Academic Comparison between Salem State and UMass - Lowell

Salem State University and University of Massachusetts-Lowell are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in Massachusetts

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • UMass - Lowell has more expensive tuition & fees ($36,264) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to UMass - Lowell than Salem State.
  • UMass - Lowell has more students with 16,598 students while Salem State has 6,230 students.
  • Salem State has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while UMass - Lowell's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • UMass - Lowell has more full-time faculties with 605 faculties while Salem State has 296 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
Salem State UMass - Lowell
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Salem, MassachusettsLocationLowell, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$16,966
Out-Of-State$36,264
72%% Receiving Financial Aid64%
$10,493Average Amount of Financial Aid$13,518
95.88 %Acceptance Rates83.04 %
11.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.07 %
-SAT Score1,280
-ACT Score29
50 %Graduation Rate65 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
75 %Retention Rate84 %
6,230Student Population16,598
296Number of Faculties605
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services