MCLA vs. Worcester State University

Comparable Facts

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

Worcester State University is larger than MCLA based on total student enrollment (5,745 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); Worcester State University is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Worcester State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 8:1; Worcester State University 16:1.

MCLA vs. Worcester State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCLA or Worcester 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 Worcester State University than MCLA ($12,778 vs. $16,544).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Worcester State University are 7% lower than at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts ($14,307 vs. $15,386).
• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is 5.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Worcester State University (about $650 more per year; $12,436.00 vs. $11,786.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.7% higher at MCLA than at Worcester State University (about $3,515 more per year; $21,381.00 vs. $17,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts than at Worcester State University (99% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Worcester State University students is 4.6% larger than aid received by Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts students ($9,464 vs. $9,045).

MCLA vs. Worcester State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Worcester State University (1150) is 80 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; Worcester State University 1026/1283.
• 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; Worcester State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Worcester State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Worcester 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 Worcester State University (88%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at MCLA vs. 16.7% at Worcester State University.

MCLA vs. Worcester State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCLA and Worcester 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 Worcester State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Worcester State University earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than MCLA graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have a $4,659 lower median loan debt than MCLA graduates ($20,000 vs. $24,659).
• Among borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have an estimated $48 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MCLA graduates ($206 vs. $254).
• More Worcester State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MCLA students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.