%
“We”re apathetic”
18%
“We know about current events and vote”
55%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
27%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
25%
“Sometimes, but not often”
58%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
17%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
17%
“I only go out in groups”
50%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
33%
“I feel extremely safe”
20%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
60%
“We bought the gear”
20%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
8%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
50%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
42%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
50%
“They keep regular office hours”
50%
“They”re always available”
25%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
50%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
25%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
8%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
42%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
42%
“We only party on weekends”
8%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
8%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
58%
“There might be people who do”
25%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
8%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
18%
“We know about current events and vote”
55%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
27%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
25%
“Sometimes, but not often”
58%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
17%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
17%
“I only go out in groups”
50%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
33%
“I feel extremely safe”
20%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
60%
“We bought the gear”
20%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
8%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
50%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
42%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
50%
“They keep regular office hours”
50%
“They”re always available”
25%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
50%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
25%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
8%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
42%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
42%
“We only party on weekends”
8%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
8%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
58%
“There might be people who do”
25%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
8%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship

  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    33 Students rated on-campus housing 3.9 stars. 21 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    25 Students rated off-campus housing 3.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    35 Students rated campus food 2.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    36 Students rated campus facilities 3.7 stars. 19 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    36 Students rated class size 4.5 stars. 69 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    37 Students rated school activities 3.9 stars. 32 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    37 Students rated local services 3.5 stars. 32 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    37 Students rated academics 4.1 stars. 43 % gave the school a 5.0.

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts?

15 Students rated Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Tonimarie - 01/09/2023

I believe that just like every other school, MCLA tries its best to do what is right by its students. I’m not going to lie and say that the school does not have faults, because it does, BUT I can tell you that I love it there. The school is affordable, the area is quiet (perfect for what i wanted), and for me, it’s my safe place.

Shoshana - 11/25/2020

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a fine college, however I have decided to change my career path to professional acting, and MCLA does not offer what I would like. Also, it's a pretty small school which is great, but they also don't have everything in erms of academics.

Kara - 05/15/2020

I think it's a great college with amazing views and a great campus life. It has given me the opportunity to pursue my degree in order to better my future. My goal for going to college is to earn a higher education to better my future. I plan to get my degree in Psychology--becoming an ABA professional, working with children who have behavioral issues. I work at a daycare in a preschool setting because I wanted to work somewhere I had the opportunity to work with children. I went through a rough patch where I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety--I found no hope or drive to do anything. Then, my nephew was born and from that point on my life was forever changed. He made me want to get better because I wanted to be someone he could look up to and I never wanted anybody to have to explain to him what happened if I did not survive my depression. Thanks to him I continue to strive to be successful and encourage others while getting my college degree.

Melanie - 03/06/2019

MCLA really does feel like home to me, I feel comfortable there and really like I fit in with the students immediately. Everyone is so friendly. No matter how hard you try though, it's college. People are experimenting, people party and probably try drugs but I don't hear about it often. It's not really my thing. I commute, so I'm there for my classes and then leave for work or hang out at home when I am done.

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is 77%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    The first thing I would tell myself if I could go back in time and talk to myself is to smarten up. I would tell myself to be prepared because the transition from high school to college is much greater than what some make it out to be. I would give myself the advice to be putting effort into school work and caring about school now, not waiting until college to start caring. I would tell myself high school is a big stepping stone into your college future, embrace it, cherish it, and do well.

    Read all 35 answers

  3. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates are loud and social but dedicated to their education.

    Read all 11 answers

  4. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Everything i could've hoped for in a college.

    Read all 10 answers

  5. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Public school with a private atmosphere.

    Read all 7 answers

  6. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    The price was significantly lower than other colleges I looked at. When I was first looking at schools I toured MCLA and the people were friendlier compared to other colleges.

    Read all 7 answers

  7. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I had known to pack heavier clothing! That is honestly the only regret that comes to mind when I see this question. The climate is different from the city, and I should have expected that I would soon become accustomed to living around a great deal of nature and experiencing the natural beauty of the Berkshires. Being involved in the outdoors previously in life would have better suited me for the change in geography.

