NORTH ADAMS, Mass.—Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) has earned the No. 6 spot on U.S. News & World Report's list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation, after earning the No. 7 spot for the past three consecutive years. 

 

According to a press release, the college's continued commitment to affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in additional 2025 U.S. News rankings: No. 5 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 2 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country.

 

"As we celebrate a decade of MCLA ranking in the Top Ten of Public Colleges, I continue to be proud of the incredible faculty and staff who make the College such an exceptional place to learn," said President James F. Birge.  "Our success is possible because of their unwavering commitment to our students. I am grateful to be part of an institution that focuses on and sees the value in striving to be a continuous top performer on social mobility." 

 

MCLA has appeared on U.S. News' list of Top Ten Public Colleges for 10 consecutive years. The College has also been acknowledged in its list of National Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Mobility since the organization adopted this ranking in 2019. This list measures how well institutions graduate students who receive federal Pell Grants, typically awarded to students whose families make less than $50,000, though most Pell Grant money goes to families with income below $20,000.

 

More than 41 percent of MCLA undergraduate students receive Pell Grants, and 49 percent are the first in their families to go to college. Overall, 95 percent of MCLA students receive some kind of financial aid.   

 

"Being ranked as a Top Ten Public College is just one of the many ways MCLA's dedication to its students is made visible," said Mohan Boodram, chair of the MCLA Board of Trustees. "The positive impact MCLA makes on their lives, as well as on the community at large, is impressive and I am pleased that the hard work that goes into making the College a high-quality, accessible, and affordable educational option has again been recognized." 

 

U.S. News ranks colleges based on indicators that reflect a school's financial strength, faculty expertise, and educational outcome measures.