MCLA vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

Shepherd University is larger than MCLA based on total student enrollment (3,339 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); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 8:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

MCLA vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCLA or Shepherd 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 Shepherd University than MCLA ($11,744 vs. $16,544).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 16.1% lower than at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts ($12,916 vs. $15,386).
• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is 37.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $3,380 more per year; $12,436.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12% higher at MCLA than at Shepherd University (about $2,299 more per year; $21,381.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts than at Shepherd University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts students is 9.8% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($9,045 vs. $8,241).

MCLA vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (1070) is 60 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Shepherd University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at MCLA).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 960/1180; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 17/21; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCLA - Test-free; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at MCLA (3.2).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than MCLA (89.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at MCLA vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

MCLA vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCLA and Shepherd 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 Shepherd University's (46%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than MCLA graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $2,436 lower median loan debt than MCLA graduates ($22,223 vs. $24,659).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MCLA graduates ($229 vs. $254).
• More MCLA graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 53%)

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.