Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts vs Worcester State University
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a public college in North Adams, MA, and Worcester State University is a public university in Worcester, MA. Worcester State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 88% of applicants against 90% at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Worcester State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,381 a year against $16,068 at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. About 58% of students graduate at Worcester State University, compared with 52% at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Ten years after enrolling, Worcester State University alumni earn a median of about $60,624, against $48,102 for Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
North Adams, MA
Worcester, MA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
713
3,930
Acceptance rate
90%
88%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.22–3.72
3.32–3.82
SAT (middle 50%)
960–1180
1026–1283
ACT (middle 50%)
17–21
22–29
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,068
$13,381
Full cost / yr
$26,026
$22,874
In-state tuition
$12,436
$11,786
Out-of-state tuition
$21,381
$17,866
Application fee
$0
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,845
$8,793
$30k - $48k
$10,762
$9,629
$48k - $75k
$13,250
$9,540
$75k - $110k
$15,958
$13,658
Over $110k
$22,698
$19,679
Outcomes
Graduation rate
52%
58%
Freshman retention
76%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$36,803
$50,233
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,102
$60,624
Median debt at graduation
$23,750
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
41%
30%
First-generation students
33%
36%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Nov 15
Regular decision
Mar 1
May 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 Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts or Worcester State University harder to get into?
- Worcester State University is harder to get into. It admits about 88% 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, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts or Worcester State University?
- Worcester State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,381 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 Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and Worcester State University?
- Before aid, Worcester State University costs about $22,874 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, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts or Worcester State University?
- Worcester State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,793 there, against about $9,845 at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts or Worcester State University?
- Worcester State University is the larger of the two, with about 3,930 undergraduates against 713 at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
- Does Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts or Worcester State University have a better graduation rate?
- Worcester State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 58% against 52% at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
- Do graduates of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts or Worcester State University earn more?
- Worcester State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $60,624 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,102 for Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and Worcester State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Worcester State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and Worcester State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 960–1180 at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and 1026–1283 at Worcester State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Massachusetts 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 CollegeWorcester State University vs Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyWorcester State University vs Williams CollegeWorcester State University vs Amherst College
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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