University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs Worcester Polytechnic Institute
University of Massachusetts-Lowell is a public university in Lowell, MA, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private institute in Worcester, MA. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is the more selective of the two, admitting about 60% 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 $43,071 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. About 89% of students graduate at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, compared with 67% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Ten years after enrolling, Worcester Polytechnic Institute alumni earn a median of about $103,470, against $64,874 for University of Massachusetts-Lowell.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Lowell, MA
Worcester, MA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
11,434
5,447
Acceptance rate
83%
60%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1180–1370
1300–1460
ACT (middle 50%)
25–32
30–34
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,163
$43,071
Full cost / yr
$30,786
$78,679
In-state tuition
$16,966
$60,965
Out-of-state tuition
$36,264
$60,965
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,943
$24,018
$30k - $48k
$10,199
$24,452
$48k - $75k
$12,141
$32,350
$75k - $110k
$16,460
$37,753
Over $110k
$26,139
$49,716
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
89%
Freshman retention
84%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$61,467
$85,038
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,874
$103,470
Median debt at graduation
$23,704
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
12%
First-generation students
32%
13%
International students
3%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 5
Nov 1
Regular decision
Feb 15
Feb 1
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.
- Is University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Worcester Polytechnic Institute harder to get into?
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute is harder to get into. It admits about 60% 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
- University of Massachusetts-Lowell is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,163 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $43,071 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
- Before aid, University of Massachusetts-Lowell costs about $30,786 a year and Worcester Polytechnic Institute about $78,679. 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
- University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,943 there, against about $24,018 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
- University of Massachusetts-Lowell is the larger of the two, with about 11,434 undergraduates against 5,447 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
- Does University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Worcester Polytechnic Institute have a better graduation rate?
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 67% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell.
- Do graduates of University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Worcester Polytechnic Institute earn more?
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute alumni earn more on average: a median of about $103,470 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of Massachusetts-Lowell considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do University of Massachusetts-Lowell and Worcester Polytechnic Institute look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1180–1370 at University of Massachusetts-Lowell and 1300–1460 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs Harvard UniversityUniversity of Massachusetts-Lowell vs Tufts UniversityUniversity of Massachusetts-Lowell vs Boston CollegeWorcester Polytechnic Institute vs Harvard UniversityWorcester Polytechnic Institute vs Tufts UniversityWorcester Polytechnic Institute vs Boston College
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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