Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
MCLA
North Adams, Massachusetts 01247-4100
Campus Vibe
Known for business — close-knit campus
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a public institution in North Adams with particular strength in business and psychology.
A small campus of 748 undergraduates with a 8:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
49% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $48,102 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $18,707.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Action
December 1
Regular Decision
March 1
Financial Aid
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
39.5%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$15,750
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
4
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Academics
Programs (29)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
69%
- •69% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Campus Life
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Mohawks
History & Fun Facts
- •MCLA was founded in 1894 as "North Adams Normal School", and it offered first instruction at post-secondary level three years later.
- •By 1897, the Normal School enrolled 32 students (29 women, 3 men) and employed 4 teachers.
- •In 1932, North Adams Normal School became "State Teachers College of North Adams", added an upper-division curriculum, and started awarding bachelor's degrees.
- •In 2004, President Mary Grant led in the creation of the Berkshire Compact for Higher Education and MCLA Gallery 51.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
Nearby Attractions
MASS MoCAwalkable
One of the largest contemporary art museums in the United States
Mount Greylock
Highest mountain in Massachusetts with hiking and skiing
Downtown North Adamswalkable
Revitalized downtown with galleries, cafes, and cultural venues
The Clark Art Institute
World-class art museum in Williamstown
Transfer Admission
International Students
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