Assumption University vs. MCLA

Comparable Facts

Compare Assumption University in Worcester, MA with Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Assumption University is larger than MCLA based on total student enrollment (2,037 students vs. 896 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Assumption University is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is in North Adams, MA (Distant Town setting).
• Assumption University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Assumption University 11:1; Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 8:1.

Assumption University vs. MCLA Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Assumption University or MCLA? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts than Assumption University ($16,544 vs. $29,748).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts are 2.3% lower than at Assumption University ($15,386 vs. $15,752).
• Assumption University is 313% more expensive for in-state tuition than MCLA (about $38,920 more per year; $51,356.00 vs. $12,436.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 140.2% higher at Assumption University than at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (about $29,975 more per year; $51,356.00 vs. $21,381.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Assumption University than at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Assumption University students is 297% larger than aid received by Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts students ($35,905 vs. $9,045).

Assumption University vs. MCLA Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Assumption University or MCLA? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between MCLA and Assumption University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMassachusetts College of Liberal Arts 960/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMassachusetts College of Liberal Arts 17/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Assumption University - Test-free; MCLA - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Assumption University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Assumption University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at MCLA (3.2).
• MCLA has a higher acceptance rate (89.7%) than Assumption University (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.2% at Assumption University vs. 11.5% at MCLA.

Assumption University vs. MCLA Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Assumption University and MCLA? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Assumption University's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts's (53%).
• Graduates from Assumption University earn a median of about $20,700 more per year than MCLA graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,800 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts graduates have a $2,341 lower median loan debt than Assumption University graduates ($24,659 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, MCLA graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Assumption University graduates ($254 vs. $279).
• More Assumption University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MCLA students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.