MCLA vs. Adelphi University

Comparable Facts

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

Adelphi University is larger than MCLA based on total student enrollment (7,603 students vs. 896 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

MCLA vs. Adelphi University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCLA or Adelphi University? 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 Adelphi University ($16,544 vs. $31,303).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts are 23.2% lower than at Adelphi University ($15,386 vs. $20,028).
• Adelphi University is 294.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than MCLA (about $36,674 more per year; $49,110.00 vs. $12,436.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 129.7% higher at Adelphi University than at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (about $27,729 more per year; $49,110.00 vs. $21,381.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts than at Adelphi University (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Adelphi University students is 253.5% larger than aid received by Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts students ($31,976 vs. $9,045).

MCLA vs. Adelphi University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MCLA or Adelphi University? 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 Adelphi University and MCLA.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Adelphi University (1230) is 160 points higher than at MCLA (1070).
• Incoming Adelphi University students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 19 at MCLA).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 960/1180; Adelphi University 1120/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 17/21; Adelphi University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCLA - Test-free; Adelphi University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Adelphi University students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at MCLA (3.2).
• MCLA has a higher acceptance rate (89.7%) than Adelphi University (65.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at MCLA vs. 10.3% at Adelphi University.

MCLA vs. Adelphi University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCLA and Adelphi University? 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).

• Adelphi University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts's (53%).
• Graduates from Adelphi University earn a median of about $21,300 more per year than MCLA graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,400 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts graduates have a $841 lower median loan debt than Adelphi University graduates ($24,659 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, MCLA graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Adelphi University graduates ($254 vs. $263).
• More Adelphi University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MCLA students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.