Overview
University of Massachusetts-Lowell is a accessible public four-year institution in Lowell, Massachusetts. The school accepts 86.0% of applicants and enrolls 11,632 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 86.0%
- Average SAT
- 1,259
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,170–1,348
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 28
- Total Enrollment
- 11,632
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
You can apply through the Common Application with the standard requirements: high school transcript, personal essay, and letter of recommendation. The regular decision deadline is February 1, with rolling admissions continuing through summer if space remains available.
Engineering and nursing programs at UMass Lowell are significantly more competitive than the university's overall admission process. These departments have higher academic standards and limited capacity, so apply early and ensure your math and science coursework is strong. Computer science also draws heavy interest given the program's strong industry connections in the Boston tech corridor.
Housing fills quickly, especially in the newer residence halls near campus. Submit your housing application immediately after your admission deposit. First-year students must live on campus unless they commute from a parent's home within 25 miles.
The campus straddles the Merrimack River with academic buildings spread across three main areas connected by free shuttle buses. Download the campus bus app before orientation since walking between some buildings takes considerable time. Winter weather can make outdoor walks between campuses particularly challenging.
Plan to attend the summer orientation session rather than the abbreviated fall version. Summer orientation gives you better course selection and earlier registration times. You'll also complete placement testing during orientation, which determines your math and English course levels.
The university operates on a semester system with a January intersession. Many students use this short winter term for internships or study abroad programs, particularly valuable given the school's strong co-op partnerships with local technology and healthcare employers.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $18,627/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $16,570
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $35,396
- Students Receiving Aid
- 27%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 70.1%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $64,874/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 81.9%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline for University of Massachusetts-Lowell?
UMass Lowell uses rolling admissions with a priority deadline of February 1 for fall admission. Applications submitted after this date are reviewed on a space-available basis.
Does University of Massachusetts-Lowell require SAT or ACT scores?
UMass Lowell is test-optional, meaning SAT or ACT scores are not required for admission. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What GPA do you need to get into University of Massachusetts-Lowell?
UMass Lowell does not publish a minimum GPA requirement. The admissions process considers multiple factors including academic performance, course rigor, and extracurricular activities.
Can you transfer to University of Massachusetts-Lowell from community college?
Yes, UMass Lowell accepts transfer students from community colleges and other institutions. Transfer applicants need at least 24 transferable credits and must meet specific GPA requirements for their intended program.