University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. University at Albany- SUNY

Comparable Facts

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

University at Albany is larger than University of Massachusetts-Lowell based on total student enrollment (17,560 students vs. 16,598 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Massachusetts Lowell is located in Lowell, MA (Large Suburban setting); University at Albany is in Albany, NY (Small City setting).
• University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University at Albany is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Massachusetts Lowell 17:1; University at Albany 16:1.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. University at Albany- SUNY Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or University at Albany- SUNY? 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 University at Albany- SUNY ($16,530 vs. $17,949).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Massachusetts Lowell are 1.7% lower than at University at Albany ($16,148 vs. $16,423).
• University of Massachusetts Lowell is 56.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than University at Albany- SUNY (about $6,100 more per year; $16,966.00 vs. $10,866.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16% higher at University of Massachusetts-Lowell than at University at Albany (about $5,008 more per year; $36,264.00 vs. $31,256.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University at Albany than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (96% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students is 34.7% larger than aid received by University at Albany students ($15,098 vs. $11,210).

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. University at Albany- SUNY Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Massachusetts Lowell (1280) is 60 points higher than at University at Albany- SUNY (1220).
• Incoming University of Massachusetts-Lowell students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at University at Albany- SUNY).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 1180/1370; University at Albany 1120/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32; University at Albany 22/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Test optional; University at Albany- SUNY - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027; University at Albany- SUNY Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Massachusetts-Lowell students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at University at Albany- SUNY (3.3).
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than University at Albany- SUNY (69.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. 12.6% at University at Albany- SUNY.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. University at Albany- SUNY Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Massachusetts-Lowell and University at Albany- SUNY? 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 at Albany's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than University of Massachusetts Lowell's (50%).
• Graduates from University at Albany earn a median of about $500 more per year than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,800 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University at Albany graduates have a $3,935 lower median loan debt than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($21,065 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, University at Albany- SUNY graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($217 vs. $258).
• More University at Albany- SUNY 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.