Is UMass Lowell worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
UMass Lowell is ranked #1,563 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of F. Within Massachusetts, it ranks #25 of 85 for value.
Among the majors UMass Lowell offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| General Polymer & Plastics Engineering | #2 of 5 |
| Polymer & Plastics Engineering | #2 of 5 |
| Engineering | #2 of 5 |
| Bachelor's Degree | #2 of 3 |
| Mechanics | #5 of 7 |
| Music Pedagogy | #19 of 52 |
| Other Fine Arts & Art Studies | #21 of 56 |
| Music Technology | #24 of 65 |
| Nutrition Sciences | #46 of 73 |
| Nutrition Science | #46 of 73 |
Read the full UMass Lowell value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
University of Massachusetts-Lowell is ranked #19 out of #96 in Massachusetts for quality and #25 out of #85 for Massachusetts value.
Live in-state? You may qualify for a reduced price. Check the UMass Lowell financial aid page to be sure.
University of Massachusetts-Lowell is ranked #1,563 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, University of Massachusetts-Lowell is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at UMass Lowell costs about $21,614. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $86,457 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $30,652 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $17,163 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $21,614 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $86,457 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about UMass Lowell net price and the factors that affect it.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a UMass Lowell degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $122,608 | — | — |
| All Students | $86,457 | #1,563 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $68,652 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $122,608 | — | — |
| All Students | $86,457 | #25 | C- |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $68,652 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at UMass Lowell shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $10,460 |
| $30K–$48K | $11,220 |
| $48K–$75K | $15,576 |
| $75K–$110K | $21,633 |
| Over $110K | $26,648 |
About 67% of UMass Lowell undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $13,518 per year. Get more details on the UMass Lowell financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average UMass Lowell cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.