MCLA vs. Eastern University

Comparable Facts

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

Eastern University is larger than MCLA based on total student enrollment (8,727 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); Eastern University is in Saint Davids, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 8:1; Eastern University 21:1.

MCLA vs. Eastern University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCLA or Eastern 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 Eastern University ($16,544 vs. $27,422).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern University are 12.3% lower than at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts ($13,498 vs. $15,386).
• Eastern University is 208.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than MCLA (about $25,964 more per year; $38,400.00 vs. $12,436.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 79.6% higher at Eastern University than at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (about $17,019 more per year; $38,400.00 vs. $21,381.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern University than at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern University students is 196.7% larger than aid received by Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts students ($26,838 vs. $9,045).

MCLA vs. Eastern University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern University (1100) is 30 points higher than at MCLA (1070).
• Incoming Eastern University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at MCLA).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 960/1180; Eastern University 1010/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 17/21; Eastern University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCLA - Test-free; Eastern University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Eastern University students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.58) than students at MCLA (3.2).
• Eastern University has a higher acceptance rate (90.8%) than MCLA (89.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at MCLA vs. 21% at Eastern University.

MCLA vs. Eastern University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCLA and Eastern 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).

• Eastern University's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts's (53%).
• Graduates from Eastern University earn a median of about $8,800 more per year than MCLA graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,900 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts graduates have a $1,841 lower median loan debt than Eastern University graduates ($24,659 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, MCLA graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Eastern University graduates ($254 vs. $274).
• More MCLA graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Eastern University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 58%)

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.