Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
MCLA’s high acceptance rate shifts the question from getting in to being ready to thrive there. With a 3.25 average entering GPA and a 56% six-year graduation rate, your best strategy is to show steady classroom performance, choose supports early, and submit SAT or ACT scores only if they add strength.
⬡ LangSmithfa368610-eb5c-464c-88f5-d4ff5ae56c65Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts facts and stats
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a small public college with an undergraduate enrollment of 794 students in a small-town setting. MCLA’s freshman retention rate is 76%, which is above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 56%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 8:1.
⬡ LangSmith9d00b869-ab6e-49a9-8947-d8478e6201b6North Adams, MA
How does your GPA compare at MCLA?
Key Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
December 1
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
March 1
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional MCLA, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year so you have time to compare results. Use the summer before senior year and fall senior year for retakes, especially if additional sittings could improve a superscore. For MCLA’s December 1 Early Action deadline, plan on a November SAT or October ACT as the last fall retake likely to arrive in time.
⬡ LangSmith8d2baf62-fde2-4950-b690-6421ce49efd9Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts?
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What you'll actually pay
MCLA is a public college with in-state tuition of $1,030 and out-of-state tuition of $9,975. About 65% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $4,863. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.
⬡ LangSmithdeae016c-5d9e-4f8e-8078-8974fcbf0003
For out-of-state students, tuition at MCLA is $9,975, while in-state tuition is $1,030; room and board adds $15,836. About 65% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $20,801, and the average merit award is $4,863. Students graduate with an average debt of $26,757.
⬡ LangSmithec9c1074-a5c8-4838-9fff-50d75a5534deStudent life at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
57% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, MAAcceptance rate: 86.9%
SAT: 1063–1230
Framingham State University
Framingham, MAAcceptance rate: 83.7%
SAT: 1010–1200
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Boston, MAAcceptance rate: 76.3%
Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater, MAAcceptance rate: 87.8%
SAT: 1040–1220
ACT: 25–30
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