MCLA vs. Westfield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Westfield State University is larger than MCLA based on total student enrollment (4,588 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); Westfield State University is in Westfield, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Westfield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 8:1; Westfield State University 17:1.

MCLA vs. Westfield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCLA or Westfield 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 Westfield State University ($16,544 vs. $17,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Westfield State University are 8.9% lower than at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts ($14,018 vs. $15,386).
• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is 2.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Westfield State University (about $257 more per year; $12,436.00 vs. $12,179.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.1% higher at MCLA than at Westfield State University (about $3,122 more per year; $21,381.00 vs. $18,259.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts than at Westfield State University (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Westfield State University students is 0.1% larger than aid received by Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts students ($9,054 vs. $9,045).

MCLA vs. Westfield State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Westfield State University (1090) is 20 points higher than at MCLA (1070).
• Incoming MCLA students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 19) as students at Westfield State University (19).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 960/1180; Westfield State University 980/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 17/21; Westfield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCLA - Test-free; Westfield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Westfield State University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Westfield State University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at MCLA (3.2).
• MCLA has a higher acceptance rate (89.7%) than Westfield State University (81.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at MCLA vs. 15.2% at Westfield State University.

MCLA vs. Westfield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCLA and Westfield 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).

• Westfield State University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts's (53%).
• Graduates from Westfield State University earn a median of about $9,700 more per year than MCLA graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,800 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Westfield State University graduates have a $1,909 lower median loan debt than MCLA graduates ($22,750 vs. $24,659).
• Among borrowers, Westfield State University graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MCLA graduates ($235 vs. $254).
• More Westfield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MCLA students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.