All schools
University of Massachusetts-Lowell logo
PublicSuburban

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell, Massachusetts 01854

Visit website

Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

Suburban

Known for business

University of Massachusetts-Lowell is a public institution in Lowell with particular strength in business and engineering. With an average SAT of 1253, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A large campus of 11.6K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.

70% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $64,874 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $18,627.

Established
1894
Mascot
Rowdy the River Hawk
Type
Public research university
Conference
a variety of men's and women's sports
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

23 upcoming visits · Next: Fri, Jun 12 · Campus Visit

Plan Your Visit

85%Acceptance
1253SAT Avg
11,632Students
17:1Student:Faculty
70%Grad Rate
$64,874Earnings 10yr
$18,627Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate85.2%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1253

Reading & WritingMid: 620
590670
MathMid: 635
590680

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 29
2630

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Admissions

Test-RequiredTracks InterestOn-Campus Interviews

Application Platforms

Common ApplicationUMass Application

Early Action

11-01

Regular Decision

02-01

Financial Aid

Merit Scholarships

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$16,570
Tuition (out-of-state)$35,396
Room & Board$15,424
Books & Supplies$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance$29,521
Average Net Price$18,627
Median Debt at Graduation$23,704
Monthly Payment (10yr)$251

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$10,460
$30–48K$11,220
$48–75K$15,576
$75–110K$21,633
$110K+$26,648

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

46.0%

Median Debt at Grad

$18,250

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

82

Peer Average

92

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system

Incident Breakdown (2024)

19

Burglary

4

Aggravated Assault

3

Robbery

6

Motor Vehicle Theft

9

Sex Offenses

1

Arson

23

Drug Arrests

17

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Academics

Semester
Majors
120
Avg class size
26
Student-faculty ratio
18:1

Programs (179)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

82%

Mixed

Campus Life

Division IAmerica East ConferenceGreek Life

Housing & Residential Life

Guaranteed for first-year students

Housing Styles

Traditional residence hallsSuite-style housingApartment-style housing

Dining

Student Body

Undergrads
11,632
Gender Split
42% / 58%
Women / Men
First Generation
32%
Pell Grant Recipients
27%

Race & Ethnicity

White 52%
Black 9%
Hispanic 16%
Asian 14%
Two+ 3%
Int'l 2%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate70.1%
Freshman Retention81.9%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$61,467
10 Years$64,874

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Notable Alumni

Rich Miner

Co-founder of Android and Google advisor

Andre Dubus III

Bestselling author of House of Sand and Fog, National Book Award finalist

Marty Meehan

Former U.S. Congressman and current UMass System President

Stephen F. Lynch

United States Representative from Massachusetts

David Lovering

Drummer for alternative rock band Pixies

Rankings

U.S. News
#151
vs 2024
Forbes
#280
vs 2024
Wall Street Journal
#29
vs 2024
Washington Monthly
#255
vs 2024

More About This School

Varsity Sports

And womenSports includeSports areIce hockeyBasketballCross countryHockeyCollege ice

History & Fun Facts

  • Lowell State College Lowell State College got its start as the Lowell Normal School, which was chartered in 1894 as a teacher-training institution for women.
  • The 10th and final normal school to be established in Massachusetts, it opened in 1898 with 108 students and five faculty members.
  • The original classroom building opened the next year at the corner of Broadway and Wilder streets, and quickly became a landmark in the city.
  • Beginning in 1967, the college was authorized to confer two more degrees: Master of Education and Master of Music Education.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

136Very High

Estimated from MA state average + suburban adjustment

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 60"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Bostonpop. 675K
24 mi(42 min)
New Yorkpop. 8.3M
193 mi(335 min)
Philadelphiapop. 1.6M
273 mi(473 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

MHT Manchester-Boston20 mi
BOS Boston Logan26 mi
PVD Providence TF Green64 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA24 mi · ~42 min drive
New York, NY193 mi · ~5h 35m drive
Hartford, CT92 mi · ~2h 39m drive
Providence, RI57 mi · ~1h 39m drive
Albany, NY123 mi · ~3h 33m drive
Syracuse, NY246 mi · ~7h 6m drive
Rochester, NY320 mi · ~9h 15m drive
Buffalo, NY383 mi · ~11h 4m drive
Philadelphia, PA273 mi · ~7h 53m drive
Pittsburgh, PA473 mi · ~13h 40m drive
Harrisburg, PA331 mi · ~9h 34m drive
Newark, NJ198 mi · ~5h 43m drive
Trenton, NJ244 mi · ~7h 3m drive
Central (cold winters, warm summers)

Visit Planning

Nearby Attractions

Lowell National Historical Parkwalkable

National park preserving Lowell's industrial history and mill system

Tsongas Centerwalkable

Arena hosting concerts, sports events, and entertainment

Merrimack Riverwalkable

Scenic river running through campus with walking trails

Transfer Admission

Minimum credits
12 semester hours

International Students

Deadline Calendar

University of Massachusetts-Lowell Application Checklist

Decision Notifications