University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Massachusetts Lowell is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (16,598 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Massachusetts Lowell is located in Lowell, MA (Large Suburban setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Massachusetts Lowell 17:1; Salem State University 12:1.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Salem State University? 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 Salem State University ($16,530 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Massachusetts Lowell are 4.1% lower than at Salem State University ($16,148 vs. $16,838).
• University of Massachusetts Lowell is 37.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $4,628 more per year; $16,966.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 85.7% higher at University of Massachusetts-Lowell than at Salem State University (about $16,733 more per year; $36,264.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (98% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students is 46.3% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($15,098 vs. $10,319).

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Massachusetts Lowell (1280) is 200 points higher than at Salem State University (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 1180/1370; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Test optional; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027; Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Massachusetts-Lowell students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than University of Massachusetts-Lowell (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• University of Massachusetts Lowell's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from University of Massachusetts Lowell earn a median of about $10,900 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,300 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Massachusetts-Lowell students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.