Framingham State University vs. MCLA

Comparable Facts

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

Framingham State University is larger than MCLA based on total student enrollment (4,002 students vs. 896 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Framingham State University is located in Framingham, MA (Small City setting); Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is in North Adams, MA (Distant Town setting).
• Framingham State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Framingham State University 12:1; Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 8:1.

Framingham State University vs. MCLA Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Framingham State 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 Framingham State University than MCLA ($16,114 vs. $16,544).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Framingham State University are 0.5% lower than at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts ($15,310 vs. $15,386).
• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is 4.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Framingham State University (about $516 more per year; $12,436.00 vs. $11,920.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.8% higher at MCLA than at Framingham State University (about $3,381 more per year; $21,381.00 vs. $18,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts than at Framingham State University (99% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Framingham State University students is 25.4% larger than aid received by Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts students ($11,338 vs. $9,045).

Framingham State University vs. MCLA Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Framingham State 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 Framingham State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Framingham State University (1190) is 120 points higher than at MCLA (1070).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Framingham State University 1100/1280; 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: Framingham State University - Test optional; MCLA - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Framingham State University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MCLA students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at Framingham State University (3.07).
• MCLA has a higher acceptance rate (89.7%) than Framingham State University (83.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.5% at Framingham State University vs. 11.5% at MCLA.

Framingham State University vs. MCLA Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Framingham State 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).

• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Framingham State University's (52%).
• Graduates from Framingham State University earn a median of about $10,500 more per year than MCLA graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts graduates have a $46 lower median loan debt than Framingham State University graduates ($24,659 vs. $24,705).
• Among borrowers, MCLA graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Framingham State University graduates ($254 vs. $255).
• More Framingham State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MCLA students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.