Fitchburg State University vs Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Fitchburg State University is a public university in Fitchburg, MA, and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a public college in North Adams, MA. Fitchburg State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 87% of applicants against 90% at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Fitchburg State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,262 a year against $16,068 at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. About 54% of students graduate at Fitchburg State University, compared with 52% at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Ten years after enrolling, Fitchburg State University alumni earn a median of about $53,874, against $48,102 for Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Fitchburg, MA
North Adams, MA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,752
713
Acceptance rate
87%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.22–3.72
SAT (middle 50%)
1060–1230
960–1180
ACT (middle 50%)
19–25
17–21
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,262
$16,068
Full cost / yr
$25,555
$26,026
In-state tuition
$11,346
$12,436
Out-of-state tuition
$17,426
$21,381
Application fee
Not reported
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,204
$9,845
$30k - $48k
$11,199
$10,762
$48k - $75k
$11,540
$13,250
$75k - $110k
$15,571
$15,958
Over $110k
$21,123
$22,698
Outcomes
Graduation rate
54%
52%
Freshman retention
69%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,999
$36,803
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,874
$48,102
Median debt at graduation
$24,239
$23,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
33%
41%
First-generation students
36%
33%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Dec 1
Regular decision
Aug 1
Mar 1
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Fitchburg State University or Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts harder to get into?
- Fitchburg State University is harder to get into. It admits about 87% of applicants, compared with 90% at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Fitchburg State University or Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts?
- Fitchburg State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,262 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $16,068 at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Fitchburg State University and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts?
- Before aid, Fitchburg State University costs about $25,555 a year and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts about $26,026. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Fitchburg State University or Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts?
- Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,845 there, against about $10,204 at Fitchburg State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Fitchburg State University or Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts?
- Fitchburg State University is the larger of the two, with about 2,752 undergraduates against 713 at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
- Does Fitchburg State University or Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts have a better graduation rate?
- Fitchburg State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 54% against 52% at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
- Do graduates of Fitchburg State University or Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts earn more?
- Fitchburg State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $53,874 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,102 for Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Fitchburg State University and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts require SAT or ACT scores?
- Fitchburg State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
- What SAT scores do Fitchburg State University and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1060–1230 at Fitchburg State University and 960–1180 at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Fitchburg State University vs Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyFitchburg State University vs Williams CollegeFitchburg State University vs Amherst CollegeMassachusetts College of Liberal Arts vs Franklin W Olin College of EngineeringMassachusetts College of Liberal Arts vs The New England Conservatory of MusicMassachusetts College of Liberal Arts vs Anna Maria College
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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