University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Suffolk University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Massachusetts Lowell is larger than Suffolk University based on total student enrollment (16,598 students vs. 6,356 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Massachusetts Lowell is located in Lowell, MA (Large Suburban setting); Suffolk University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Suffolk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Massachusetts Lowell 17:1; Suffolk University 15:1.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Suffolk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Suffolk 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 Suffolk University ($16,530 vs. $33,832).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Massachusetts Lowell are 24.3% lower than at Suffolk University ($16,148 vs. $21,326).
• Suffolk University is 180.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Massachusetts-Lowell (about $30,584 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $16,966.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.1% higher at Suffolk University than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (about $11,286 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $36,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Suffolk University than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (98% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Suffolk University students is 109% larger than aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students ($31,558 vs. $15,098).

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Suffolk University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Massachusetts Lowell (1280) is 80 points higher than at Suffolk University (1200).
• Incoming University of Massachusetts-Lowell students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Suffolk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 1180/1370; Suffolk University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32; Suffolk University 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Test optional; Suffolk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027; Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Massachusetts-Lowell students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Suffolk University (3.33).
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Suffolk University (82.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. 10.9% at Suffolk University.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Suffolk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Suffolk University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than University of Massachusetts Lowell's (50%).
• Graduates from Suffolk University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,100 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 Suffolk University 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 Suffolk University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Suffolk University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Massachusetts-Lowell students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.