Skip to content

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs Tufts University

University of Massachusetts-Lowell is a public university in Lowell, MA. Tufts University is a private university in Medford, MA. Tufts University admits about 11% of applicants and University of Massachusetts-Lowell about 83%, making Tufts University 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 $39,998 at Tufts University. About 93% of students graduate at Tufts University, compared with 67% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Ten years after enrolling, Tufts University alumni earn a median of about $83,214, against $64,874 for University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell, MA · Public

Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Lowell, MA
Medford, MA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
11,434
7,061
Acceptance rate
83%
11%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1180–1370
1470–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
25–32
33–35
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,163
$39,998
Full cost / yr
$30,786
$88,300
In-state tuition
$16,966
$70,704
Out-of-state tuition
$36,264
$70,704
Application fee
$70
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,943
$11,284
$30k - $48k
$10,199
$9,811
$48k - $75k
$12,141
$14,923
$75k - $110k
$16,460
$23,311
Over $110k
$26,139
$58,570
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
93%
Freshman retention
84%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$61,467
$68,337
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,874
$83,214
Median debt at graduation
$23,704
$16,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
12%
First-generation students
32%
15%
International students
3%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 2
Early action
Nov 5
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 15
Jan 4

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 Tufts University harder to get into?
Tufts University is harder to get into. It admits about 11% 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 Tufts University?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,163 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $39,998 at Tufts 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 Tufts University?
Before aid, University of Massachusetts-Lowell costs about $30,786 a year and Tufts University about $88,300. 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 Tufts University?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,943 there, against about $11,284 at Tufts 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 Tufts University?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell is the larger of the two, with about 11,434 undergraduates against 7,061 at Tufts University.
Does University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Tufts University have a better graduation rate?
Tufts University has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 67% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell.
Do graduates of University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Tufts University earn more?
Tufts University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $83,214 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 Tufts University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Tufts University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Massachusetts-Lowell and Tufts University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1180–1370 at University of Massachusetts-Lowell and 1470–1560 at Tufts University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school