HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE CLOSING: A CLEAR PATH FORWARD
If you’re navigating the Hampshire College closing, you’re likely facing unexpected decisions. Whether you were admitted to or are currently enrolled at Hampshire College, you don’t have to figure out your next steps alone.
At Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, we offer a dedicated Hampshire cohort experience, divisional system mirroring, tuition matching, and long-term stability to help you complete your degree with confidence.
Why MCLA is a great fit for hampshire students
Students affected by the Hampshire College closing will find many reasons to feel at home at MCLA, including:
✓ Small classes and close faculty mentorship
✓ A commitment to social justice and critical thinking
✓ A diverse, inclusive student body across identities and backgrounds
✓ A campus culture focused on personal, academic, and community well-being
✓ An affordability model that prioritizes long‑term financial stability
Hampshire Open House
We invite you to campus (transportation will be provided) to discover all that MCLA has to offer:
✓ Student Resource Fair
✓ Welcome & Information Session
✓ Faculty & Student Panel
✓ Lunch & Campus tour
Friday, May 1
11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Finish Your Degree After the Hampshire College Closing
If you’re affected by the Hampshire College closing, you can still finish your degree at MCLA through our official transfer agreement with Hampshire College. As a stable, public liberal arts college, we provide a tight-knit environment where you’ll be known by name, supported by dedicated faculty and staff, and prepared for success without unnecessary student debt.
MAXIMAL CREDIT TRANSFER
We’re committed to honoring the academic work you’ve already completed while pursuing a degree from Hampshire College. Under our transfer agreement, we will:
- Review coursework individually and in good faith
- Make every effort to apply Hampshire credits toward degree requirements
- Waive residency requirements
- Transfer students can stay on track to graduate on time — even when their previous university closes.
DIVISIONAL SYSTEM MIRRORING
We’ll work with you to mirror Hampshire’s divisional system as closely as possible
within our curriculum, including a Division III-style final year experience. MCLA’s tradition of close faculty advising and academic flexibility allow Hampshire
College transfer students to shape their academic paths in ways that feel familiar.
TUITION MATCHING
We aim to match or come in slightly lower than what you’re currently paying for a
degree from Hampshire College. While your final cost of attendance will depend on
your individual financial situation and state of permanent residency, you can find
estimated costs below.
| MCLA Resident | Out-Of-State Resident | ||
| Tuition&Fees: $13,066 | Tuition&Fees: $13,581 | ||
| Food&Housing: $16,678 | Food&Housing: $16,678 | ||
| Total: $29,744 | Total: $30,259 |
Note: Remember to add the MCLA code 002187 to your FAFSA as soon as possible to be
considered for financial aid and scholarships.
Long-Term Stability
MCLA is in one of the most secure financial positions in its history. As a public college, we receive funding from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We also maintain $52 million in reserves and have passed the New England Commission of Higher Education’s financial stability review. This stability ensures you will be supported through graduation.
THE HAMPSHIRE COHORT EXPERIENCE
We’ve designed the Hampshire cohort to support you during your transition to MCLA. The cohort model ensures that students affected by the Hampshire College closing:
✓ Transition together rather than individually
✓ Continue peer connections with fellow Hampshire students
✓ Retain a sense of continuity while joining the broader MCLA community
This approach reflects our belief that you will succeed best when you feel connected, supported, and grounded during times of change.
HOUSING TOGETHER
As a member of the Hampshire cohort, you’ll have the chance to live in our comfortable
housing with fellow Hampshire College transfer students. This ensures a supportive
community, familiarity, and peer connection outside the classroom. Living together
helps:
✓ Create a natural peer support network
✓ Foster belonging early in the transition
DEDICATED HAMPSHIRE COHORT MENTOR
For support and answers to all your questions, you’ll have access to a dedicated Hampshire
cohort mentor. Your mentor will:
✓ Help you navigate advising, registration, and campus resources
✓ Provide ongoing support throughout the transition and beyond
READY TO TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP WITH MCLA?
Begin Your Application
MCLA offers a streamlined application process for current and admitted Hampshire College students. After completing this form, you will automatically receive login credentials for the Hampshire online application.
FAQs
Yes. If you’re currently attending Hampshire College, you can continue your education at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts without starting over. Your coursework is evaluated individually, and our team works with you to apply as many credits as possible toward your degree.
Hi, I’m Justina, Your Dedicated Hampshire Transfer Admission Rep
Justina Trova '11 (SHE, Her, hers)
Associate Director of Admission
justina.trova@mcla.edu
413-662-5498
Choosing where to continue your education is a personal decision, and each student’s path will be different. If MCLA feels like a path you would like to explore, I am here to help you discover more about us.
The new Hampshire cohort reflects our commitment to providing a transfer experience rooted in care, clarity, and community. You will come to learn what makes MCLA special, and I will make sure the process is as smooth as possible!