Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 52.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.1%
- Retention Rate
- 68.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $48,102
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,750
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 59.8%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $252/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $22,375 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $47,260 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $43,798 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $34,467 | $22,166 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $32,569 | $25,000 |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $32,284 | $21,700 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $31,828 | $25,027 |
| History. | Bachelor | $30,409 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $29,374 | $24,492 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,236 | $22,700 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $27,181 | |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 | |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $25,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $23,750 and earn $48,102 ten years post-graduation. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of roughly 0.5, meaning graduates owe about half their annual salary. Monthly loan payments of $252 consume approximately 6% of typical graduate income, well below the concerning 10% threshold. The college's strong teacher preparation programs funnel many graduates into education careers, which often provide stable employment despite modest starting salaries. With a 95.3% employment rate and debt loads lower than the national average of around $37,000, MCLA delivers a strong return on investment for students seeking affordable liberal arts education.