Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Announces Pathways Campaign Has Surpassed $30M Goal
April 29, 2026
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) has officially certified that Pathways, the Campaign for MCLA has raised $32.7 million, surpassing its original $25 million
goal by nearly $8 million. The Campaign Cabinet met on April 15 to formally mark the
milestone.
With continued momentum and three months left of the Campaign, surpassing the fundraising
goal early reflects the sustained confidence of alumni, friends, and supporters in
the College's mission and future.
"The success of Pathways, the Campaign for MCLA is a testament to the generosity and
belief of our alumni, donors, and friends who share our vision for what MCLA can be,”
said MCLA President James Birge. “These resources will directly benefit students for generations to come, and they
reflect the kind of institution we have worked hard to become: financially strong,
academically excellent, and deeply committed to the people we serve."
Funds raised through Pathways, the Campaign for MCLA have supported scholarships,
athletic facility enhancements, travel opportunities for students, and professional
development for faculty members. The Campaign's success has helped the MCLA endowment
reach the highest level in the College's history, and MCLA's reserve fund has doubled
over the past five years to $27 million, reflecting a sustained commitment to long-term
financial health.
"Pathways is about creating routes to access, opportunity, and student success. Exceeding
our goal ahead of schedule affirms that our community shares a deep commitment to
MCLA's students and to the future of public liberal arts education," said Susan Gold,
parent of an alumna and tri-chair of the Pathways Campaign.
The certification comes at a time of significant momentum for MCLA. The College has
launched new academic majors including global studies, nursing, and music, industry
and production; welcomed new athletic programs including men's lacrosse, and men's
and women's ice hockey; and seen strong growth in deposits for the Fall 2026 semester.
The certification of the Pathways Campaign reflects an institution that has been building
deliberately and investing confidently in its students and its future.
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