University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Worcester State University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Massachusetts Lowell is larger than Worcester State University based on total student enrollment (16,598 students vs. 5,745 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Worcester State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Worcester State University? 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 Worcester State University than University of Massachusetts-Lowell ($12,778 vs. $16,530).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Worcester State University are 11.4% lower than at University of Massachusetts Lowell ($14,307 vs. $16,148).
• University of Massachusetts Lowell is 44% more expensive for in-state tuition than Worcester State University (about $5,180 more per year; $16,966.00 vs. $11,786.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 103% higher at University of Massachusetts-Lowell than at Worcester State University (about $18,398 more per year; $36,264.00 vs. $17,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Massachusetts Lowell than at Worcester State University (82% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students is 59.5% larger than aid received by Worcester State University students ($15,098 vs. $9,464).

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Worcester State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Massachusetts Lowell (1280) is 130 points higher than at Worcester State University (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 1180/1370; Worcester State University 1026/1283.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Test optional; Worcester State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027; Worcester State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Massachusetts-Lowell students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Worcester State University (3.3).
• Worcester State University has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than University of Massachusetts-Lowell (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. 16.7% at Worcester State University.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs. Worcester State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Massachusetts-Lowell and Worcester State University? 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 Massachusetts Lowell's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Worcester State University's (47%).
• Graduates from University of Massachusetts Lowell earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Worcester State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,300 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($20,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($206 vs. $258).
• More Worcester State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Massachusetts-Lowell students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.