University of Massachusetts-Lowell's published cost of attendance reaches $29,521 per year, including $16,570 in-state tuition, $15,424 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face significantly higher tuition of $35,396, bringing their total cost to $52,020.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $30,786 |
| Tuition and Fees | $36,264 |
| Room and Board | $16,148 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$13,623 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $17,163 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,943 |
| $30–48k | $10,199 |
| $48–75k | $12,141 |
| $75–110k | $16,460 |
| $110k+ | $26,139 |
University of Massachusetts-Lowell's published cost of attendance reaches $29,521 per year, including $16,570 in-state tuition, $15,424 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face significantly higher tuition of $35,396, bringing their total cost to $52,020. However, the average student pays just $18,627 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,894 from the sticker price. This net price stands $3,037 below the peer median of $15,590, making UMass Lowell more expensive than comparable public institutions. The financial aid system demonstrates progressive pricing, with net costs ranging from $10,460 for families earning under $30,000 to $26,648 for those earning over $110,000. Federal data shows 27.4% of students receive Pell grants, indicating substantial enrollment of lower-income students who benefit from the institution's aid programs. The combination of reasonable published prices for a public university with meaningful financial aid creates manageable costs for most Massachusetts families, though out-of-state students face considerably higher expenses that may limit accessibility.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
UMass Lowell graduates carry median debt of $23,704, which exceeds the peer median of $20,000 by $3,704. Debt levels range from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, showing meaningful variation in borrowing patterns across students. The debt percentile ranking of 43rd indicates typical borrowing levels relative to national patterns. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 falls within manageable ranges, meaning graduates typically carry debt equal to about one-third of their annual earnings. Parent PLUS borrowing reaches a median of $18,000 with monthly payments of $237, adding to family financial obligations though remaining at moderate levels. The combination of moderate debt levels with strong earnings outcomes creates favorable repayment conditions for most graduates. Students in high-earning fields like Computer Science and Engineering face particularly favorable debt-to-earnings ratios, while those in lower-earning fields may experience more payment pressure. The debt distribution suggests that most students can limit borrowing through a combination of aid, family contribution, and work, though some rely more heavily on loans to finance their education.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UMass Lowell delivers solid return on educational investment through the combination of reasonable costs and above-average earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $2,299 beyond expectations, demonstrating value-added performance that benefits students across backgrounds. The 73.1st percentile return ranking places the institution in the above average tier for educational ROI. Median earnings of $64,874 significantly exceed the peer median, creating favorable payback conditions despite higher-than-peer debt levels. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 supports manageable repayment timelines for most graduates. Low-income students particularly benefit from this investment profile, earning $53,700 while accessing substantial need-based aid that limits borrowing. Strong outcomes in high-demand fields like engineering and computer science enhance the value proposition for students in these majors. The institution's accessibility combined with quality outcomes creates an investment profile that delivers upward economic mobility without requiring exceptional academic credentials for admission. Students should expect positive returns on their educational investment, particularly those pursuing STEM fields where the university demonstrates particular strength.
UMass Lowell's financial aid system effectively reduces costs for students across income levels while maintaining accessibility for diverse populations. The $10,894 average savings from sticker price demonstrates meaningful aid distribution, though the institution's $3,037 higher net price compared to peer institutions suggests less generous aid than comparable publics. The aid system appears targeted toward need-based support, with the most substantial discounts flowing to families earning under $75,000 annually. The 27.4% Pell share indicates solid enrollment of lower-income students, suggesting the aid system successfully supports economic diversity. Transfer students comprising 35.8% of enrollment may face different aid calculations that reflect their unique educational paths. The aid structure supports the institution's mission as an Opportunity Builder, enabling access for first-generation students (31.8% of enrollment) who might otherwise face financial barriers. Students should expect need-based aid to play a primary role, with the most generous support flowing to families demonstrating significant financial need through federal aid applications.
University of Massachusetts-Lowell ranks at the 55th percentile for affordability, achieving above average performance through reasonable net prices and manageable debt levels. The average net price of $18,627 exceeds the peer median of $15,590 by $3,037, making UMass Lowell more expensive than comparable public institutions. Median student debt of $23,704 surpasses the peer median of $20,000 by $3,704, though the resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 remains within manageable ranges. Net prices range from $10,460 for lowest-income families to $26,648 for highest-income families, creating progressive cost structure that supports economic diversity. The affordability profile reflects the institution's position as a quality public university with moderate pricing that delivers value through strong post-graduation outcomes despite higher costs than peer institutions.
Parent PLUS borrowing reaches a median of $18,000 with monthly payments of $237, adding moderate family financial obligations beyond student debt levels. These parent borrowing patterns suggest families invest additional resources to support student success at UMass Lowell. For personalized college cost planning based on your family's specific financial situation, use the Financial GPS tool at collegeazimuth.com/financial-gps to understand likely costs and loan payment projections compared to other institutional options. The tool provides individualized analysis that accounts for family income, assets, and student academic profile to generate realistic cost estimates.
