MCLA vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

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

Salem State University is larger than MCLA based on total student enrollment (6,230 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); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 8:1; Salem State University 12:1.

MCLA vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCLA or Salem State 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 Salem State University ($16,544 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts are 8.6% lower than at Salem State University ($15,386 vs. $16,838).
• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is 0.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $98 more per year; $12,436.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.5% higher at MCLA than at Salem State University (about $1,850 more per year; $21,381.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts than at Salem State University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 14.1% larger than aid received by Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts students ($10,319 vs. $9,045).

MCLA vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 10 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; Salem State University 990/1160.
• 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; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MCLA students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than MCLA (89.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at MCLA vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

MCLA vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCLA and Salem State 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 Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than MCLA graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $659 lower median loan debt than MCLA graduates ($24,000 vs. $24,659).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MCLA graduates ($248 vs. $254).
• More MCLA graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.