MCLA vs. Rivier University

Comparable Facts

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

Rivier University is larger than MCLA based on total student enrollment (2,777 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); Rivier University is in Nashua, NH (Small City setting).
• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 8:1; Rivier University 14:1.

MCLA vs. Rivier University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCLA or Rivier 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 Rivier University ($16,544 vs. $28,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts are 1.6% lower than at Rivier University ($15,386 vs. $15,636).
• Rivier University is 217.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than MCLA (about $27,052 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $12,436.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 84.7% higher at Rivier University than at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (about $18,107 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $21,381.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts than at Rivier University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rivier University students is 175.6% larger than aid received by Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts students ($24,927 vs. $9,045).

MCLA vs. Rivier University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rivier University (1120) is 50 points higher than at MCLA (1070).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 960/1180; Rivier University 1055/1175.
• 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; Rivier University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• MCLA has a higher acceptance rate (89.7%) than Rivier University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at MCLA vs. 15.3% at Rivier University.

MCLA vs. Rivier University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCLA and Rivier 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).

• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Rivier University earn a median of about $9,300 more per year than MCLA graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts graduates have a $796 lower median loan debt than Rivier University graduates ($24,659 vs. $25,455).
• Among borrowers, MCLA graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rivier University graduates ($254 vs. $263).
• More Rivier 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.