University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Bard College

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Massachusetts Lowell in Lowell, MA with Bard College in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Massachusetts Lowell is larger than Bard College based on total student enrollment (16,598 students vs. 2,911 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Massachusetts Lowell is located in Lowell, MA (Large Suburban setting); Bard College is in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting).
• University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Massachusetts Lowell 17:1; Bard College 9:1.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Bard College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Bard College? 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 Bard College ($16,530 vs. $29,320).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Massachusetts Lowell are 14.3% lower than at Bard College ($16,148 vs. $18,852).
• Bard College is 291.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Massachusetts-Lowell (about $49,470 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $16,966.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 83.2% higher at Bard College than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (about $30,172 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $36,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Massachusetts Lowell than at Bard College (82% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 265.8% larger than aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students ($55,235 vs. $15,098).

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Bard College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Bard College? 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 Bard College and University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bard College (1360) is 80 points higher than at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (1280).
• Incoming Bard College 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: University of Massachusetts Lowell 1180/1370; Bard College 1270/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32; Bard College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Test optional; Bard College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027; Bard College Jan 1, 2027.
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Bard College (52.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. 12.8% at Bard College.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Bard College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Massachusetts-Lowell and Bard College? 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).

• Bard College's six-year graduation rate (76%) is higher than University of Massachusetts Lowell's (50%).
• Graduates from University of Massachusetts Lowell earn a median of about $13,700 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,300 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Massachusetts Lowell graduates have a $1,194 lower median loan debt than Bard College graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,194).
• Among borrowers, University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bard College graduates ($258 vs. $270).
• More Bard College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Massachusetts-Lowell students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.