    Read all 6 answers

  8. What kind of person should attend this school?

    This is a wonderful school for people who are ready to shine. If you are the kind of student that isn’t sure what you want to do, but is passionate about learning, this is a great school. Both faculty and peers will help you find a niche that fits you, where you can find a happy future with a career you will love. There is some partying, which is expected. (With a relatively small student body, classrooms are often intimate, so be prepared for being a part of the conversation.

    Read all 6 answers

  9. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    The current meal plan options are the worst thing about going to MCLA. Going to a small school means having a small dining hall with hours that do not seem to fit all the students' needs. It's particularly problematic when students are looking for something to eat late at night. However MCLA is working towards fixing this and is currenty working on redoing the meal plan options as well as looking to have food options available later in to the night.

    Read all 5 answers

  10. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    There is a Starbucks on campus.

    Read all 5 answers

  11. What's unique about your campus?

    I consider the size of my school the best thing about it .The reason i like the size is becasue thers is not to many people , teacher get to know almost all there student, they get help from there teachers becasue theres class size is not big.

    Read all 5 answers

  12. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    hates rural areas

    Read all 4 answers

  13. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The Burasr's office. I have yet to have an experience with them that did not make me cry. I never seem to have enough money to pay for my schooling, and they are often a little insensitive to helping me pay in my own time or find the most available methods. Paying in general is difficult, and dealing with the bursar's office, who always seems to want me to pay more, makes life very stressful and hard to handle sometimes.

    Read all 4 answers

  14. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    Yes. There are plenty of weird kids and plenty of financially needy kids. There's also a lot of ethnic diversity here. The typical "pretty girl" and stoner also are likely to attend this school because MCLA focuses less on grades than on extra circulars.

    Read all 2 answers

  15. What are the academics like at your school?

    The professors know your name but the classes are very easy.

    Read all 2 answers

  16. What do students complain about most?

    The terrible food and the lack of cell phone service/wifi.

    Read all 2 answers

  17. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    The stereotype at MCLA is that most of the students are poor, which is true for the most part. There are a lot of stereotypically-weird students who go here. From the students with pink hair and piercing to the ones who love working on sets for plays, every breed of weirdo can be found here.

    Read all 2 answers

  18. What are some hot-button issues on campus?

    Whether public safety should carry guns and the new cafeteria system

    Read all 1 answers

  19. What are the most popular classes offered?

    The classes that filled up first this semester were: Concepts in Biology, Intro to Biology, The Chemistry of CSI, Elementary Spanish 1, Intro to Literature, and College Writing 2. Don't get too excited, this school is by no means focused on biology. The curriculum is set up that every student (regardless of major) needs 1 year of a language, must take College Writing 2, must take Intro to Lit and must take a lab science.

    Read all 1 answers

  20. Describe the dorms.

    Hoosac Hall is the freshman-only dorm (it's very loud and impersonal) Berkshire Towers are for anyone to live in (that's where I live) Townhouses/Apts are on campus and you have to be a Sophmore, Junior or Senior to live there (and are both extremely loud)

    Read all 1 answers

  21. Describe the best and worst parts of the social scene on campus.

    The best part of the social scene on campus is that you can usually get free food at least 3 times a week if you know where to look. Yesterday they gave out free caramel apples with sprinkles, sometimes they give out free munchkins and apple cider etc. The worst part is how loud it is. I can hear people screaming standing in front of my building until 3am some nights and I live on the fourth floor.

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

63%

female

37%

male

1,444

Total Undergrad Enrollment

200

Total Grad Students

34%

Out-Of-State

66%

In-State

N/A

International

Organizations

35

Student Organizations

2

Fraternities

2

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

54%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
2%
% Black or African-American
9%
% Hispanic/Latino
7%
% White or Caucasian
73%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

98% of students attending Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts receive some sort of financial aid. 47% were awarded federal grants. While 96% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$18,820

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,200

Books and Supplies

$10,078

Room and Board

30,098

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$12,614
$30 - $48K
$12,687
$48 - $75K
$15,727
$75 - $110K
$17,875
$110K & UP
$20,613

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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