Academic Comparison between Salem State and MCLA

Salem State University and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in Massachusetts

Comparison at a Glance

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

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • MCLA has more expensive tuition & fees ($21,381) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to MCLA than Salem State.
  • Salem State has more students with 6,230 students while MCLA has 896 students.
  • MCLA has a lower number of students per faculty with 8 to 1 while Salem State's ratio is 12 to 1.
  • Salem State has more full-time faculties with 296 faculties while MCLA has 79 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Salem, MassachusettsLocationNorth Adams, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,436
Out-Of-State$21,381
72%% Receiving Financial Aid82%
$10,493Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,946
95.88 %Acceptance Rates89.74 %
11.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.53 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
50 %Graduation Rate56 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
75 %Retention Rate76 %
6,230Student Population896
296Number of Faculties79
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio8 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services