About University of Massachusetts-Lowell
UMass Lowell has built its reputation around engineering excellence and research within the state university system. The campus serves 11,632 students in a large suburban setting north of Boston. Beat Generation icon Jack Kerouac and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler both walked these halls, though the university has evolved far beyond its literary and musical roots into a serious STEM powerhouse. Engineering programs anchor the academic offerings, supported by the research university infrastructure that attracts students seeking hands-on technical training.
The financial picture looks solid for most families. Students pay an average net price of $18,627 after aid, with lower-income families paying as little as $10,460. Graduates earn a median of $64,874 ten years after starting college, making the typical debt load of $23,704 manageable with monthly payments around $251. The 95.6% employment rate suggests strong job market connections, particularly valuable for engineering and tech graduates.
The student body skews male at 58.2%, reflecting the engineering focus, while maintaining decent diversity with significant Hispanic and Asian populations. An 85.95% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, though the SAT average of 1259 indicates serious academic preparation. The River Hawks compete in Division I athletics across 12 sports, adding campus energy to the primarily commuter-friendly environment.
The financial picture looks solid for most families. Students pay an average net price of $18,627 after aid, with lower-income families paying as little as $10,460. Graduates earn a median of $64,874 ten years after starting college, making the typical debt load of $23,704 manageable with monthly payments around $251. The 95.6% employment rate suggests strong job market connections, particularly valuable for engineering and tech graduates.
The student body skews male at 58.2%, reflecting the engineering focus, while maintaining decent diversity with significant Hispanic and Asian populations. An 85.95% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, though the SAT average of 1259 indicates serious academic preparation. The River Hawks compete in Division I athletics across 12 sports, adding campus energy to the primarily commuter-friendly environment.
Academics & Faculty
UMass Lowell operates as a research university within the state system, offering students access to faculty conducting modern work alongside their teaching duties. The school built its reputation on strong engineering programs, reflecting Massachusetts' tech corridor demands. Students benefit from a 17:1 student-faculty ratio that provides reasonable access to professors despite the university's size. The 70% six-year graduation rate indicates solid academic support systems, though some students need extra time to complete rigorous technical degrees. Computer science and engineering majors find particularly strong career pipelines, with the university's research focus creating internship and co-op opportunities that complement classroom learning in STEM fields.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 59.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 70.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 70.1%
- Retention Rate
- 81.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,874
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $84,653 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $78,612 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $74,576 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,576 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $71,854 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $71,575 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $71,575 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $69,338 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $69,338 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $67,660 |
Campus Life
UMass Lowell sits in a former mill city 30 miles northwest of Boston, where red brick buildings blend industrial history with modern academics. The campus houses 4,135 students in residence halls, representing about 36% of the total enrollment. New England winters demand heavy coats and snow boots, while spring and fall offer perfect weather for walking between the North and South campuses along the Merrimack River.
With 88.9% of students from Massachusetts, weekends often see students heading home or exploring nearby Boston via commuter rail. The engineering focus creates a male-heavy campus at 58.2% men. Students gather at the Campus Recreation Center or catch River Hawks hockey games, a source of genuine school pride. The Sunrise Diner and downtown Lowell's growing arts scene provide off-campus hangouts. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life like at traditional college towns. Study groups and engineering project teams become natural friend circles, especially given the 17:1 student-faculty ratio that encourages collaborative learning over lecture hall anonymity.
With 88.9% of students from Massachusetts, weekends often see students heading home or exploring nearby Boston via commuter rail. The engineering focus creates a male-heavy campus at 58.2% men. Students gather at the Campus Recreation Center or catch River Hawks hockey games, a source of genuine school pride. The Sunrise Diner and downtown Lowell's growing arts scene provide off-campus hangouts. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life like at traditional college towns. Study groups and engineering project teams become natural friend circles, especially given the 17:1 student-faculty ratio that encourages collaborative learning over lecture hall anonymity.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 4,135 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
33 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Burglary | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 14°–33°F
- July Avg
- 59°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- -725.8"
Student Demographics
UMass Lowell draws heavily from Massachusetts communities, with nearly 90% of students staying close to home for quality engineering and technical education. The student body reflects the school's STEM focus, with men outnumbering women by a significant margin due to strong programs in engineering, computer science, and related fields. Students represent the diverse Greater Boston area, creating a multicultural campus where first-generation college students thrive alongside traditional learners. The university serves as an accessible pathway to research opportunities and career advancement for working-class families throughout New England.
- Men
- 58.2%
- Women
- 41.8%
- White
- 51.7%
- Black
- 9.4%
- Hispanic
- 15.8%
- Asian
- 14.0%
- In-State Students
- 88.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 27.4%
Location
UMass Lowell sits in a former mill city about 30 miles northwest of Boston. The campus enrolls 11,632 students in an area that transformed from textile manufacturing center to modern tech center. Lowell preserves its industrial heritage through historic canals and red-brick mill buildings that now house innovation labs and research facilities. The city offers urban amenities without big-city costs, helping keep the average net price at $18,627. Students can reach Boston by commuter rail in under an hour for internships and job opportunities. The location attracts 88.90% in-state students who value proximity to Massachusetts' tech corridor. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare UMass Lowell with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Lowell, Massachusetts 01854
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,874
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $75,948
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $45,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 63.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $251/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,704
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Massachusetts-Lowell?
UMass Lowell accepts 85.95% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1259. The school draws heavily from Massachusetts, with 88.90% of students coming from in-state.
How much does University of Massachusetts-Lowell cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $18,627 annually. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,460 after aid, while the median debt at graduation is $23,704.
What is University of Massachusetts-Lowell known for academically?
The university has built its reputation around strong engineering programs and research initiatives. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio among its 11,632 students, UMass Lowell operates as a research university within the state system.
What career outcomes do University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates achieve?
Graduates earn a median salary of $64,874 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 95.6% employment rate. The school's 70.10% six-year graduation rate reflects its focus on career preparation in technical fields.
Where is University of Massachusetts-Lowell located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Lowell, a large suburban setting that houses 4,135 students in on-campus facilities. The River Hawks compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 12 varsity sports and 427 total athletes.
Does University of Massachusetts-Lowell have any famous alumni?
The university counts Beat Generation author Jack Kerouac and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler among its notable graduates. Computer pioneer Wang An also attended, reflecting the school's long connection to innovation and technology.
