Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
MCLA
North Adams, Massachusetts 01247-4100
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
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.
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
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Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Action
December 1
Regular Decision
March 1
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Transfer Admission
International Students
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.
Financial Aid
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
40.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
1.9%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$15,750
Academics
Programs (29)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
69%
Campus Life
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
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).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MA state average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
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
Days out near North Adams
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Pittsfield, from real bookable tour times.
See all days out →