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University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs Nichols College

University of Massachusetts-Lowell is a public university in Lowell, MA. Nichols College is a private college in Dudley, MA. Nichols College admits about 81% of applicants and University of Massachusetts-Lowell about 83%, making Nichols College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,163 a year at University of Massachusetts-Lowell after aid, and about $33,036 at Nichols College. About 67% of students graduate at University of Massachusetts-Lowell, compared with 63% at Nichols College. Ten years after enrolling, University of Massachusetts-Lowell alumni earn a median of about $64,874, against $58,063 for Nichols College.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell, MA · Public

Nichols College

Dudley, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Lowell, MA
Dudley, MA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
11,434
1,163
Acceptance rate
83%
81%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
1180–1370
1028–1236
ACT (middle 50%)
25–32
20–26
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,163
$33,036
Full cost / yr
$30,786
$58,310
In-state tuition
$16,966
$42,705
Out-of-state tuition
$36,264
$42,705
Application fee
$70
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,943
$22,054
$30k - $48k
$10,199
$24,749
$48k - $75k
$12,141
$31,978
$75k - $110k
$16,460
$33,851
Over $110k
$26,139
$35,731
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
63%
Freshman retention
84%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$61,467
$47,830
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,874
$58,063
Median debt at graduation
$23,704
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
26%
First-generation students
32%
32%
International students
3%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 5
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 15
Rolling

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 University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Nichols College harder to get into?
Nichols College is harder to get into. It admits about 81% 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, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Nichols College?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,163 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $33,036 at Nichols College. 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 University of Massachusetts-Lowell and Nichols College?
Before aid, University of Massachusetts-Lowell costs about $30,786 a year and Nichols College about $58,310. 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, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Nichols College?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,943 there, against about $22,054 at Nichols College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Nichols College?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell is the larger of the two, with about 11,434 undergraduates against 1,163 at Nichols College.
Does University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Nichols College have a better graduation rate?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 63% at Nichols College.
Do graduates of University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Nichols College earn more?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell alumni earn more on average: a median of about $64,874 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,063 for Nichols College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Massachusetts-Lowell and Nichols College require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Nichols College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Massachusetts-Lowell and Nichols College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1180–1370 at University of Massachusetts-Lowell and 1028–1236 at Nichols College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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