What Is UMass Lowell?

UMass Lowell (uml.edu) is a midsized public research university located north of Boston, Massachusetts. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs to both full- and part-time students, delivered online and on campus. It is a good fit if you want a Research 1 public university with experience-based programs, a broad range of degree options, and the flexibility to study in person or remotely.

Key Facts at a Glance

What Kind of School Is It?

UMass Lowell describes itself as a Research 1 public university. That classification signals a strong research focus alongside teaching, and the university notes its faculty are internationally recognized and that their research expands knowledge and sustainable practices. Programs are described as affordable and experience-based.

The 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio is a useful signal if class size and access to instructors matter to you. The $211M in financial aid awarded annually indicates substantial aid is distributed, though the site does not specify eligibility terms or amounts per student.

What Can You Study?

The university offers more than 200 degree programs across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Programs are available both online and on campus, and students can enroll full-time or part-time. The site does not list individual majors or departments in the material available, so check the degree program pages directly for specific fields.

Campus Life and Community

UMass Lowell fields 14 Division 1 athletic teams. The university frames its community around students pursuing their purpose "in the classroom and beyond," and states that graduates will be ready for what comes next. For more than 125 years, it has served students in this region.

How to Get Started

The site points prospective students to an Open House as its biggest event of the year. The listed event is October 24, where attendees can:

• Get information directly from current students
• Meet faculty and staff
• Tour campus
• View residence halls

Attendees are offered a $1,000 Visit Award toward Fall 2027 enrollment, according to the site. There is also a "How to Apply" entry point for application steps.

Recent Examples of Student Experience

The site highlights several current student and alumni stories that illustrate the kind of opportunities available:

• River Hawk Racing, a collegiate Formula SAE team, became the first to drive a student-built car to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in New England.
• A junior business and economics major appeared on "Wheel of Fortune," alongside other experiences including a semester abroad in Italy and a summer internship.
• The chancellor and an alumna shared career and leadership lessons with women engineering students at an event hosted by the Society of Women Engineers and Shah Academy.
• Alumni mentors connect with engineering students through a growing mentorship program.
• The REACH Lab gives graduate students hands-on rehabilitation research experience with advanced equipment and community participants.

Is UMass Lowell Right for You?

Consider UMass Lowell if you want:

• A public research university with a research-active faculty
• Flexible study options (online or on campus, full-time or part-time)
• A wide selection of degree programs (200+)
• A midsized school near Boston
• Division 1 athletics and an active campus community

The available material does not cover tuition figures, admission requirements, or program-specific details. For those, go directly to the relevant pages on uml.edu, and consider attending the October 24 Open House to get answers in person.