University of Massachusetts Lowell vs University of Massachusetts Amherst

UMass Lowell vs UMass Amherst

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

UMass Lowell and UMass Amherst are members of the UMass public research system and both hold R1 / very high research activity designation. UMass Amherst is ranked higher overall in national & international rankings, holding better positions in liberal arts, social sciences, life sciences, business, and engineering. UMass Lowell holds particular standing in its applied sciences, engineering, computer science, and business programs. Amherst generally surpasses Lowell in research productivity, funding, and prominence in national/international rankings.

General Information

UMass Amherst, the oldest and flagship campus of the UMass system, is larger with approximately 23,900 undergraduates, whereas Lowell has ~ 11,100 full-time undergraduates (or ~16,770 total). Amherst's campus covers ~ 1,463 acres; Lowell is smaller. Amherst has around 109 undergraduate degree programs; Lowell fewer, though it has very solid programs in STEM, health sciences, business, and technology. Amherst's atmosphere is more research-oriented and more extensive in subject matter; Lowell focuses on applied learning, industry collaboration, and training students in more technical professional areas.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

UMass Lowell's latest acceptance rate is ~ 85.2%. UMass Amherst is more selective (exact acceptance rates different by year but much lower than Lowell). SAT/ACT ranges for Lowell are about SAT 1200-1360, ACT 25-32 for many admitted students. Amherst admits students with higher academic credentials overall. Both are test-optional or look at test scores as one factor among others; both place weight on GPA, rigor, extracurriculars, etc. Yield, selectivity, and competition are greater for Amherst.

Research Impact & Facilities

UMass Amherst excels with more comprehensive research facilities, greater research spending, larger faculties, general fields of research (agriculture, life sciences, social sciences, engineering, etc.), and more robust graduate programs. Lowell possesses robust labs too, high quality in engineering, computing, health sciences, and provides applied research and industry ties. Amherst possesses greater national recognition for basic research; Lowell is robust in applied and professional fields.

Cost & Financial Aid

At Lowell, the undergraduate tuition is approximately US$15,850 (all tuition) and average net price after aid/grants/loans is approximately US$17,624. A large number of Lowell students receive grants/financial aid. Amherst is more expensive overall, particularly for out-of-state students, but it also offers strong financial aid. In-state tuition, fees, room/board etc at Amherst are higher than at Lowell, but Amherst's aid and institutional support make it more affordable for many in-state students.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Achievement

UMass Amherst alumni have greater median early-career and long-term income (in the US$65,000-$70,000+ range for a large number of graduates) than Lowell's alumni median of around US$59,431. Amherst (~83-84%) six-year graduation rate is much higher than Lowell's (~66%). Placement / employment outcomes are also in general better at Amherst, particularly in research, graduate school placement, and high-paying technical / professional positions. Lowell does well in STEM, engineering, business, and industry-related positions and has positive results for applied and technical occupations.