University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Williams

Comparable Facts

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

University of Massachusetts Lowell is larger than Williams based on total student enrollment (16,598 students vs. 2,164 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Massachusetts Lowell is located in Lowell, MA (Large Suburban setting); Williams College is in Williamstown, MA (Distant Town setting).
• University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Williams College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Massachusetts Lowell 17:1; Williams College 6:1.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Williams Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Williams? 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 Williams College than University of Massachusetts-Lowell ($15,894 vs. $16,530).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Massachusetts Lowell are 6.4% lower than at Williams College ($16,148 vs. $17,260).
• Williams College is 304.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Massachusetts-Lowell (about $51,594 more per year; $68,560.00 vs. $16,966.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 89.1% higher at Williams than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (about $32,296 more per year; $68,560.00 vs. $36,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Massachusetts Lowell than at Williams College (82% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Williams College students is 356.8% larger than aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students ($68,966 vs. $15,098).

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Williams Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Williams College (1530) is 250 points higher than at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (1280).
• Incoming Williams 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; Williams College 1490/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32; Williams College 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Test optional; Williams - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027; Williams Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Williams students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (3.67).
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Williams (8.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. 43% at Williams.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Williams Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Williams College's six-year graduation rate (95%) is higher than University of Massachusetts Lowell's (50%).
• Graduates from Williams College earn a median of about $18,300 more per year than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,600 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Williams College graduates have a $10,418 lower median loan debt than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($14,582 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Williams graduates have an estimated $108 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($150 vs. $258).
• More Williams graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Massachusetts-Lowell students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.