University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs Wentworth Institute of Technology: which has better ROI?
Wentworth Institute of Technology has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $136,680 in 4 years versus 4.2 years at University of Massachusetts-Lowell, on median earnings of $82,721 vs $64,874 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Massachusetts-Lowell | Wentworth Institute of Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $17,163 | $34,170 |
| Total net cost | $68,652 | $136,680 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $64,874 | $82,721 |
| Median debt | $23,704 | $25,028 |
| Payback | 4.2 yrs | 4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $261,628 | $550,540 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or Wentworth Institute of Technology?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell, at $17,163 a year after aid versus $34,170 — a gap of $17,007 a year, or $68,028 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 Wentworth Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Wentworth Institute of Technology graduates report a median $82,721 ten years after entry, $17,847 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 Wentworth Institute of Technology?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell: its completers carry a median $23,704 in federal loans versus $25,028 at Wentworth Institute of Technology, a difference of $1,324. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
68% of students finish at Wentworth Institute of Technology, 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.