UMass Lowell vs University of Massachusetts Boston

UMass Lowell vs UMass Boston

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

UMass Lowell and UMass Boston are both institutions within the University of Massachusetts system and are public research universities. UMass Lowell has a stronger STEM reputation particularly in Engineering, Technology, Computer Science, and Applied Sciences, and its ROI / graduate income (particularly early career) is among the highest for public Massachusetts universities. UMass Boston's relative strengths are in Social Sciences, Health Professions, Public Policy, Urban Studies, and the provision of access to a diverse student body. UMass Lowell tends to rank higher in national/regional ranks for engineering and applied science programs; UMass Boston is better known for its social-impact mission and commuter and diverse student base, so its global ranks will be lower for STEM but more robust in some public-policy / health areas. 

General Information

UMass Lowell, with overall enrollment (undergrad + grad) at approximately 18,000+ students, is larger in research activity and physical space than UMass Boston, which has ~ 15,500 total students, with undergraduates ~ 12,100. UMass Lowell has its campus in Lowell, which has numerous STEM and engineering labs, co-op and internship collaborations, heavy focus on innovation and manufacturing research, etc. UMass Boston is situated in Boston's urban/coastal setting with more commuter students, close connection with public health, policy, and community programs; it has numerous programs, but fewer in heavy engineering than Lowell.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Competetitiveness of admissions at Lowell is fairly in the ~ 72-86%. UMass Boston's acceptance rate recently ~ 80-83%. UMass Lowell attracts students with slightly higher overall academic markers (SAT/ACT and high school readiness) for STEM and engineering-related programs. UMass Boston operates more access-oriented admissions with a majority of the students coming from underrepresented and commuter groups. Both institutions have test-optional in most instances or are heading in that direction. Yield rates also differ by program and cohort; UMass Lowell tends to have a stronger yield slightly for STEM majors; UMass Boston yield affected by urban setting and price.

Research Impact & Facilities

UMass Lowell has greater research spending in engineering, manufacturing, nanotechnology, biomedical sciences, and robust co-op and employer alliances, and programs distinguished by early career salary performance. UMass Boston centers on research in public health, marine science, urban policy, education, social justice, environment, with robust connections with city government agencies. Lowell's STEM facilities and research labs are greater in size; Boston's is in research that engages with urban institutions and public institutions, health systems, etc.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both UMass Lowell and UMass Boston (for in-state students) are less expensive than most private universities. UMass Boston's in-state tuition is ~ $14,900-$15,000; net price after grants/loans ~ $17,554. UMass Lowell's expenses are fairly comparable (tuition + fees + room & board higher depending on residence), and its affordability is supplemented by good ROI. Several of the students at UMass Boston get grant aid; financial aid received by undergraduates is quite high. UMass Lowell also provides financial aid, scholarships, etc., and the students get benefitted with it, particularly in the case of STEM, where internship/co-op earnings can prove useful. Out-of-state tuition is much higher for both.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UMass Lowell alumni have median salaries of roughly $64,874 in College Scorecard; early career pay is good, particularly for engineering, business, and computer science majors. Six-year graduation rate ~ 63-64%. Median earnings of UMass Boston are roughly $65,865 in some mid-career indicators; its six-year, first-time, full-time undergraduates graduation rate is lower, at 51-57%. Lowell is apt to dominate in engineering and tech fields as far as alumni results are concerned; Boston dominates public service, health care, education, social work, policy. Graduate placement rates are decent for both of them, although Boston students might be more hindered by commuting, part-time status, etc.