University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Colgate

Comparable Facts

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

University of Massachusetts Lowell is larger than Colgate based on total student enrollment (16,598 students vs. 3,211 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Colgate Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Colgate? 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 Colgate ($16,530 vs. $28,736).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Massachusetts Lowell are 8.3% lower than at Colgate University ($16,148 vs. $17,610).
• Colgate University is 314.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Massachusetts-Lowell (about $53,340 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $16,966.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 93.9% higher at Colgate than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (about $34,042 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $36,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Massachusetts Lowell than at Colgate University (82% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colgate University students is 286.4% larger than aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students ($58,334 vs. $15,098).

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Colgate Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colgate University (1490) is 210 points higher than at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (1280).
• Incoming Colgate students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 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; Colgate University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32; Colgate University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Test optional; Colgate - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027; Colgate Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colgate students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (3.67).
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Colgate (13.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. 28.7% at Colgate.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Colgate Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Colgate University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than University of Massachusetts Lowell's (50%).
• Graduates from Colgate University earn a median of about $20,000 more per year than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,300 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $8,875 lower median loan debt than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($16,125 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $92 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($166 vs. $258).
• More Colgate 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.