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University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs Assumption University: which has better ROI?

Public, Lowell MA · vs · Private nonprofit, Worcester MA

The verdict

University of Massachusetts-Lowell has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $68,652 in 4.2 years versus 4.4 years at Assumption University, on median earnings of $64,874 vs $74,895 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Massachusetts-LowellAssumption University
Net price / yr$17,163$29,498
Total net cost$68,652$117,992
Median earnings, 10 yrs$64,874$74,895
Median debt$23,704$27,000
Payback4.2 yrs4.4 yrs
20-year net return$261,628$412,708

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Assumption University?

University of Massachusetts-Lowell, at $17,163 a year after aid versus $29,498 — a gap of $12,335 a year, or $49,340 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Assumption University graduates earn more?

Assumption University graduates report a median $74,895 ten years after entry, $10,021 more than the $64,874 at University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Assumption University?

University of Massachusetts-Lowell: its completers carry a median $23,704 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Assumption University, a difference of $3,296. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

75% of students finish at Assumption University, against 65% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs Assumption University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Assumption University a better value?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell. It clears its $68,652 net cost in about 4.2 years versus 4.4 years at Assumption University, on median earnings of $64,874 vs $74,895 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Assumption University?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell: $17,163/yr net price after aid versus $29,498/yr at Assumption University — a difference of $12,335 a year, or about $49,340 over four years.
Do University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Assumption University graduates earn more?
Assumption University graduates earn a median $74,895 ten years after entry, versus $64,874 at University of Massachusetts-Lowell — a $10,021 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.