University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. MIT

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Massachusetts Lowell in Lowell, MA with Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Massachusetts Lowell is larger than MIT based on total student enrollment (16,598 students vs. 11,886 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Massachusetts Lowell is located in Lowell, MA (Large Suburban setting); Massachusetts Institute of Technology is in Cambridge, MA (Midsize City setting).
• University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Massachusetts Lowell 17:1; Massachusetts Institute of Technology 3:1.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. MIT Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or MIT? 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 MIT ($16,530 vs. $20,996).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Massachusetts Lowell are 20.4% lower than at Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($16,148 vs. $20,280).
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology is 267.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Massachusetts-Lowell (about $45,430 more per year; $62,396.00 vs. $16,966.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 72.1% higher at MIT than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (about $26,132 more per year; $62,396.00 vs. $36,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Massachusetts Lowell than at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (82% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Massachusetts Institute of Technology students is 308.9% larger than aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students ($61,734 vs. $15,098).

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. MIT Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1550) is 270 points higher than at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (1280).
• Incoming MIT students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 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; Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1520/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32; Massachusetts Institute of Technology 34/36.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); MIT - Required to be considered for admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027; MIT Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MIT students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (3.67).
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than MIT (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. 85.8% at MIT.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. MIT Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than University of Massachusetts Lowell's (50%).
• Graduates from Massachusetts Institute of Technology earn a median of about $86,800 more per year than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates about ten years after starting college ($142,100 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates have a $7,684 lower median loan debt than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($17,316 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, MIT graduates have an estimated $79 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($179 vs. $258).
• More MIT graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Massachusetts-Lowell students, three years after graduation. (92% 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.