Western Colorado University vs. University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Colorado University in Gunnison, CO with University of Massachusetts Lowell in Lowell, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Massachusetts Lowell is larger than Western Colorado University based on total student enrollment (16,598 students vs. 3,568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, CO (Remote Town setting); University of Massachusetts Lowell is in Lowell, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Colorado University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Colorado University 17:1; University of Massachusetts Lowell 17:1.

Western Colorado University vs. University of Massachusetts-Lowell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Colorado University or University of Massachusetts-Lowell? 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 Western Colorado University ($16,530 vs. $17,711).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Colorado University are 33.4% lower than at University of Massachusetts Lowell ($10,760 vs. $16,148).
• University of Massachusetts Lowell is 49.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Colorado University (about $5,648 more per year; $16,966.00 vs. $11,318.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.4% higher at University of Massachusetts-Lowell than at Western Colorado University (about $11,830 more per year; $36,264.00 vs. $24,434.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Colorado University than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (93% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students is 79.2% larger than aid received by Western Colorado University students ($15,098 vs. $8,425).

Western Colorado University vs. University of Massachusetts-Lowell Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Massachusetts Lowell (1280) is 20 points higher than at Western Colorado University (1260).
• Incoming University of Massachusetts-Lowell students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at Western Colorado University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Colorado University 1163/1353; University of Massachusetts Lowell 1180/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Colorado University 22/26; University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Colorado University - Test optional; University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Massachusetts-Lowell students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Western Colorado University (3.42).
• Western Colorado University has a higher acceptance rate (99.7%) than University of Massachusetts-Lowell (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Western Colorado University vs. 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

Western Colorado University vs. University of Massachusetts-Lowell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Colorado University and University of Massachusetts-Lowell? 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 Western Colorado University's (39%).
• Graduates from University of Massachusetts Lowell earn a median of about $14,500 more per year than Western Colorado University graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,300 vs. $40,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Colorado University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Colorado University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Colorado University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 61%)

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.