While college seems to be a time for students to travel out of the area to find themselves, local students in the Berkshires have the opportunity to find one of the best four-year schools right here in the area.

A report released by Schools.com named MCLA one of the top-10 four-year schools in Massachusetts, coming in at No.8. The survey conducted by the service put a variety of criteria in the mix, such as tuition, programs offered and graduation rate.

"Massachusetts College of Liberal arts earned the #8 spot for its affordability of tuition and fees. The university offers breaks on tuition for out-of-state students, such as those from New York and Vermont who can get an 85% reduction on their rate," says NBC Boston.

According to the study, MCLA currently has an undergraduate enrollment of 1,444, a 12 to 1 student to faculty ratio and in-state tuitions and fees at $9,875.

  1. University of Massachusetts Amherst
  2. Harvard University
  3. Fitchburg State University
  4. Westfield State University
  5. Framingham State University
  6. University of Massachusetts Lowell
  7. Worcester State University
  8. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
  9. Salem State University
  10. Bridgewater State University

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