University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Brown

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Massachusetts Lowell in Lowell, MA with Brown University in Providence, RI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Massachusetts Lowell is larger than Brown based on total student enrollment (16,598 students vs. 11,956 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Massachusetts Lowell is located in Lowell, MA (Large Suburban setting); Brown University is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Brown University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Massachusetts Lowell 17:1; Brown University 6:1.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Brown Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Brown? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Massachusetts Lowell than Brown ($16,530 vs. $26,256).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Massachusetts Lowell are 7.4% lower than at Brown University ($16,148 vs. $17,444).
• Brown University is 320.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Massachusetts-Lowell (about $54,446 more per year; $71,412.00 vs. $16,966.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 96.9% higher at Brown than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (about $35,148 more per year; $71,412.00 vs. $36,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Massachusetts Lowell than at Brown University (82% vs. 52%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brown University students is 306.6% larger than aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students ($61,392 vs. $15,098).

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Brown Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Brown? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Brown and University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brown University (1550) is 270 points higher than at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (1280).
• Incoming Brown students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 28 at University of Massachusetts-Lowell).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 1180/1370; Brown University 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32; Brown University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Brown - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027; Brown Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brown students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (3.67).
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Brown (5.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. 65.2% at Brown.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Brown Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Massachusetts-Lowell and Brown? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Brown University's six-year graduation rate (95%) is higher than University of Massachusetts Lowell's (50%).
• Graduates from Brown University earn a median of about $32,300 more per year than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,600 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Brown University graduates have a $10,000 lower median loan debt than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($15,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Brown graduates have an estimated $103 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($155 vs. $258).
• More Brown graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Massachusetts-Lowell students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.