Let's be real—trying to figure out exactly how much you're going to pay for college is like trying to read a menu where the prices change based on where you live, what your parents make, and whether or not you're good at math. If you’re looking at university of umass lowell tuition, you’ve probably seen a dozen different numbers.
Honestly, it’s a lot. But here’s the good news: UMass Lowell is actually one of the more "reasonable" options in a state that is notoriously expensive for higher education. It’s a public research university, which means it’s designed to be accessible, especially if you’re from Massachusetts.
But "accessible" is a relative term.
The Sticker Price: What’s the Damage?
If you just look at the raw numbers for the 2025-2026 academic year, the university of umass lowell tuition and fees for a full-time in-state undergraduate sit around $17,371.
Now, if you’re coming from out of state? That jumps significantly. You’re looking at roughly $37,153.
Wait, don’t close the tab yet. Nobody actually pays the sticker price. Or at least, they shouldn't. Around 91% of students at UML get some kind of financial aid. When you factor in grants and scholarships, the "net price"—the money you actually have to find in your bank account—is usually way lower.
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Breaking Down the Fees
It’s never just "tuition." There are always those pesky fees that sneak up on you. At UML, the "Mandatory Fees" usually include:
- Technology Fee: For the Wi-Fi and the computer labs you’ll probably use.
- Student Activity Fee: This funds the clubs, the concerts, and the random events on the lawn.
- Health Insurance: This is a big one. In Massachusetts, you must have health insurance. If you’re already covered by your parents, you can waive this and save about $3,000. If you forget to waive it, you’re paying for it. Simple as that.
Living on Campus vs. Commuting
Lowell isn't Boston, but it's not cheap either. If you decide to live in the dorms, you need to add room and board to that university of umass lowell tuition number.
Basically, for the 2025-2026 year, housing and food will run you about $16,922.
So, if you’re an in-state student living on campus, your "all-in" direct cost is roughly $34,500. If you commute from home and pack your own lunch? You’re back down to that $17k range. That’s a massive difference.
Honestly, if you live within 20 miles, commuting is the single biggest "scholarship" you can give yourself.
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The Regional Tuition Break (The Secret Discount)
Here is something most people totally miss. UMass Lowell has a Regional Tuition Program.
If you live in New England (Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont) or even New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, you don't pay the full out-of-state rate. You get a discount of about $7,450 per year.
It’s an automatic thing. You don’t even have to fill out a separate application for it. If your address is in one of those states, the system just marks you down for the lower rate. It brings the out-of-state cost down to something much closer to the in-state price, making it way more competitive than other state schools in the area.
Graduate Student Costs
If you’re coming back for a Master’s or a PhD, the math changes. Graduate university of umass lowell tuition for 2025-2026 is estimated at $16,827 for residents and $29,827 for non-residents.
Graduate school is usually billed by the credit. For example, most online graduate courses are around $610 per credit. If you’re doing the MBA or an Engineering degree online, expect that to be a bit higher—more like $655 per credit.
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The Provost’s Graduate Scholarship
If you’re a high-achieving grad student from out of state, look into the Provost’s Scholarship. It can knock $2,000 per semester off your bill. Again, they usually consider you for this automatically when you apply, so just keep your GPA up.
Is It Worth the Debt?
You’ve gotta look at the ROI. The median salary for UML alumni ten years after starting is around $64,874. Compared to the national average, that’s actually pretty solid.
Most students graduate with about $23,000 in federal loan debt. Is that a lot? Sure. But in the world of American higher education, it’s relatively manageable, especially for STEM majors which UMass Lowell is famous for.
Making the Money Work
If you're serious about attending, you need a plan. Don't just look at the numbers and panic.
- FAFSA is Non-Negotiable: Get it done by the March 1st priority deadline. If you miss this, you’re basically leaving free money on the table.
- The "Waive" Game: Check your bill for the health insurance charge. If you have your own, waive it. That’s a few thousand dollars back in your pocket instantly.
- River Hawk Scholarship Portal: Once you’re in, use this. There are hundreds of small, niche scholarships (like "Engineering student from Lowell who plays the flute" type stuff) that go unawarded because nobody applies.
- Work-Study: If your FAFSA says you’re eligible, take a campus job. It’s the easiest way to cover your "personal expenses" (coffee and late-night pizza) without touching your savings.
The bottom line on university of umass lowell tuition? It’s a bit of a shell game. The price you see on the website is almost never the price you actually pay. Use the net price calculator on their website, be aggressive with the FAFSA, and if you're out-of-state, make sure you're getting that regional discount.
Next Steps for You:
Check your residency status first. If you're in the NY/NJ/PA area, double-check that you've been flagged for the Regional Tuition Program. Then, go to the UMass Lowell "Solution Center" website and use their Online Cost Planner. It lets you plug in your specific major and housing choices to get a number that isn't just a guess.