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University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs Western New England University

University of Massachusetts-Lowell is a public university in Lowell, MA. Western New England University is a private university in Springfield, MA. Both admit about 83% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $17,163 a year at University of Massachusetts-Lowell after aid, and about $27,290 at Western New England University. About 67% of students graduate at University of Massachusetts-Lowell, compared with 64% at Western New England University. Ten years after enrolling, Western New England University alumni earn a median of about $73,157, against $64,874 for University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell, MA · Public

Western New England University

Springfield, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Lowell, MA
Springfield, MA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
11,434
2,603
Acceptance rate
83%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1180–1370
1090–1300
ACT (middle 50%)
25–32
21–28
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,163
$27,290
Full cost / yr
$30,786
$60,262
In-state tuition
$16,966
$47,820
Out-of-state tuition
$36,264
$47,820
Application fee
$70
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,943
$20,726
$30k - $48k
$10,199
$22,471
$48k - $75k
$12,141
$25,205
$75k - $110k
$16,460
$28,660
Over $110k
$26,139
$29,794
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
64%
Freshman retention
84%
74%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$61,467
$51,771
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,874
$73,157
Median debt at graduation
$23,704
$25,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
24%
First-generation students
32%
25%
International students
3%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 5
Nov 15
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 Western New England University harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 83% of applicants. 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 Western New England University?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,163 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,290 at Western New England 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 Western New England University?
Before aid, University of Massachusetts-Lowell costs about $30,786 a year and Western New England University about $60,262. 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 Western New England University?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,943 there, against about $20,726 at Western New England 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 Western New England University?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell is the larger of the two, with about 11,434 undergraduates against 2,603 at Western New England University.
Does University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Western New England University have a better graduation rate?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 64% at Western New England University.
Do graduates of University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Western New England University earn more?
Western New England University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $73,157 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 Western New England University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Western New England University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Massachusetts-Lowell and Western New England University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1180–1370 at University of Massachusetts-Lowell and 1090–1300 at Western New England University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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