MCLA vs. Niagara University

Comparable Facts

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

Niagara University is larger than MCLA based on total student enrollment (4,033 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); Niagara University is in Niagara University, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Niagara University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 8:1; Niagara University 10:1.

MCLA vs. Niagara University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCLA or Niagara 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 Niagara University ($16,544 vs. $16,613).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Niagara University are 12.9% lower than at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts ($13,400 vs. $15,386).
• Niagara University is 216.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than MCLA (about $26,909 more per year; $39,345.00 vs. $12,436.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 84% higher at Niagara University than at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (about $17,964 more per year; $39,345.00 vs. $21,381.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Niagara University than at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Niagara University students is 271.2% larger than aid received by Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts students ($33,575 vs. $9,045).

MCLA vs. Niagara University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Niagara University (1150) is 80 points higher than at MCLA (1070).
• Incoming Niagara University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 19 at MCLA).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 960/1180; Niagara University 1060/1235.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 17/21; Niagara University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCLA - Test-free; Niagara University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Niagara University Aug 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Niagara University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at MCLA (3.2).
• MCLA has a higher acceptance rate (89.7%) than Niagara University (87.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at MCLA vs. 14.5% at Niagara University.

MCLA vs. Niagara University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCLA and Niagara 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).

• Niagara University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts's (53%).
• Graduates from Niagara 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 $341 lower median loan debt than Niagara University graduates ($24,659 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, MCLA graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Niagara University graduates ($254 vs. $258).
• More Niagara University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MCLA students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.