MCLA vs. Holy Family University

Comparable Facts

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

Holy Family University is larger than MCLA based on total student enrollment (3,225 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); Holy Family University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Holy Family University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 8:1; Holy Family University 14:1.

MCLA vs. Holy Family University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCLA or Holy Family 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 Holy Family University than MCLA ($14,072 vs. $16,544).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Holy Family University are 0.7% lower than at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts ($15,284 vs. $15,386).
• Holy Family University is 184.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than MCLA (about $22,894 more per year; $35,330.00 vs. $12,436.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65.2% higher at Holy Family University than at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (about $13,949 more per year; $35,330.00 vs. $21,381.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Holy Family University than at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Holy Family University students is 194.1% larger than aid received by Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts students ($26,603 vs. $9,045).

MCLA vs. Holy Family University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (1070) is 40 points higher than at Holy Family University (1030).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 960/1180; Holy Family University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 17/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCLA - Test-free; Holy Family University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman MCLA students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at Holy Family University (3.13).
• MCLA has a higher acceptance rate (89.7%) than Holy Family University (71%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at MCLA vs. 21.1% at Holy Family University.

MCLA vs. Holy Family University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCLA and Holy Family 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).

• Holy Family University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts's (53%).
• Graduates from Holy Family University earn a median of about $13,900 more per year than MCLA graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 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 Holy Family University graduates ($24,659 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, MCLA graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Family University graduates ($254 vs. $279).
• More Holy Family University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MCLA students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.