Long Island University vs University of Massachusetts Lowell

Long Island University vs UMass Lowell

Long Island University is a selective private university located in Brookville, New York in the New York City metropolitan region. It is a mid-sized school with 15,000 students. Admissions is relatively competitive as Long Island University has an acceptance rate of around 93%. Majors offered are Business, Health Professions, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Liberal Arts. Six-year graduation rate is approximately 46%, and the median starting salary of Long Island University graduates is about INR 41,50,000 (after ten years of graduation, which is converted from $50,100 median earnings).

University of Massachusetts Lowell is a well-known state university in Lowell, Massachusetts in the Greater Boston metropolitan region. It is a big school with 17,500 students. Admissions is competitive with UMass Lowell's acceptance rate being approximately 85%. Typical majors include Engineering, Business, Health Sciences, Computer Science, and Education. The six-year graduation rate is 64%, and UMass Lowell alumni continue to have a median starting salary of about INR 58,00,000 (converted from $70,000 median earnings a decade after graduation).

Overview Comparison
Long Island UniversityUMass Lowell
ranking (overall)# 369 US News 2024
# 159 US News 2024
# 1205 US News 2024
# 1141 US News 2023
ProgramsUG Programs -13
PG Programs -10
Doctorate Programs -1
UG Programs -72
PG Programs -53
Doctorate Programs -1
Acceptance Rate93.0 %85.0 %
Exam ScoreIELTS-6.5
TOEFL-79
IELTS-6.5
SAT-1130
TOEFL-80
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees  28102
[For PG Program]
Average Tuition Fees   32827
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  26284.95
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 21318 Per Year

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

exam scoresIELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 79/120IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 79/120
documents required#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose
application datesJun 27, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake)
Jul 25, 2025 (Decision date for Fall Intake)
Nov 21, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake)
Dec 8, 2025 (Decision date for Spring Intake)
Dec 12, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring Intake)
Jul 25, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsLong Island UniversityUMass Lowell
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1926
1894
Male:Female41% Male, 59% Female62% Male, 38% Female
Weather
Comparison Notes

Long Island University vs University of Massachusetts Lowell

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

The University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) is a public research national university, not ranked in QS and THE. It is particularly strong in the subject areas of Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and Health Sciences. Long Island University (LIU), which is a private university, is also not ranked in QS and THE and is most well-known for Pharmacy, Health Professions, Business, and Performing Arts. Although UMass Lowell enjoys a stronger research reputation and international reputation, LIU has a high reputation in professional and career-oriented fields.

General Information

Long Island University, which was established in 1926, has principal campuses in Brooklyn and Brookville (LIU Post) and has some 15,000 students in undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. UMass Lowell, founded in 1894 and within the University of Massachusetts system, has some 18,000 students and a broad array of programs with a significant STEM and research focus. LIU enjoys the advantage of its New York City location, and UMass Lowell enjoys its location near Boston and connection to Massachusetts' innovation economy. 

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

UMass Lowell has an acceptance rate of approximately 85%, with average admitted students averaging a GPA in the range of 3.2–3.6 and competitive SAT/ACT scores (though the tests are now frequently optional). LIU is a bit more open, with an acceptance rate of approximately 93%, although some programs—such as Pharmacy and Health Sciences—are more selective. Both schools accept international students, with UMass Lowell highlighting academic preparedness in STEM programs and LIU providing multiple entry pathways.

Research Impact & Facilities

UMass Lowell is a high-research activity (R2) university with significant federally funded initiatives in engineering, cybersecurity, nanotechnology, and health sciences. It possesses state-of-the-art labs, a strong network of business incubators, and close industry connections. LIU invests considerable sums in health and life sciences, with a medical school and one of the largest private schools of pharmacy in the U.S., although its research scope is less than at UMass Lowell. LIU's Brooklyn campus offers strong urban professional exposure, while UMass Lowell is particularly strong in STEM research infrastructure.

Cost & Financial Aid

As a private university, LIU is considerably more costly, with undergraduate tuition approximately $39,000–$42,000 annually pre-scholarship. UMass Lowell, being public, is less expensive, particularly for Massachusetts students ($16,000–$18,000 yearly in-state, $34,000–$36,000 out-of-state). Both offer scholarships: LIU has merit-based and need-based aid, while UMass Lowell offers merit scholarships and research assistantships, of particular appeal for STEM students.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UMass Lowell alumni are well-positioned in engineering, technology, business, and healthcare, with close relationships to Boston's tech and innovation sectors. Alumni tend to get jobs with Fortune 500 corporations, government, and research institutions. LIU alumni thrive in healthcare, law, education, and the arts, with high presence in New York's professional and cultural industries. UMass Lowell is stronger in STEM-driven career outcomes, while LIU is stronger in health professions and creative industries, each reflecting their institutional focus.