University of Massachusetts-Lowell admits 85.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 5 in 6 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places UMass Lowell in the Open Access category, making it significantly more accessible than many institutions with similar academic outcomes. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows that UMass Lowell is somewhat more accessible than comparable public universities, with a 7.2 percentage point higher acceptance rate. This level of accessibility means that most students with solid academic preparation have a realistic chance of admission, though the university maintains meaningful academic standards as evidenced by strong test score ranges. Students should view UMass Lowell as an accessible option that doesn't sacrifice post-graduation outcomes for admission ease. The combination of open access admission with top-tier test score performance creates an unusual profile where academic quality coexists with broad accessibility. For students building college lists, UMass Lowell represents a strong safety school option that delivers outcomes comparable to more selective institutions. This accessibility becomes particularly valuable for students seeking strong engineering and business programs without the admission uncertainty of highly selective alternatives.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at UMass Lowell demonstrate strong academic preparation despite the institution's accessible admission standards. SAT scores range from 1,180 at the 25th percentile to 1,350 at the 75th percentile, with a median of 1,253. Math scores span 590-680 while verbal scores range 590-670, showing balanced academic preparation across quantitative and verbal skills. ACT scores range from 26 to 30 with a median of 29. These test score ranges rank at the 96th percentile for SAT and 97th percentile for ACT performance nationally, representing top-tier academic credentials that significantly exceed expectations for an open-access institution. The peer median SAT of 1,198 means UMass Lowell students score 55 points higher than comparable institutions, while the peer median ACT of 25 shows a 4-point advantage. Most admitted students score between 1,180-1,350 on the SAT, though students scoring below 1,180 are still admitted—just in smaller numbers. This unusual combination of high test scores with accessible admission suggests the university attracts academically strong students who value practical outcomes over prestige. Students scoring within the 1,180-1,350 range should feel confident about their academic competitiveness, while those scoring below 1,180 remain viable candidates given the institution's open access mission.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
UMass Lowell enrolls a diverse student body that reflects both academic strength and economic accessibility. The institution serves 27.4% Pell-eligible students, indicating more than one in four students come from lower-income families eligible for federal financial aid. First-generation college students comprise 31.8% of enrollment, demonstrating the university's role in expanding higher education access to families without prior college experience. Transfer students represent a substantial 35.8% of enrollment, showing the institution's commitment to providing pathways for students from community colleges and other institutions. This composition suggests UMass Lowell actively serves students from diverse educational and economic backgrounds while maintaining strong academic standards. The relatively high transfer share indicates many students use UMass Lowell to complete bachelor's degrees after starting elsewhere, often at more affordable community colleges. Geographic diversity appears strong given the institution's reputation beyond Massachusetts borders. Students from underrepresented backgrounds should find a welcoming environment with substantial peer support from others sharing similar experiences. The combination of strong test scores with diverse socioeconomic enrollment creates a unique campus environment where academic rigor coexists with broad accessibility and economic diversity.
Given UMass Lowell's 85.2% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students should view this as an accessible option rather than a reach school.
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Students who enroll at UMass Lowell demonstrate solid persistence and completion patterns that exceed many peer institutions. The retention rate of 81.9% means roughly 4 in 5 freshmen return for sophomore year, while the completion rate of 70.1% indicates approximately 7 in 10 students graduate within six years. Both metrics slightly exceed peer medians of 83.7% retention and 65.9% completion, suggesting effective institutional support despite the open access mission. Pell-eligible students graduate at 62.1%, creating an 8.0 percentage point gap with the overall completion rate. This gap indicates some additional challenges for lower-income students but remains within typical ranges for public institutions. The difference suggests that while UMass Lowell successfully serves diverse populations, students from lower-income backgrounds may benefit from additional support services and financial planning. Students who gain admission should expect an environment that supports degree completion across diverse backgrounds, though lower-income students should proactively engage support resources. The retention and completion patterns suggest that students who persist through the first year have strong prospects for graduation, making freshman year success particularly important for long-term outcomes.
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