University of Massachusetts-Lowell Athletics

UMass Lowell competes in NCAA Division I, meaning students experience big-time college athletics with athletic scholarships and regional television coverage. The River Hawks field 12 varsity sports and award over $6.8 million in athletic scholarships annually. Just 3.7% of the 11,632 students compete as varsity athletes (427 total), making spots highly competitive. The university competes in the America East Conference for most sports. UMass Lowell has built a reputation for hockey excellence, with their Tsongas Center serving as a top venue in New England. The River Hawks hockey program regularly competes for conference championships and NCAA tournament berths. Basketball and soccer also draw solid campus support. The athletic programs have grown since the school's transition to full Division I status in recent years.