About Us

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About Us

UMass Lowell's Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies is an award-winning pioneer in education, offering online courses as early as 1996. Whether your goal is to earn a degree, pursue a certificate or complete an individual course, our programs are known for excellence in teaching, innovation and high levels of classroom engagement.

High Quality Online Learning

We have integrated online education into our overall mission by investing in program development, faculty training and academic technology. Our online degrees are held to the same standards and undergo the same oversight as our on-campus degrees. When you graduate, you will receive the same UMass Lowell diploma whether you complete your courses online or on-campus.
Online Learning Consortium Logo
Online Learning Consortium
Blackboard Catalyst Award
Blackboard Catalyst Award for Inclusive Education

A High Return on Your Investment

In addition to our commitment to affordability, UMass Lowell's programs have the highest lifetime return on investment among all public research universities in Massachusetts. Tuition is typically half the cost of private colleges. Whether you live in Massachusetts, out-of-state or abroad, online tuition for your program is the same. Additionally, a wide range of scholarships and financial aid is available to support your success.

Cost Comparison of Online Tuition Per Credit

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Undergraduate tuition information above was obtained from each institution's website in April 2023 and is subject to change. Please see individual university sites for the most recent tuition information.

University Mission Statement

A Public Research University Committed to Excellence

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is a nationally ranked public research university committed to excellence in teaching, research and community engagement. We strive to prepare students to succeed in college and to become lifelong learners and informed citizens in a global environment. UMass Lowell offers affordable, experience-based undergraduate and graduate academic programs taught by internationally recognized faculty who conduct research to expand the horizons of knowledge and sustainable practices. The programs span and interconnect the disciplines of business, education, engineering, fine arts, health, humanities, sciences and social sciences. The university continues to build on its founding tradition of innovation, entrepreneurship and partnerships with industry and the community to address challenges facing the region and the world.

Over 100 Years of Innovation

For more than a century, UMass Lowell has been preparing students to work in the real-world, solve real problems and help real people. The university began as the Lowell Normal School, a teaching college founded in 1894, and the Lowell Textile School, founded in 1895 to train technicians and managers for the textile industry. Over the next 75 years, both institutions extended their offerings to meet the growing needs of the region. Lowell State and Lowell Tech, as they were then known, merged in 1975 to form the University of Lowell. The campus became part of the University of Massachusetts system in 1991.