University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

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

University of Massachusetts Lowell is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (16,598 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Massachusetts Lowell is located in Lowell, MA (Large Suburban setting); Bucknell University is in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting).
• University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Massachusetts Lowell 17:1; Bucknell University 9:1.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Bucknell? 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 Bucknell ($16,530 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Massachusetts Lowell are 4.6% lower than at Bucknell University ($16,148 vs. $16,924).
• Bucknell University is 299.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Massachusetts-Lowell (about $50,846 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $16,966.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 87% higher at Bucknell than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (about $31,548 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $36,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Massachusetts Lowell than at Bucknell University (82% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 196.3% larger than aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students ($44,734 vs. $15,098).

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bucknell University (1390) is 110 points higher than at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (1280).
• Incoming Bucknell students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 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; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32; Bucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Test optional; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027; Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Massachusetts-Lowell students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Bucknell University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than University of Massachusetts Lowell's (50%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $21,000 more per year than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 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 Bucknell 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 Bucknell graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Massachusetts-Lowell students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.