College Costs in Lowell, MA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Lowell, Massachusetts. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$16,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$48,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,125
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Lowell Overview
Population
115,554
Student Population
6,789 (5.9%)
Cost of Living Index
112.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for Lowell
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$123,392
Total After Financial Aid
$123,392
Annual Cost
$30,848
Annual After Aid
$30,848
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $123,392 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,401 |
| Total Interest | $44,739 |
| Total Loan Cost | $168,131 |
Universities in Lowell
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Lowell State University | Public | $16,448 |
| University of Lowell | Public | $18,005 |
| Lowell Community College | Community | $6,184 |
Lowell has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lowell vs. National Average
| Category | Lowell | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,100 | $10,940 | +$5,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,125 | $1,050 | +$75 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112.5 | 100 | +12.5 |
Lowell's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Lowell
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,789 students
Lowell has a total population of 115,554, with approximately 6,789 college students (5.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Lowell offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lowell
$32,943
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lowell earn a median starting salary of $32,943, which is -$2,057 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $123,392 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,502 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Boston
24 colleges · Avg tuition $14,167
Worcester
11 colleges · Avg tuition $16,670
Springfield
6 colleges · Avg tuition $11,943
Cambridge
6 colleges · Avg tuition $13,207
Amherst
3 colleges · Avg tuition $16,952
Northampton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $16,211
Williamstown
4 colleges · Avg tuition $17,065
Stockbridge
2 colleges · Avg tuition $17,108
Brockton
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Quincy
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
New Bedford
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Lynn
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities