Founded in 1894, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. is a Public college. Located in Massachusetts, which is a city setting in Massachusetts, the campus itself is Town. The campus is home to 1,444 full time undergraduate students, and 200 full time graduate students.
The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 12:1. There are 91 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
77%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
40
SAT Range
890-1130
ACT Range
20-25
Admissions at MCLA are considered Less Selective, with ,12% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 16 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
93% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 41% were in the top quarter, and 9% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
0%
“We”re apathetic”
18%
“We know about current events and vote”
55%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
27%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
25%
“Sometimes, but not often”
58%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
17%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
17%
“I only go out in groups”
50%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
33%
“I feel extremely safe”
20%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
60%
“We bought the gear”
20%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
8%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
50%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
42%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
50%
“They keep regular office hours”
50%
“They”re always available”
25%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
50%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
25%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
8%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
42%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
42%
“We only party on weekends”
8%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
8%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
58%
“There might be people who do”
25%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
8%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
18%
“We know about current events and vote”
55%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
27%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
25%
“Sometimes, but not often”
58%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
17%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
17%
“I only go out in groups”
50%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
33%
“I feel extremely safe”
20%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
60%
“We bought the gear”
20%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
8%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
50%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
42%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
50%
“They keep regular office hours”
50%
“They”re always available”
25%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
50%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
25%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
33 Students rated on-campus housing 3.9 stars. 21 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
25 Students rated off-campus housing 3.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
35 Students rated campus food 2.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
36 Students rated campus facilities 3.7 stars. 19 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
36 Students rated class size 4.5 stars. 69 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
37 Students rated school activities 3.9 stars. 32 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
37 Students rated local services 3.5 stars. 32 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
37 Students rated academics 4.1 stars. 43 % gave the school a 5.0.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts?
15 Students rated Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Tonimarie
I believe that just like every other school, MCLA tries its best to do what is right by its students. I’m not going to lie and say that the school does not have faults, because it does, BUT I can tell you that I love it there. The school is affordable, the area is quiet (perfect for what i wanted), and for me, it’s my safe place.
Shoshana
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a fine college, however I have decided to change my career path to professional acting, and MCLA does not offer what I would like. Also, it's a pretty small school which is great, but they also don't have everything in erms of academics.
Kara
I think it's a great college with amazing views and a great campus life. It has given me the opportunity to pursue my degree in order to better my future. My goal for going to college is to earn a higher education to better my future. I plan to get my degree in Psychology--becoming an ABA professional, working with children who have behavioral issues. I work at a daycare in a preschool setting because I wanted to work somewhere I had the opportunity to work with children. I went through a rough patch where I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety--I found no hope or drive to do anything. Then, my nephew was born and from that point on my life was forever changed. He made me want to get better because I wanted to be someone he could look up to and I never wanted anybody to have to explain to him what happened if I did not survive my depression. Thanks to him I continue to strive to be successful and encourage others while getting my college degree.
Melanie
MCLA really does feel like home to me, I feel comfortable there and really like I fit in with the students immediately. Everyone is so friendly. No matter how hard you try though, it's college. People are experimenting, people party and probably try drugs but I don't hear about it often. It's not really my thing. I commute, so I'm there for my classes and then leave for work or hang out at home when I am done.
Tanner
Nice safe, welcoming school. My son was accepted and will be attending In Fall of 2019. Good educational opportunities and support.
Rachel
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a very welcoming community. Being a smaller campus, the student, teacher ratio is 1:1 which is very beneficial for students who have learning disabilities such as myself. It is an excellent feeling knowing you have that connection between yourself and your professors and to receive help when needed and knowing you are not another number like other colleges or universities would have. It gives students a better opportunity to get to know their professors on a more personal level. The college itself is a great place to learn about theatre. With a diverse selection each year, students get the opportunity to work both on stage and behind the scenes, since our theatre department works as a normal theatre company would. We like to make sure we are well-balanced in this field in several ways, which for me has been very beneficial; as an actress in training, I have gained the skills to help me perfect my craft as well as to work with power tools in helping to create sets for our plays. It's the halfway mark for New York City.
Lakeria
I love it because it’s a small school and I’m pretty close to all of the professors. Academically it’s alright the professors could switch things sometimes but overall it’s not bad! All the classes I have taken if I had trouble with them I would go to the professors and they would stay with me until I finally understood what they were trying to teach.
susannah
MCLA is a great community to be a part of. with the small campus an small class size it doesn't take long to make friends and create great connections. everyone on the campus knows each other and are all very nice polite people to be around. this school is the perfect place to get away from the city and really focus on what needs to be done. its really a delightful place to be all year round
Kristin
I think that MCLA is a great school, there's a lot of opportunities presented to you, and the adults there are willing to help you succeed if you're willing enough to reach out. The food isn't all that great, but there are places nearby that are pretty tasty, within walking distance, and relatively cheap. Gluten-free options are far and few between. Sports are pretty great, I've heard some people complain about some coaches. The atmosphere is very open, safe, judge free environment. There are literally thousands of clubs that you can join on this campus as well if you're not interested in drama, sports, and/or fraternity. There are free therapy services at your disposal, and you can go to anyone on the campus and they are willing to help you. Professors are very helpful and understanding as long as you keep them in the loop, contact them, and let them know what's going on.
Chelsea
MCLA has a lot going for them, but I believe that the administration has to listen to what the students are asking for. Many of us are involved or trying to get involved, but when there are no professors, it is hard to get involved and ensure that you will graduate on time when there are always questions on if we will have professors the next year.
Callie
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is the perfect spot for me. The campus is extremely small meaning finding your niche is easy. There is something for everyone - it is an incredibly welcoming community. The professors are always available and willing to help. Despite the run-down town setting, there is always enough to do outside of the classroom.
Jessica
MCLA is a campus full of artistic and creative individuals who are very excepting. This campus is very friendly to everyone no matter your gender or sexuality. The professors really help you when your grades are down because you're more than just a number at this school. I'm actually apart of Greek Life and can tell you from personal experience that there is no pressure to join and that there are parties but it isn't overwhelming and you will get your schoolwork done. The only downside to this school is the crappy Cafeteria food, but we've been trying to change that through our SGA.
Dirk
My overall opinion of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is that it MCLA adheres to it's "liberal arts" namesake in every way. Students are encouraged to branch out and become leaders on their campus. although there is always room for improvement, it provides the opportunity for an open dialogue between administrators and students. Small class sizes and open office hours give students the chance to build relationships with professors, which creates a productive learning environment.
Shannon
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts feels like home to me. There are great people, great services, and I feel safe anywhere on campus. The faculty is always around to help me, and watch us students succeed. I am looking forward to my life here at MCLA and growing as a person.
Holly
It is a great school, very academically lively. The social atmosphere is a little underwhelming, but it is not to bad. The resources, including the faculty, are outstanding and are definitely the highlights of the experience. The town it is located in is relatively unsafe and at times it can be quite off putting, but the campus itself is very safe.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is 77%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
The first thing I would tell myself if I could go back in time and talk to myself is to smarten up. I would tell myself to be prepared because the transition from high school to college is much greater than what some make it out to be. I would give myself the advice to be putting effort into school work and caring about school now, not waiting until college to start caring. I would tell myself high school is a big stepping stone into your college future, embrace it, cherish it, and do well.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
The price was significantly lower than other colleges I looked at. When I was first looking at schools I toured MCLA and the people were friendlier compared to other colleges.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
I wish I had known to pack heavier clothing! That is honestly the only regret that comes to mind when I see this question. The climate is different from the city, and I should have expected that I would soon become accustomed to living around a great deal of nature and experiencing the natural beauty of the Berkshires. Being involved in the outdoors previously in life would have better suited me for the change in geography.
This is a wonderful school for people who are ready to shine. If you are the kind of student that isn’t sure what you want to do, but is passionate about learning, this is a great school. Both faculty and peers will help you find a niche that fits you, where you can find a happy future with a career you will love. There is some partying, which is expected. (With a relatively small student body, classrooms are often intimate, so be prepared for being a part of the conversation.
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
The current meal plan options are the worst thing about going to MCLA. Going to a small school means having a small dining hall with hours that do not seem to fit all the students' needs. It's particularly problematic when students are looking for something to eat late at night. However MCLA is working towards fixing this and is currenty working on redoing the meal plan options as well as looking to have food options available later in to the night.
I consider the size of my school the best thing about it .The reason i like the size is becasue thers is not to many people , teacher get to know almost all there student, they get help from there teachers becasue theres class size is not big.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
The Burasr's office. I have yet to have an experience with them that did not make me cry. I never seem to have enough money to pay for my schooling, and they are often a little insensitive to helping me pay in my own time or find the most available methods. Paying in general is difficult, and dealing with the bursar's office, who always seems to want me to pay more, makes life very stressful and hard to handle sometimes.
Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?
Yes. There are plenty of weird kids and plenty of financially needy kids. There's also a lot of ethnic diversity here. The typical "pretty girl" and stoner also are likely to attend this school because MCLA focuses less on grades than on extra circulars.
What is the stereotype of students at your school?
The stereotype at MCLA is that most of the students are poor, which is true for the most part.
There are a lot of stereotypically-weird students who go here. From the students with pink hair and piercing to the ones who love working on sets for plays, every breed of weirdo can be found here.
The classes that filled up first this semester were:
Concepts in Biology, Intro to Biology, The Chemistry of CSI, Elementary Spanish 1, Intro to Literature, and College Writing 2.
Don't get too excited, this school is by no means focused on biology. The curriculum is set up that every student (regardless of major) needs 1 year of a language, must take College Writing 2, must take Intro to Lit and must take a lab science.
Hoosac Hall is the freshman-only dorm (it's very loud and impersonal)
Berkshire Towers are for anyone to live in (that's where I live)
Townhouses/Apts are on campus and you have to be a Sophmore, Junior or Senior to live there (and are both extremely loud)
Describe the best and worst parts of the social scene on campus.
The best part of the social scene on campus is that you can usually get free food at least 3 times a week if you know where to look. Yesterday they gave out free caramel apples with sprinkles, sometimes they give out free munchkins and apple cider etc. The worst part is how loud it is. I can hear people screaming standing in front of my building until 3am some nights and I live on the fourth floor.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
98% of students attending Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts receive some sort of financial aid.
47% were awarded federal grants.96%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.