Bay Path University vs. MCLA

Comparable Facts

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

Bay Path University is larger than MCLA based on total student enrollment (2,605 students vs. 896 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bay Path University is located in Longmeadow, MA (Large Suburban setting); Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is in North Adams, MA (Distant Town setting).
• Bay Path 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: Bay Path University 8:1; Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 8:1.

Bay Path University vs. MCLA Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bay Path 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 Bay Path University than MCLA ($15,463 vs. $16,544).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bay Path University are 11.7% lower than at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts ($13,582 vs. $15,386).
• Bay Path University is 208% more expensive for in-state tuition than MCLA (about $25,866 more per year; $38,302.00 vs. $12,436.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 79.1% higher at Bay Path University than at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (about $16,921 more per year; $38,302.00 vs. $21,381.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts than at Bay Path University (99% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bay Path University students is 251.8% larger than aid received by Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts students ($31,821 vs. $9,045).

Bay Path University vs. MCLA Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bay Path 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 Bay Path University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bay Path University (1110) is 40 points higher than at MCLA (1070).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bay Path University 1010/1210; Massachusetts 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: Bay Path University - Test optional; MCLA - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bay Path University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bay Path University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at MCLA (3.2).
• MCLA has a higher acceptance rate (89.7%) than Bay Path University (85.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Bay Path University vs. 11.5% at MCLA.

Bay Path University vs. MCLA Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bay Path 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).

• Bay Path University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts's (53%).
• Graduates from Bay Path University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than MCLA graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,500 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bay Path University graduates have a $648 lower median loan debt than MCLA graduates ($24,011 vs. $24,659).
• Among borrowers, Bay Path University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MCLA graduates ($248 vs. $254).
• More MCLA graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bay Path University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 54%)

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.