Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and Boston University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. MCLA is a four-year, public school located in North Adams, MA and BU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Boston, MA.
The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.
| Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts | vs. | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| North Adams, Massachusetts | Location | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Four-year, Public | School Type | four-year, Private (not-for-profit) |
| Master's degree | Highest Degree Offered | Doctor's degree |
| Baccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences | Carnegie Classification | Research University (very high research activity) |
In-State$12,436
Out-Of-State$21,381 | 2025 Tuition & Fees | $68,102 |
| 82% | % Receiving Financial Aid | 50% |
| $9,946 | Average Amount of Financial Aid | $54,501 |
| 89.74 % | Acceptance Rates | 11.11 % |
| 11.53 % | Yield (Enrollment Rates) | 37.35 % |
| - | SAT Score | 1,480 |
| - | ACT Score | 33 |
| 56 % | Graduation Rate | 89 % |
| - | Transfer-out Rate | - |
| 76 % | Retention Rate | 95 % |
| 896 | Student Population | 37,737 |
| 79 | Number of Faculties | 3,236 |
| 8 to 1 | Students to Faculty Ratio | 10 to 1 |
| Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification | Special Learning Opportunities | Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification |
| Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services | On Campus Student Services | Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare |