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Massachusetts College Of Liberal Arts

North Adams, Massachusetts

1,050 Students on Campus
North Adams Location
13,000 Metro Population
1,050 Students on Campus
North Adams Location
13,000 Metro Population

About This Campus

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is a nationally recognized public liberal arts college located in the scenic Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts. With an average class size of just 13 students, MCLA offers personalized learning, close faculty mentorship, and meaningful opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and community engagement. Students enjoy a vibrant campus community, NCAA Division III athletics, and access to world-class arts and cultural organizations, including MASS MoCA, one of the largest contemporary art museums in the United States. MCLA combines the benefits of a small college experience with the affordability and value of a public institution.

Top Ten Public Liberal Arts College in the U. S. (U.S. News and World Report)

Average class size of 13 students, providing personalized faculty mentorship.

100% of students complete internships, research, civic engagement, or other experiential learning opportunities.

Location Information

MCLA is located in North Adams, Massachusetts, in the heart of the Berkshires, a region known for its natural beauty, arts, and outdoor recreation. Students can explore nearby attractions including MASS MoCA, Mount Greylock (the highest peak in Massachusetts), the Appalachian Trail, and numerous hiking, skiing, and biking destinations. The campus is just minutes from Williamstown, home to Williams College and the Clark Art Institute. Boston and New York City are both within a few hours of campus and accessible for weekend travel, making MCLA an ideal location for students seeking a unique New England experience that combines academic opportunity, cultural enrichment, and outdoor adventure.

Academics

TERM DATES:

Fall Start Date: 09/02/2026 - Fall End Date: 12/19/2026

Spring Start Date: 01/20/2027 - Spring End Date: 05/15/2027

RESTRICTED/LIMITED PROGRAMS:

Health Sciences/Radiologic Technology/Radiologic Sciences; Education

OPTIONS:

Honors Access:

UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS OPEN TO NSE STUDENTS:

Conditions

GPA AND OTHER ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:
EXCHANGE PREFERENCES:
  • Full Year Exchange: Accepted
  • Single Term Exchange: Accepted
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (Visa Students):
  • Does your campus accept International Students (those already in the U.S. on a student visa)?
CANADIAN EXCHANGE:
Learn More
  • Receive from Canada: Will Accept Home Pay
  • Accept international students studying in Canada on a visa? - No

Tuition/Finance

Figures per Semester are current as of 10/01/2024
TUITION:
  • Campus Budget
  • Fees are subject to change without notice
  • Home Tuition Payment: Available
  • Away Tuition Payment: Not Available
MAXIMUM CREDIT HOURS PER SEMESTER:
  • Home Payment: 18
MISCELLANEOUS FEES:
Purpose
Amount
Period
Plan
Status
Parking Fee
$100
Term
Home
Optional
IMPORTANT NOTES:

Parking permits are optional. Resident student permits are $100 per semester; commuter permits are $30 per semester.

Financial Aid for NSE Students. Regardless of Payment Plan, financial aid is awarded by and disbursed from your home campus.

Room/Meals

Figures per Semester are current as of 06/23/2026
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING PER SEMESER:
  • Is on-campus housing available? Yes
  • Is on-campus living required? Yes
  • Number of reserved housing spaces: 0
  • Average Room Cost (per term): $5201
  • On-Campus Housing
Off-CAMPUS HOUSING:
NOTES ABOUT ON-CAMPUS HOUSING:

On-campus housing is available for NSE students and is strongly encouraged. Most exchange students live in traditional residence halls and have access to campus dining, student activities, and academic facilities within walking distance.

MEAL PLANS:
  • Are meal plans available on campus? Yes
  • Is a meal plan purchase required for on-campus, non-apartment residence halls? Yes
  • Average Meal Plan Cost (per term): $3367
  • Campus Meal Plans
NOTES ABOUT MEAL PLANS:

Meal plans are required for students living in traditional residence halls. Multiple meal plan options are available, and dining services accommodate a variety of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-conscious options.

Fees are subject to change without notice.

Chance of Acceptance

Direct Placement for Academic Year 26/27

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Open

Direct placement is available for Academic Year 26/27! Apply now and receive an immediate decision.

Away Tuition Payment Plan

N/A

Direct placement is not available for this payment plan during Academic Year 26/27.

Priority Placements for Academic Year 27/28

If this is your top choice campus...

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Open

This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!

Away Tuition Payment Plan

N/A

This campus is not accepting students on this tuition payment plan.

If this is your alternate choice campus...

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Open

This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!

Away Tuition Payment Plan

N/A

This campus is not accepting students on this tuition payment plan.

Resources

CAMPUS SOCIAL MEDIA: