San Diego State vs. University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Comparable Facts

Compare San Diego State University in San Diego, CA with University of Massachusetts Lowell in Lowell, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

San Diego State University is larger than University of Massachusetts-Lowell based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 16,598 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Diego State University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); University of Massachusetts Lowell is in Lowell, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Diego State University 27:1; University of Massachusetts Lowell 17:1.

San Diego State vs. University of Massachusetts-Lowell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Diego State 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 San Diego State University than University of Massachusetts-Lowell ($14,704 vs. $16,530).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Massachusetts Lowell are 29.9% lower than at San Diego State University ($16,148 vs. $23,030).
• University of Massachusetts Lowell is 94.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $8,238 more per year; $16,966.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70% higher at University of Massachusetts-Lowell than at San Diego State University (about $14,936 more per year; $36,264.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Massachusetts Lowell than at San Diego State University (82% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students is 25.3% larger than aid received by San Diego State University students ($15,098 vs. $12,053).

San Diego State vs. University of Massachusetts-Lowell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, San Diego State 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 San Diego State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Massachusetts Lowell (1280) is 80 points higher than at San Diego State (1200).
• Incoming University of Massachusetts-Lowell students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at San Diego State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 1090/1300; University of Massachusetts Lowell 1180/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 22/29; University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Diego State - Test-free; University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026; University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (3.67).
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at San Diego State vs. 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

San Diego State vs. University of Massachusetts-Lowell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Diego State 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).

• San Diego State University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than University of Massachusetts Lowell's (50%).
• Graduates from University of Massachusetts Lowell earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than San Diego State graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,300 vs. $53,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $9,651 lower median loan debt than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($15,349 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $100 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($158 vs. $258).
• More San Diego State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Massachusetts-Lowell students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.