Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Admissions

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Admissions Overview:

MCLA has an acceptance rate of 77%, making it neither highly selective nor open to everyone who applies. Students will generally need good test scores and strong grades to be admitted to the school. Interested students will need to submit an application through the school's website or with the Common Application. Additional required materials include high school transcripts and scores from the SAT or ACT. Check out the school's website for more information, including dates and deadlines.

Admissions Data (2016):

• MCLA Acceptance Rate: 77%
• Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: 450 / 580
  • SAT Math: 440 / 550
  • SAT Writing: - / -
    • What these SAT numbers mean
  • ACT Composite: 20 / 25
  • ACT English: - / -
  • ACT Math: - / -
    • What these ACT numbers mean

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Description:

The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is one of the country's public liberal arts colleges. With a 13 to 1 student / faculty ratio and undergraduate focus, students can expect the personal attention typical at private liberal arts colleges but a price tag in line with large state universities. The college is located in North Adams, Massachusetts, a picturesque town in the northwest corner of the state. MCLA has a cross-registration program with nearby Williams College. The MCLA curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, and students have many study abroad, service learning and independent study opportunities.

Enrollment (2016):

• Total Enrollment: 1,644 (1,444 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 37% Male / 63% Female
• 87% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

• Tuition and Fees: $9,875 (in-state); $18,820 (out-of-state)
• Books: $1,200 (why so much?)
• Room and Board: $10,078
• Other Expenses: $2,776
• Total Cost: $23,929 (in-state); $32,874 (out-of-state)

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 98%
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 78%
  • Loans: 96%
• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $6,719
  • Loans: $5,594

Academic Programs:

• Most Popular Majors: Business Administration, English, Interdisciplinary Studies, Psychology, Sociology

Graduation and Retention Rates:

• First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 79%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 38%
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 53%

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

• Men's Sports: Basketball, Golf, Soccer, Baseball, Tennis
• Women's Sports: Lacrosse, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball, Cross Country

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

If You Like Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, You May Also Like These Schools:

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• Clark University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT Graph
• Roger Williams University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT Graph
• University of Massachusetts - Amherst: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT Graph
• Bridgewater State University: Profile 
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• Boston College: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT Graph

MCLA and the Common Application

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts uses the Common Application. These articles can help guide you:

• Common Application essay tips and samples
• Short answer tips and samples
• Supplemental essay tips and samples