University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Jefferson

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Massachusetts Lowell in Lowell, MA with Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Massachusetts Lowell is larger than Jefferson based on total student enrollment (16,598 students vs. 8,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Jefferson? 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 Jefferson ($16,530 vs. $29,325).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Jefferson University are 1.9% lower than at University of Massachusetts Lowell ($15,834 vs. $16,148).
• Thomas Jefferson University is 180% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Massachusetts-Lowell (about $30,539 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $16,966.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31% higher at Jefferson than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (about $11,241 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $36,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (100% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students is 131.9% larger than aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students ($35,007 vs. $15,098).

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Jefferson Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Massachusetts Lowell (1280) is 30 points higher than at Jefferson (1250).
• Incoming University of Massachusetts-Lowell students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Jefferson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 1180/1370; Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32; Thomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Test optional; Jefferson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027; Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Jefferson students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (3.67).
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Jefferson (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. 12.1% at Jefferson.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Graduates from Thomas Jefferson University earn a median of about $67,600 more per year than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $12,500 lower median loan debt than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($12,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $129 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($129 vs. $258).
• More Jefferson 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.