Overview
UMass Lowell traces its roots to 1894 with the founding of the Lowell Textile School and Lowell Normal School, which later merged in 1975 to form the modern university and joined the UMass system in 1991. Built on the industrial legacy of Lowell, a pioneering American mill city, the university has evolved into a nationally recognized research institution known for engineering, physics, criminal justice, and applied sciences. Its designation as an R1 research university reflects substantial growth in research output, funding, and doctoral programs over the past two decades.
At a Glance
| Type | Public Research |
| Location | Lowell, Massachusetts |
| Founded | 1894 |
| Total students | 18,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 16:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 78% |
| Graduation rate | 68% |
| Average starting salary | $62,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $16,800 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $32,000 |
| Room & board | $14,500 |
| Average financial aid | $14,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 85% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1130-1320 |
| ACT range | 23-29 |
| Average GPA | 3.6 |
| Regular deadline | February 1 |
Top Programs
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Nursing
- Physics
- Business Administration
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.