Students at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts benefit from exceptional affordability, with low-income families paying just $14,440 annually and all graduates maintaining perfect loan repayment records.
The college provides meaningful educational access for first-generation and Pell-eligible students who prioritize affordability and manageable debt over maximum earnings potential.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a small public liberal arts college that emphasizes accessibility and affordability over high earnings outcomes. While the institution ranks in the lower tier nationally for long-term earnings, with graduates earning a median of $48,102 ten years after enrollment, it provides meaningful access to higher education for students who might not otherwise attend college. About 40% of students receive Pell Grants and 33% are first-generation college students, reflecting the college's commitment to serving underrepresented populations.
The college's strength lies in its affordability rather than its earnings outcomes. Low-income students pay just $14,440 annually, and middle-income families face net prices of $15,698, making it one of the more affordable options in Massachusetts. With typical federal loan debt of $23,750, graduates face manageable repayment obligations even with modest post-graduation earnings.
As a small liberal arts institution in North Adams, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts offers the intimate educational experience of a small college with the accessibility of a public institution. While earnings outcomes place it in the bottom third nationally, the college serves an important role in providing educational opportunity to students from modest backgrounds who value affordability and personal attention over maximum financial returns.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts offers a focused program portfolio that reflects its liberal arts mission and regional service role. English Language and Literature stands out as the college's flagship program, graduating 55 students annually with median earnings of $32,569, making it the highest aggregate return program due to its substantial enrollment. This program typically prepares students for careers in education, writing, and communications where earnings may be modest but career satisfaction is often high.
Interdisciplinary Studies represents the college's largest program by enrollment with 52 graduates annually, earning around $29,374 in early career positions. This flexible program allows students to combine multiple areas of interest and often leads to careers in social services, nonprofit work, and education. Business Administration, with 49 graduates earning approximately $34,467, provides the strongest early-career earnings among the college's major programs and typically leads to management roles in small businesses and regional organizations.
The program mix reflects the college's commitment to liberal arts education and regional workforce needs. While earnings outcomes are modest compared to technical or professional programs at larger universities, these programs prepare students for meaningful careers in education, social services, and community leadership roles. The college's small size allows for personalized attention and close faculty-student relationships that can be particularly valuable for first-generation college students navigating their educational and career paths.
Graduates of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts face modest long-term earnings that reflect both the institution's liberal arts focus and the career paths its students typically pursue. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $48,102, placing the college in the bottom third nationally for earnings outcomes. However, graduates do earn about $3,200 more than similar students at comparable institutions, suggesting the college adds some value beyond what might be expected given its student profile and resources.
Earnings vary significantly by field of study, with business administration graduates earning around $34,467 early in their careers, while English majors earn approximately $32,569 and interdisciplinary studies graduates earn about $29,374. English Language and Literature represents the college's largest program by total economic impact, graduating 55 students annually, followed by interdisciplinary studies with 52 graduates and business administration with 49 graduates. These programs reflect the college's liberal arts mission and tend to prepare students for careers in education, social services, and other fields where financial rewards may be modest but personal satisfaction is high.
The college's earnings outcomes align with its mission as a regional liberal arts institution serving students who often prioritize educational access and personal growth over maximum earning potential. While the financial returns are below national averages, graduates typically enter stable career paths in education, nonprofit work, and public service that provide meaningful work even if compensation is modest.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts stands out for its strong affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families. Low-income students pay an average net price of just $14,440 annually, well below the national average for public institutions, while middle-income families face costs of $15,698 per year. Even higher-income families pay a relatively modest $23,800 annually, making the college accessible across income levels. These low net prices reflect substantial state support and institutional aid that help keep education affordable for Massachusetts residents.
Debt levels remain manageable despite modest post-graduation earnings. Typical graduates leave with $23,750 in federal student loan debt, and families who choose to borrow through Parent PLUS loans take on an average of $12,874. The college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates, while earning modest incomes, are generally able to meet their repayment obligations successfully.
The combination of low net prices and manageable debt loads makes Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts particularly attractive to cost-conscious families. While graduates may not achieve the highest earnings, the affordable cost structure means they can pursue meaningful careers in education, social work, and other service-oriented fields without being burdened by excessive debt. This affordability model aligns well with the college's mission of providing accessible liberal arts education to students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Massachusetts College Of Liberal Arts Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
