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Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A
ACT RangeN/A
Average GPA3.25
Acceptance Rate89.7%

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.

Data 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

Quick Facts

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.

Location

North Adams, MA

Undergrad Enrollment794
Freshman Retention76%
SettingSmall town
Student to Faculty Ratio8:1
Graduation Rate56%
Test PolicyTest-optional

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Key Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

Early Action

December 1

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

March 1

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

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.

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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.

House illustration
In-State Tuition$1,030
Out-of-State Tuition$9,975
Room and Board$15,836
Average Merit Award$4,863
Application FeeN/A
Students on Aid65%
Average Aid Package$20,801
Average Debt at Grad$26,757

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.

Student life at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Activities and Organizations
Student newspaper
Drama and theater
Radio station
Choral groups
Concert band
Jazz band
Dance
Musical theater
Music ensembles
Literary magazine
Yearbook
Student government
Model UN
International student organization
Housing

57% of undergrads live on campus

Freshman housing: Guaranteed

Coed
Living-learning
Greek life

No fraternity or sorority life on campus.

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