University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Penn

Comparable Facts

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

University of Pennsylvania is larger than University of Massachusetts-Lowell based on total student enrollment (29,109 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 of Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Pennsylvania is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Massachusetts Lowell 17:1; University of Pennsylvania 8:1.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Penn Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Penn? 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 Penn ($16,530 vs. $23,570).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Massachusetts Lowell are 15.8% lower than at University of Pennsylvania ($16,148 vs. $19,174).
• University of Pennsylvania is 304.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Massachusetts-Lowell (about $51,720 more per year; $68,686.00 vs. $16,966.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 89.4% higher at Penn than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (about $32,422 more per year; $68,686.00 vs. $36,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Massachusetts Lowell than at University of Pennsylvania (82% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Pennsylvania students is 333.6% larger than aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students ($65,458 vs. $15,098).

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Penn Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Pennsylvania (1540) is 260 points higher than at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (1280).
• Incoming Penn students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 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; University of Pennsylvania 1510/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32; University of Pennsylvania 34/36.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Test optional; Penn - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027; Penn Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Penn students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (3.67).
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Penn (5.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. 68% at Penn.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Penn Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Massachusetts-Lowell and Penn? 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 of Pennsylvania's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than University of Massachusetts Lowell's (50%).
• Graduates from University of Pennsylvania earn a median of about $68,300 more per year than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates about ten years after starting college ($123,600 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Pennsylvania graduates have a $4,367 lower median loan debt than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($20,633 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Penn graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($213 vs. $258).
• More Penn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Massachusetts-Lowell students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.