University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

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

University of Massachusetts Lowell is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (16,598 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Massachusetts Lowell is located in Lowell, MA (Large Suburban setting); Clarkson University is in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting).
• University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Massachusetts Lowell 17:1; Clarkson University 13:1.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Clarkson? 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 Clarkson ($16,530 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Massachusetts Lowell are 11.5% lower than at Clarkson University ($16,148 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 250.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Massachusetts-Lowell (about $42,432 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $16,966.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63.8% higher at Clarkson than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (about $23,134 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $36,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (100% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 208.2% larger than aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students ($46,528 vs. $15,098).

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 20 points higher than at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (1280).
• Incoming University of Massachusetts-Lowell students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Clarkson (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 1180/1370; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Test optional; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027; Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (3.67).
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Clarkson (77.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Clarkson University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than University of Massachusetts Lowell's (50%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $15,500 more per year than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 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 Clarkson 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 Clarkson graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Massachusetts-Lowell students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.