Brandeis University vs. University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with University of Massachusetts Lowell in Lowell, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Massachusetts Lowell is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (16,598 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); University of Massachusetts Lowell is in Lowell, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; University of Massachusetts Lowell 17:1.

Brandeis University vs. University of Massachusetts-Lowell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or University of Massachusetts-Lowell? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Massachusetts Lowell than Brandeis University ($16,530 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Massachusetts Lowell are 19% lower than at Brandeis University ($16,148 vs. $19,944).
• Brandeis University is 301.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Massachusetts-Lowell (about $51,114 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $16,966.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 87.7% higher at Brandeis University than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (about $31,816 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $36,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Massachusetts Lowell than at Brandeis University (82% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brandeis University students is 183.8% larger than aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students ($42,841 vs. $15,098).

Brandeis University vs. University of Massachusetts-Lowell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Brandeis University or University of Massachusetts-Lowell? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Massachusetts-Lowell and Brandeis University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brandeis University (1460) is 180 points higher than at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (1280).
• Incoming Brandeis University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at University of Massachusetts-Lowell).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 1390/1520; University of Massachusetts Lowell 1180/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brandeis University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (3.67).
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Brandeis University (40.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

Brandeis University vs. University of Massachusetts-Lowell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University and University of Massachusetts-Lowell? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Brandeis University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than University of Massachusetts Lowell's (50%).
• Graduates from Brandeis University earn a median of about $11,400 more per year than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,700 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Massachusetts Lowell graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Brandeis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Massachusetts-Lowell students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.