Understanding UMass Lowell Tuition, Room, and Board Costs
For students considering higher education, understanding the costs associated with tuition, room, and board is crucial. This article breaks down the expenses at the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell), offering a detailed look at tuition, fees, housing, meal plans, and other associated costs. It also addresses financial aid options and considerations for international students.
Tuition and Fees
Undergraduate Tuition
The median undergraduate tuition at UMass Lowell is $15,850, significantly lower than the national average for Doctoral Universities, which stands at $31,004. In 2023, the cost of tuition at UMass Lowell was $15,850. This is $15,154 less than the national average for Doctoral Universities.
Tuition rates are set and approved by the UMass Board of Trustees. Tuition credits, formerly known as tuition waivers, can lessen the amount of your tuition. It's important to note that while you may be eligible for multiple tuition credits, only one can be used per semester.
Graduate Tuition
For graduate students, tuition and fees vary depending on the number of credits taken per semester. For full-time, on-campus programs, graduate students typically take 9 credits per semester. Tuition costs are subject to change by the UMass Board of Trustees.
Mandatory Fees
Several mandatory fees contribute to the overall cost of attendance:
Read also: Applying to UMass Amherst
Activity Fee: This fee supports programs and activities from recognized student organizations, enriching campus life through arts, athletics, clubs, recreation, and other student-focused programs.
Technology Fee: This fee supports the technology infrastructure and educational environment necessary to meet the technological demands of the UMass Lowell community.
Other Fees
Additional fees may be charged depending on a student's individual status or courses enrolled in:
College & Department-Specific Fees: Certain colleges and departments charge fees to provide resources for college expenses. These may include supplies and equipment used in introductory and higher-level courses, maintenance and upgrade of laboratories and other college facilities, software licenses, and other curriculum-related costs.
Health Insurance: Massachusetts state law requires that all students be enrolled in a student health insurance program that meets the comparable benefits established by the state of Massachusetts. UMass Lowell requires that all International Students be enrolled in the University Student Health Insurance Plan. The full-year health insurance plan costs $3,021. Students may waive coverage if they have comparable benefits under another plan.
Read also: UMass Amherst Success Stories
International Student Fee: International students require special services and assistance with visas and other immigration forms. This per-semester fee helps defray the cost of the necessary staff, equipment, and consultants to coordinate international student services. The international student fee is $500 per semester, totaling $1,000 annually.
Late Fee: A $50 late fee may be assessed to anyone currently enrolled with an outstanding balance and without a legitimate exemption as of the due date on the invoice. Exceptions include participation in the UMass Lowell monthly payment plan, sufficient outstanding financial aid and/or loans, or direct billing of an approved third party.
Returned Check Fee: A $30 returned check fee is assessed to cover the cost of checks returned to the University due to insufficient funds or closed accounts.
Continued Matriculation Fee: A fee of $85 is billed to students registered for CONT.6010 and CONT.7010.
Program-Specific Fees: Certain colleges and departments charge fees to provide resources for college expenses, such as the Master's of Education Curriculum and Instruction Pre-Practicum Fee of $150.
Housing and Meal Plans
On-Campus Housing
Exchange Students are strongly recommended to live on-campus. UMass Lowell provides various on-campus housing options. All rooms contain internet, phone, and cable connections, and all dormitories are wireless. Each room includes a bed, mattress, desk, desk chair, closet or wardrobe, dresser, and nightstand. The amount of housing / food for independent undergraduates living off-campus is $12,500.
Meal Plans
The cost of food varies depending on the chosen meal plan. A popular option is the Unlimited 200 Plan.
Estimated Housing and Meal Plan Costs
For the 2025-2026 school year, the estimated cost for housing and a meal plan is $17,830. This figure is subject to change by the UMass Board of Trustees.
Off-Campus Housing
Off-campus housing is limited, and assistance is primarily through a referral network.
Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of what it costs the typical student to attend UMass Lowell. The Financial Aid Office assigns an estimated cost of attendance for each student to determine the maximum amount of financial aid needed. The cost of attendance is based on residency status, career level, and whether the student will be living on-campus, off-campus, or commuting.
The cost of attendance includes both direct and indirect costs. Direct costs include charges that appear on the student invoice, such as tuition and on-campus housing. The cost of attendance will vary depending upon the number of enrolled credits.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Availability of Financial Aid
In 2023, 61% of undergraduate students at UMass Lowell received financial aid through grants, while 54% received financial aid through loans. The average net price, which is the price paid after factoring in grants and loans, was $17,624. Between 2022 and 2023, the average net price grew by 2.23%.
Types of Financial Aid
Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need, which most colleges determine based on your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Scholarships
UMass Lowell offers a range of scholarships for incoming students based on academic achievement, community involvement, and other factors. External scholarships offered by organizations outside of UMass Lowell are also available. These are offered by businesses, non-profits, and other organizations based on factors such as academic achievement, community service, leadership, or specific fields of study.
Important Financial Aid Dates
- Application Due: The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork.
- Priority Application Due: Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration.
- Notification Date: When students receive a letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering.
- Response Due: The deadline for students to respond to the college’s aid offer.
Costs for Exchange Students
Exchange students have specific financial considerations. Tuition and operating fees are typically covered by the Exchange Agreement, resulting in no cost to the student. This is calculated based on 24 undergraduate credit hours (4 classes/semester) at an estimated value of approximately $37,460, obtained from the Out of State Charges webpage.
However, it's important to note that Continuing Education courses (listed as ‘CE’ session type on the SiS Class Search Catalog) are not part of the tuition waiver exchange agreement.
For the 2025-2026 school year, the total financial documentation required to receive your DS-2019 is $20,851. This includes housing and meal plan costs, health insurance, and other potential college/department fees.
Considerations for International Students
International students have additional requirements and fees:
Health Insurance: All international students are required to purchase the university student health insurance, as mandated by Massachusetts law.
International Student Fee: This fee helps cover the costs of services and assistance related to visas and immigration forms.
Financial Documentation: Exchange Students must provide financial documentation to apply for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa.
Additional Costs
Besides tuition, room, and board, students should budget for additional expenses:
- Books and Supplies: The average yearly cost of books and supplies is $1,200.
- Personal Expenses: Personal expenses can include items such as clothing, entertainment, and personal care products.
- Transportation: Transportation costs can vary depending on whether a student commutes or lives on campus.
Graduation Rates and Time to Complete
In 2023, 47% of students graduating from UMass Lowell completed their program within 100% "normal time" (i.e., 4 years for a 4-year degree). Comparatively, 69% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 71% within 200%.
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