Fairfield University vs. University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT 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 Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (16,598 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); University of Massachusetts Lowell is in Lowell, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Fairfield 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: Fairfield University 12:1; University of Massachusetts Lowell 17:1.

Fairfield University vs. University of Massachusetts-Lowell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield 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 Fairfield University ($16,530 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Massachusetts Lowell are 18.6% lower than at Fairfield University ($16,148 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 243.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Massachusetts-Lowell (about $41,384 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $16,966.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.9% higher at Fairfield University than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (about $22,086 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $36,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (96% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fairfield University students is 74% larger than aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students ($26,274 vs. $15,098).

Fairfield University vs. University of Massachusetts-Lowell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fairfield 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 Fairfield University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 50 points higher than at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (1280).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at University of Massachusetts-Lowell).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; University of Massachusetts Lowell 1180/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have the same average high school GPA (3.67) as students at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (3.67).
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

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

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield 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).

• Fairfield University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than University of Massachusetts Lowell's (50%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $21,800 more per year than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 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 Fairfield 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 Fairfield University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield 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.