University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Smith College

Comparable Facts

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

University of Massachusetts Lowell is larger than Smith College based on total student enrollment (16,598 students vs. 2,857 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Massachusetts Lowell is located in Lowell, MA (Large Suburban setting); Smith College is in Northampton, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Smith College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Massachusetts Lowell 17:1; Smith College 8:1.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Smith College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Smith 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 Smith College ($16,530 vs. $27,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Massachusetts Lowell are 28.5% lower than at Smith College ($16,148 vs. $22,570).
• Smith College is 284.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Massachusetts-Lowell (about $48,212 more per year; $65,178.00 vs. $16,966.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 79.7% higher at Smith College than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (about $28,914 more per year; $65,178.00 vs. $36,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Massachusetts Lowell than at Smith College (82% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Smith College students is 289% larger than aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students ($58,725 vs. $15,098).

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Smith College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Smith College (1480) is 200 points higher than at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (1280).
• Incoming Smith College 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; Smith College 1420/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32; Smith College 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Test optional; Smith College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027; Smith College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Smith College students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (3.67).
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Smith College (21%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. 35.4% at Smith College.

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

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

• Smith College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than University of Massachusetts Lowell's (50%).
• Graduates from University of Massachusetts Lowell earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than Smith College graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,300 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Smith College graduates have a $6,000 lower median loan debt than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($19,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Smith College graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($196 vs. $258).
• More Smith College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Massachusetts-Lowell students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.