University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Cornell

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Massachusetts Lowell in Lowell, MA with Cornell University in Ithaca, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Cornell University is larger than University of Massachusetts-Lowell based on total student enrollment (26,793 students vs. 16,598 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Massachusetts Lowell is located in Lowell, MA (Large Suburban setting); Cornell University is in Ithaca, NY (Small City setting).
• University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Massachusetts Lowell 17:1; Cornell University 9:1.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Cornell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Cornell? 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 Cornell ($16,530 vs. $26,361).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Massachusetts Lowell are 16.9% lower than at Cornell University ($16,148 vs. $19,428).
• Cornell University is 308.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Massachusetts-Lowell (about $52,348 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $16,966.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 91.1% higher at Cornell than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (about $33,050 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $36,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Massachusetts Lowell than at Cornell University (82% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell University students is 309.2% larger than aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students ($61,779 vs. $15,098).

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Cornell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Cornell? 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 Cornell and University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornell University (1540) is 260 points higher than at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (1280).
• Incoming Cornell 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; Cornell University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32; Cornell University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Test optional; Cornell - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027; Cornell Jan 2, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cornell students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (3.67).
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Cornell (8.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. 63.9% at Cornell.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Cornell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Massachusetts-Lowell and Cornell? 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).

• Cornell University's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than University of Massachusetts Lowell's (50%).
• Graduates from Cornell University earn a median of about $43,100 more per year than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,400 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornell University graduates have a $13,000 lower median loan debt than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($12,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Cornell graduates have an estimated $134 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($124 vs. $258).
• More Cornell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Massachusetts-Lowell students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.