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Harvard University vs University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Harvard University is a private university in Cambridge, MA, and University of Massachusetts-Lowell is a public university in Lowell, MA. Harvard University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 4% of applicants against 83% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell. University of Massachusetts-Lowell is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,163 a year against $19,066 at Harvard University. About 97% of students graduate at Harvard University, compared with 67% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Ten years after enrolling, Harvard University alumni earn a median of about $101,817, against $64,874 for University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell, MA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Cambridge, MA
Lowell, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,601
11,434
Acceptance rate
4%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.43–3.93
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1180–1370
ACT (middle 50%)
34–36
25–32
Test policy
Required
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,066
$17,163
Full cost / yr
$85,540
$30,786
In-state tuition
$61,676
$16,966
Out-of-state tuition
$61,676
$36,264
Application fee
$85
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,697
$9,943
$30k - $48k
$2,991
$10,199
$48k - $75k
$2,091
$12,141
$75k - $110k
$9,941
$16,460
Over $110k
$53,337
$26,139
Outcomes
Graduation rate
97%
67%
Freshman retention
98%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$99,572
$61,467
Median earnings (10 yr)
$101,817
$64,874
Median debt at graduation
$14,000
$23,704
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
30%
First-generation students
26%
32%
International students
15%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 5
Regular decision
Jan 1
Feb 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Harvard University or University of Massachusetts-Lowell harder to get into?
Harvard University is harder to get into. It admits about 4% of applicants, compared with 83% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Harvard University or University of Massachusetts-Lowell?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,163 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,066 at Harvard University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Harvard University and University of Massachusetts-Lowell?
Before aid, University of Massachusetts-Lowell costs about $30,786 a year and Harvard University about $85,540. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Harvard University or University of Massachusetts-Lowell?
Harvard University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,697 there, against about $9,943 at University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Harvard University or University of Massachusetts-Lowell?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell is the larger of the two, with about 11,434 undergraduates against 7,601 at Harvard University.
Does Harvard University or University of Massachusetts-Lowell have a better graduation rate?
Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, at about 97% against 67% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell.
Do graduates of Harvard University or University of Massachusetts-Lowell earn more?
Harvard University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $101,817 ten years after enrolling, against about $64,874 for University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Harvard University and University of Massachusetts-Lowell require SAT or ACT scores?
Harvard University requires SAT or ACT scores. University of Massachusetts-Lowell considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Harvard University and University of Massachusetts-Lowell look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Harvard University and 1180–1370 at University of Massachusetts-Lowell. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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