Lasell University vs. MCLA

Comparable Facts

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

Lasell University is larger than MCLA based on total student enrollment (1,668 students vs. 896 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lasell University is located in Newton, MA (Small City setting); Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is in North Adams, MA (Distant Town setting).
• Lasell 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: Lasell University 12:1; Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 8:1.

Lasell University vs. MCLA Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lasell 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 Lasell University ($16,544 vs. $27,773).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lasell University are 8.7% lower than at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts ($14,040 vs. $15,386).
• Lasell University is 117.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than MCLA (about $14,604 more per year; $27,040.00 vs. $12,436.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.5% higher at Lasell University than at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (about $5,659 more per year; $27,040.00 vs. $21,381.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts than at Lasell University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lasell University students is 61.8% larger than aid received by Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts students ($14,638 vs. $9,045).

Lasell University vs. MCLA Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lasell 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 Lasell University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lasell University (1090) is 20 points higher than at MCLA (1070).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lasell University 1030/1158; 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: Lasell University - Test optional; MCLA - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman MCLA students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at Lasell University (3.12).
• MCLA has a higher acceptance rate (89.7%) than Lasell University (81.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.7% at Lasell University vs. 11.5% at MCLA.

Lasell University vs. MCLA Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lasell 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 Lasell University's (47%).
• Graduates from Lasell University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than MCLA graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,100 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 Lasell University graduates ($24,659 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, MCLA graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lasell University graduates ($254 vs. $279).
• More Lasell University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MCLA students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.