University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Massachusetts Lowell in Lowell, MA with James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

James Madison University is larger than University of Massachusetts-Lowell based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 16,598 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Massachusetts Lowell is located in Lowell, MA (Large Suburban setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Massachusetts Lowell 17:1; James Madison University 17:1.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or JMU? 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 JMU ($16,530 vs. $18,856).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 19.1% lower than at University of Massachusetts Lowell ($13,056 vs. $16,148).
• University of Massachusetts Lowell is 19.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $2,716 more per year; $16,966.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.7% higher at University of Massachusetts-Lowell than at James Madison University (about $4,660 more per year; $36,264.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Massachusetts Lowell than at James Madison University (82% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students is 24.6% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($15,098 vs. $12,114).

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. JMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Massachusetts Lowell (1280) is 20 points higher than at JMU (1260).
• Incoming University of Massachusetts-Lowell students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at JMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 1180/1370; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); JMU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Massachusetts-Lowell students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at JMU (3.57).
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. 18.2% at JMU.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• James Madison University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than University of Massachusetts Lowell's (50%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $4,101 lower median loan debt than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($20,899 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($216 vs. $258).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Massachusetts-Lowell students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.