The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

All of my classes were small, the vast majority were fewer than twenty, and every professor was invested in student success. This is not a party school and does not pretend to be one; it is not the school for you if partying is any kind of a priority. There are multiple cultural opportunities available at almost all times, but it is the beauty and recreation possibilities of the Berkshires that is the big draw (other than the academics). MCLA is not for everyone, no college is, but it was the best choice for me.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

MCLA is a great school for the price. 8,500 a year for a solid education. The professors are available and helpful. The mission of the school is to give the best education possible for the money. There is a 14 to 1 student faculty ration- and classes are not allowed to be over 21 students. A lot of individual attention and courses designed to bring a freshman up to speed for college level work, if required. There are a ton of non traditional students but enough young people for a normal college social scene. There is a large veterans population on campus that brings a different perspective to the conversation. Unlike hyper elite institutions that focus on wealthy students out of prep school, MCLA students bring life experience to the classroom and add to the learning. If you want a truly diverse student population at a good school with a very affordable price tag and good approachable professors, MCLA is for you!

2nd Year Male -- Class 2014

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Surrounding City: B-

This is one of the best schools in the United States for the money, other than the service academies, of course. The quality is so good for the money and the school is so unassuming that it was hard for me to believe just good it was for the cost. 8k a year for good college.

2nd Year Male -- Class 2013

Individual Value: A+, Surrounding City: C-