University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. U of R

Comparable Facts

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

University of Massachusetts Lowell is larger than U of R based on total student enrollment (16,598 students vs. 11,946 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. U of R Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or U of R? 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 U of R ($16,530 vs. $40,462).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Massachusetts Lowell are 18.4% lower than at University of Rochester ($16,148 vs. $19,792).
• University of Rochester is 295.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Massachusetts-Lowell (about $50,114 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $16,966.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 85% higher at U of R than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (about $30,816 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $36,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Massachusetts Lowell than at University of Rochester (82% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Rochester students is 201.4% larger than aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students ($45,500 vs. $15,098).

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. U of R Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Rochester (1480) is 200 points higher than at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (1280).
• Incoming U of R students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 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; University of Rochester 1410/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32; University of Rochester 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); U of R - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027; U of R Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman U of R students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (3.67).
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than U of R (40.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. 15.4% at U of R.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. U of R Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• University of Rochester's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than University of Massachusetts Lowell's (50%).
• Graduates from University of Rochester earn a median of about $15,700 more per year than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,000 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Rochester graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($24,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, U of R graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($253 vs. $258).
• More U of R graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Massachusetts-Lowell students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.