MCLA at a Glance
Graduate with a nationally ranked degree at the state’s lowest 4-year public college cost.
Founded in 1894. Focused on Tomorrow.
Discover what makes MCLA stand out. With more than 90 academic programs, an average class size of 8, and 100% of students gaining hands-on learning opportunities, you'll receive a personalized education that prepares you for what's next. As Massachusetts' most affordable four-year liberal arts college, MCLA combines exceptional value with nationally recognized academics, career-focused experiences, and a welcoming community in the heart of the Berkshires.
For Trailblazers, learning goes beyond the classroom. A strong liberal arts foundation, paired with internships, study away experiences, research opportunities, and civic engagement, empowers you to explore your passions, develop career-ready skills, and graduate prepared to make a difference.
Location: Located in the scenic northwest corner of Massachusetts, historic North Adams offers the beauty of the Berkshires while being less than three hours from Boston and just over three hours from New York City.
Student Body: 923, coeducational.
Faculty: Ninety-three percent of faculty hold the Ph.D. or other appropriate terminal degree in the field.
Student-Faculty Ratio: 8 to 1
Majors, Minors, Concentrations, Accelerated & Combined Plans, Licensures, Certificates: MCLA offers 27 undergraduate majors, 46 minors, 29 concentrations, five accelerated and combined degree programs, five licensure programs, two master's degree programs, and one graduate certificate program.
Off-Campus Studies: MCLA students have explored the world through off-campus study opportunities in Brazil, China, Colombia, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, and destinations across the United States, including the American South and the Florida Everglades.
Career Planning and Professional Development: Career Services assists students in accessing valuable career-related experiences. Through campus leadership roles, community engagement, internships, on- and off-campus employment and nationally-competitive scholarships and grants, students develop professional skills that employers and graduate schools expect in their applicants. Career Services offers tools, workshops and alumni networking opportunities, including an extensive library of resources and information.
Affiliations and Accreditations: MCLA has been accredited since 1953 by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Our accreditation was last renewed on April 18, 2024. MCLA is a member of the Massachusetts State University System and COPLAC (Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges).
Athletics: MCLA is a NCAA Division III institution. The college supports 13 varsity sports.
Alumni: 20,000+ alumni worldwide.
Campus, Housing, and Facilities: The 100-acre campus has 22 academic, student service and administrative buildings. Residential facilities include three coeducational halls.
Financial Aid: Overall, 95% of MCLA students receive some form of financial aid. MCLA offers 85% tuition reduction programs for students who reside in CT, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT. Merit scholarships are available at the time of admission and more than 41% of MCLA undergraduate students receive Pell Grants. 22% of graduates have no student loan debt.
Financial Strength 2026-27: MCLA has maintained positive net revenue and grown its reserve and endowment funds to their highest levels in the institution’s history.
Cost 2026-27: Full-time in-state undergraduate: $13,068 (Tuition & Fees for MA residents)
For 10 of the past 12 years, the College has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a Top Ten Public Liberal Arts College and has risen to #6 on the list for the second year in a row.
Admission Deadlines
Fall Early Action Deadline (non-binding): December 1
Fall Rolling Admission: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Early submission is encouraged to maximize consideration for financial aid andd scholarships.
Priority Consideration for Financial Aid & Scholarships: March 1 Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration for financial aid and scholarships.
Spring Admission: Applications are reviewed beginning in October for January enrollment.
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