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University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs Suffolk University

University of Massachusetts-Lowell is a public university in Lowell, MA, and Suffolk University is a private university in Boston, MA. Suffolk University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 82% 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 $29,618 at Suffolk University. About 67% of students graduate at University of Massachusetts-Lowell, compared with 60% at Suffolk University. Ten years after enrolling, Suffolk University alumni earn a median of about $67,506, against $64,874 for University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell, MA · Public

Suffolk University

Boston, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Lowell, MA
Boston, MA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
11,434
4,268
Acceptance rate
83%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1180–1370
1090–1300
ACT (middle 50%)
25–32
24–28
Test policy
Considered
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,163
$29,618
Full cost / yr
$30,786
$65,281
In-state tuition
$16,966
$47,550
Out-of-state tuition
$36,264
$47,550
Application fee
$70
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,943
$24,745
$30k - $48k
$10,199
$25,711
$48k - $75k
$12,141
$25,702
$75k - $110k
$16,460
$29,654
Over $110k
$26,139
$36,264
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
60%
Freshman retention
84%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$61,467
$55,856
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,874
$67,506
Median debt at graduation
$23,704
$26,889
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
30%
First-generation students
32%
30%
International students
3%
12%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 5
Nov 15
Regular decision
Feb 15
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 University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Suffolk University harder to get into?
Suffolk University is harder to get into. It admits about 82% 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 Suffolk University?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,163 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,618 at Suffolk 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 University of Massachusetts-Lowell and Suffolk University?
Before aid, University of Massachusetts-Lowell costs about $30,786 a year and Suffolk University about $65,281. 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 Suffolk University?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,943 there, against about $24,745 at Suffolk University. 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 Suffolk University?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell is the larger of the two, with about 11,434 undergraduates against 4,268 at Suffolk University.
Does University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Suffolk University have a better graduation rate?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 60% at Suffolk University.
Do graduates of University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Suffolk University earn more?
Suffolk University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $67,506 ten years after enrolling, against about $64,874 for University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Massachusetts-Lowell and Suffolk University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Suffolk University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do University of Massachusetts-Lowell and Suffolk University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1180–1370 at University of Massachusetts-Lowell and 1090–1300 at Suffolk University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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