Paying for College
Our team is here to support you every step of the way as you learn about financial aid opportunities.
Making MCLA Accessible for You
We know a liberal arts education can be transformative. It also is a major investment. That's why we do all we can to help maximize the impact of your experience while minimizing the cost.
ESTIMATED DIRECT COST OF ATTENDANCE
We're proud to be one of the most affordable four-year liberal arts colleges in Massachusetts.
IN-STATE
$31,060
$13,068 for commuters
NEW ENGLAND & NEW YORK
$31,575
OUT OF STATE
$40,005
WHAT GOES INTO THE COST OF ATTENDANCE?
It's important to understand that the cost of attendance is a recommended budget for students, not actual billed costs. This number is made up of direct costs (like tuition, fees, housing, and meals) and indirect costs (such as books, transportation, travel, and miscellaneous expenses).The figures below are estimated for the upcoming academic year.
Direct Costs
Tuition In-State $1,030
NEBHE: NY, CT, ME, NH, RI, VT $1,545
Out-of-State $9,975
Mandatory Fees $12,038
Housing $11,020
Meals $6,972
InDirect Costs
Books & Supplies $1,000
Transportation $550
Loan Fees $41
Misc. $1,500
WHAT IF I LIVE IN MASSACHUSETTS?
At MCLA, affordability and quality go hand in hand. With a sound in-state tuition and nearly 85% of students receiving financial aid, a life-changing education is within reach. Our average class size of 12 ensures you are known, supported, and challenged by faculty who are invested in your success. A lower cost doesn’t mean less opportunity. It means graduating with the knowledge, experience, and freedom to shape your future without overwhelming debt
WHAT IF I LIVE SOMEWHERE ELSE IN NEW ENGLAND OR NEW YORK?
If you live in Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, or Vermont, you are eligible for an 85% reduction in your tuition cost.
CAN I GET FINANCIAL AID?
Absolutely! Anyone interested in financial aid first needs to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). About 85% of MCLA students receive financial aid through a combination of grants, loans, and scholarships. To be considered for the maximum amount of scholarships and financial aid, we encourage all students to submit a FAFSA.
GRANTS
A grant is a set amount of money for your education that you don't have to pay back.
Loans
A loan is money you borrow for your education that you pay back after you graduate.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID?
The first thing you need to do to apply for financial aid is to complete the FAFSA. We know this process can be intimidating, so we're here to walk you through the process to make sure you have everything you need.
Step 1
You should make sure you have:
- Your social security card/number
- Your driver's license/state issued identification card or alien registration card (if not a U.S. citizen)
- Your previous year's financial information (either from tax returns or financial documents)
Step 2
An FSA ID is needed in order to complete the FAFSA.
You can create an ID, or if you don't know your FSA ID or password, you can recover your account information.
While completing the FAFSA, you will need to select what schools you want to receive
your information. Be sure to include our code, which is 002187.
Step 3
The hard part is over! Once you submit your FAFSA, your information will be shared with MCLA and we'll begin to put together your financial aid package.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know the financial aid process can be overwhelming. We've compiled a list of the most common questions our Student Financial Services team receives and included answers below. If you have other questions or need clarification, please reach out to us.
We recommend completing the FAFSA and your financial aid file as soon as possible after October 1. Applications completed by January 1 will have priority for the funds available.
We know that your tax returns may not reflect you or your family's current financial situation. If something recently happened to impact your financial situation, our Office of Student Financial Services may be able to help. Please contact them for additional details.
Not necessarily. The FAFSA must be completed every year. It may be possible to receive a comparable award if your family’s financial situation has not changed from the prior year and all required paperwork has been completed as soon as possible after October 1.
You're considered a Massachusetts resident if:
- You or your legal or financial guardian have resided in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for purposes other than attending an educational institution for 12 months immediately preceding entry or reentry as a student.
- If you or your guardian were absent from the state for part of the 12 month period, you may still qualify as a resident, provided that Massachusetts remained your permanent, primary dwelling place.
International students are not considered Massachusetts residents.
In most cases for undergraduate students, yes. In the eyes of the FAFSA, you are considered either a dependent student or an independent student. The FAFSA asks you questions to preliminarily determine your status. If you are a dependent student, you will report both your and your parents' information. If you're an independent student, you will report your own information (and, if you're married, your spouse's).
Yes. MCLA offers many on-campus and off-campus job opportunities. Many MCLA students are awarded work study funds as part of their financial aid package.
We're Here To Help!
413-662-5230
finaid@mcla.edu
MCLA Office of Student Financial Services
375 Church St.
North Adams, MA