University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) vs Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA)
Envision yourself pursuing higher education at either the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) or Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA). UIS, a public university, boasts a higher acceptance rate (88%) compared to MCLA's selective admissions (67%). UIS offers a broader range of undergraduate programs, including popular choices like Business, Psychology, and Criminal Justice, while MCLA specializes in Liberal Arts and Sciences, with strengths in English, History, and Political Science. UIS attracts a larger and more diverse student body, with a higher percentage of male students and a greater ethnic diversity. MCLA, on the other hand, has a smaller student population with a higher proportion of female students. Both institutions boast impressive graduation rates, with UIS slightly edging out MCLA. Dive into the detailed comparison table to uncover further distinctions and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts |
![]() University of Illinois Springfield |
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Overview |
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Location | North Adams, Massachusetts | Springfield, Illinois |
Campus setting | Town: Fringe | City: Midsize |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 63.0% | 67.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 91.0% | 79.5% |
Application fees | $50 | |
SAT range | N/A | 990 - 1250 |
ACT range | N/A | 21 - 27 |
Students submitting SAT score | 50.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 20.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 1,371 | 2,496 |
Total number of admissions given out | 1,247 | 1,984 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 167 | 264 |
Yield rate | 13.4% | 13.3% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Not required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$25,928
Out of state:
$34,873
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In state:
$16,411
Out of state:
$26,026
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Average net price | $14,902 | $11,965 |
Tuition |
In state:
$1,030
Out of state:
$9,975
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In state:
$9,503
Out of state:
$19,118
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$7,240
Meal plan:
$5,044
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Room/dormitory:
$7,610
Meal plan:
$4,200
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
99.0%
Average amount $8,496 |
94.0%
Average amount $12,335 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
97.0%
Average amount $3,734 |
49.0%
Average amount $5,016 |
Students taking out private loans |
12.0%
Average amount $9,492 |
4.0%
Average amount $8,320 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
870
Men 39.2% Women 60.8% |
2,503
Men 46.8% Women 53.2% |
Graduate students |
124
Men 33.1% Women 66.9% |
1,441
Men 48.9% Women 51.1% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | N/A | 8.8% |
International students | N/A | 6.9% |
Campus local/setting | Town: Fringe | City: Midsize |
Dormitory capacity | 1,020 | 1,123 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Mississippi New York Vermont Connecticut Rhode Island | Illinois Wisconsin Indiana Michigan Minnesota |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 9:1 | 12:1 |
Institutional accreditation | New England Commission on Higher Education | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 58.4% | 53.4% |
Dropout rate | 41.6% | 45.1% |
Transferred out | N/A | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Education, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
Visual and Performing Arts, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Computer Science (Master's Degrees)
Computer Systems Analysis (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Public Health (Master's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Public Administration (Master's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
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