University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs Tufts University: which has better ROI?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $68,652 in 4.2 years versus 4.6 years at Tufts University, on median earnings of $64,874 vs $83,214 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Massachusetts-Lowell | Tufts University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $17,163 | $39,998 |
| Total net cost | $68,652 | $159,992 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $64,874 | $83,214 |
| Median debt | $23,704 | $16,250 |
| Payback | 4.2 yrs | 4.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $261,628 | $537,088 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Tufts University?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell, at $17,163 a year after aid versus $39,998 — a gap of $22,835 a year, or $91,340 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 Tufts University graduates earn more?
Tufts University graduates report a median $83,214 ten years after entry, $18,340 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 Tufts University?
Tufts University: its completers carry a median $16,250 in federal loans versus $23,704 at University of Massachusetts-Lowell, a difference of $7,454. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
94% of students finish at Tufts 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.