University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Tufts

Comparable Facts

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

University of Massachusetts Lowell is larger than Tufts based on total student enrollment (16,598 students vs. 13,599 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Massachusetts Lowell is located in Lowell, MA (Large Suburban setting); Tufts University is in Medford, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tufts University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Massachusetts Lowell 17:1; Tufts University 10:1.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Tufts Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Tufts? 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 Tufts ($16,530 vs. $32,367).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Massachusetts Lowell are 13.1% lower than at Tufts University ($16,148 vs. $18,588).
• Tufts University is 316.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Massachusetts-Lowell (about $53,738 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $16,966.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 95% higher at Tufts than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (about $34,440 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $36,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Massachusetts Lowell than at Tufts University (82% vs. 39%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tufts University students is 270.5% larger than aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students ($55,933 vs. $15,098).

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Tufts Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tufts University (1520) is 240 points higher than at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (1280).
• Incoming Tufts students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 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; Tufts University 1470/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32; Tufts University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Test optional; Tufts - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027; Tufts Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tufts students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (3.67).
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Tufts (11.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. 45.5% at Tufts.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Tufts Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Tufts University's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than University of Massachusetts Lowell's (50%).
• Graduates from Tufts University earn a median of about $27,800 more per year than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tufts University graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($18,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Tufts graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($186 vs. $258).
• More Tufts graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Massachusetts-Lowell students, three years after graduation. (91% 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.