Academic Comparison between MCLA and Amherst

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and Amherst College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. MCLA is a four-year, public school located in North Adams, MA and Amherst is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Amherst, MA.

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Massachusetts College of Liberal Artsvs.Amherst College
North Adams, MassachusettsLocationAmherst, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Baccalaureate College - Arts & SciencesCarnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$12,436
Out-Of-State$21,381
2025 Tuition & Fees$70,480
82%% Receiving Financial Aid62%
$9,946Average Amount of Financial Aid$67,234
89.74 %Acceptance Rates9.01 %
11.53 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)38.77 %
-SAT Score1,540
-ACT Score34
56 %Graduation Rate94 %
-Transfer-out Rate3 %
76 %Retention Rate97 %
896Student Population1,914
79Number of Faculties282
8 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio6 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services