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University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs University of Massachusetts-Boston

University of Massachusetts-Lowell is a public university in Lowell, MA. University of Massachusetts-Boston is a public university in Boston, MA. University of Massachusetts-Lowell admits about 83% of applicants and University of Massachusetts-Boston about 84%, making University of Massachusetts-Lowell 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 $17,707 at University of Massachusetts-Boston. About 67% of students graduate at University of Massachusetts-Lowell, compared with 50% at University of Massachusetts-Boston. Ten years after enrolling, University of Massachusetts-Boston alumni earn a median of about $65,865, against $64,874 for University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell, MA · Public

University of Massachusetts-Boston

Boston, MA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Lowell, MA
Boston, MA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
11,434
11,512
Acceptance rate
83%
84%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1180–1370
1070–1290
ACT (middle 50%)
25–32
22–29
Test policy
Considered
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,163
$17,707
Full cost / yr
$30,786
$30,544
In-state tuition
$16,966
$15,908
Out-of-state tuition
$36,264
$38,125
Application fee
$70
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,943
$14,070
$30k - $48k
$10,199
$13,558
$48k - $75k
$12,141
$15,663
$75k - $110k
$16,460
$20,885
Over $110k
$26,139
$25,571
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
50%
Freshman retention
84%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$61,467
$53,521
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,874
$65,865
Median debt at graduation
$23,704
$21,974
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
42%
First-generation students
32%
43%
International students
3%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 5
Nov 1
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 University of Massachusetts-Boston harder to get into?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell is harder to get into. It admits about 83% of applicants, compared with 84% at University of Massachusetts-Boston. 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 University of Massachusetts-Boston?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,163 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,707 at University of Massachusetts-Boston. 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 University of Massachusetts-Boston?
Before aid, University of Massachusetts-Boston costs about $30,544 a year and University of Massachusetts-Lowell about $30,786. 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 University of Massachusetts-Boston?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,943 there, against about $14,070 at University of Massachusetts-Boston. 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 University of Massachusetts-Boston?
University of Massachusetts-Boston is the larger of the two, with about 11,512 undergraduates against 11,434 at University of Massachusetts-Lowell.
Does University of Massachusetts-Lowell or University of Massachusetts-Boston have a better graduation rate?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 50% at University of Massachusetts-Boston.
Do graduates of University of Massachusetts-Lowell or University of Massachusetts-Boston earn more?
University of Massachusetts-Boston alumni earn more on average: a median of about $65,865 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 University of Massachusetts-Boston require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. University of Massachusetts-Boston considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do University of Massachusetts-Lowell and University of Massachusetts-Boston look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1180–1370 at University of Massachusetts-Lowell and 1070–1290 at University of Massachusetts-Boston. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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