October 18, 2025
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is making higher education more accessible and
affordable for regional students through expanded Dual Enrollment and Early College
programs that have saved families more than $880,632 to date.
The college's two-pronged approach connects students with college-level coursework
earlier in their academic careers while significantly reducing the financial burden
of higher education. Between this summer and fall, more than 150 students have taken
their first college course, earning 450 credits at a savings of $218,700 to families
through MCLA's Dual Enrollment program, which has expanded outreach across the Commonwealth and neighboring states.
"These programs demonstrate MCLA's commitment to serving as a community anchor and
making college accessible to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity,"
said President James Birge. "By reaching students earlier and reducing costs for families, we're investing in
the future of the Berkshires and beyond."
The Dual Enrollment program reaches students MCLA hasn't traditionally interacted
with, creating greater opportunities for counselors to connect with prospective students.
Through MCLA's Early College partnership with Drury High School, students can earn
30 or more college credits either concurrently during high school or on campus alongside
MCLA's matriculated students. Through the spring 2025 semester, MCLA has successfully
awarded 1,362 credits to 170 students, resulting in a savings of $661,932 for Drury
High School students based upon MCLA's per credit tuition and fee rate.
Students and families interested in learning more about MCLA's Dual Enrollment and
Early College programs are encouraged to attend the open house on November 1. For
more information, visit Plan Your Visit.
About MCLA
At MCLA, we're here for all — and focused on each — of our students. Classes are taught
by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive
on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed
to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered
to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 130-year commitment to
public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence.
MCLA has appeared on U.S. News & World Report's list of Top Ten Public Colleges for
11 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts
Schools in the nation for 2026. The College's focus on affordable education and economic
prosperity is reflected in additional 2026 U.S. News rankings: No. 6 for Top Performer
on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 4 for Top Performer
on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings
measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants.
