University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts · Public · 83.0% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 76/100 · Strong Value
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $16,966/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $36,264/yr |
| Average net price | $17,163/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $68,652 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,874 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $45,700 |
| Median debt at graduation | $23,704 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $251 |
| Estimated payback period | 7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 64.8% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 11,434 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,943 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,199 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,141 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,460 |
| $110,001+ | $26,139 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Massachusetts-Lowell with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $75,859 | C+ |
| Computer Science | $111,612 | B+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $66,258 | C |
| Psychology | $57,489 | C |
| Mechanical Engineering | $94,841 | B |
| Information Science | $89,715 | B |
| Electrical Engineering | $101,054 | B+ |
| Biology | $76,149 | C |
| Registered Nursing | $93,650 | B+ |
| English Language and Literature | $54,039 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Massachusetts-Lowell is $16,966/year ($36,264/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $17,163/year, or roughly $68,652 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $9,943/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $26,139/year.
The median graduate leaves with $23,704 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $251 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $64,874 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.52 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 71.2% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 75.3% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 67.9% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 74.6% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 83.0% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 590-690 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 590-680 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 25-32 |
| Enrollment | 11,434 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 30.0% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $14,275 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts-Lowell (this school) | 76 | $17,163 | $64,874 |
| University of North Dakota | 77 | $18,551 | $63,552 |
| University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | 74 | $23,805 | $66,479 |
| University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | 72 | $16,550 | $58,561 |
| Bridgewater State University | 59 | $16,383 | $57,466 |
| Fitchburg State University | 58 | $14,262 | $53,874 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
University of Massachusetts-Lowell delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $17,163 per year ($68,652 over four years), graduates earn a median of $64,874 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 7 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates.
Median debt of $23,704 against $64,874 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.