A raft of recent national rankings confirms what River Hawks already know: UMass Lowell is one of the top universities in the country.

UMass Lowell is recognized as 

  • #1 Public University in Massachusetts by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
  • #1 Best Value Public university in the state according to both WSJ and U.S. News & World Report 
  • #1 for Social Mobility among all universities in Massachusetts (WSJ) — public or private — helping students from every background achieve success, and we couldn't be prouder.
graduates taking selfie

But that's not all. We're also

  • #1 sustainable university in Massachusetts (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education). UMass Lowell is only higher education institution in Massachusetts to receive the platinum rating, one of eight in the nation and one of 15 worldwide!
  • #1 for 10-, 20-, 30- and 40-year return on investment among Massachusetts public research universities  (Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce)
  • #1 starting salaries among Massachusetts publics (Payscale.com)
  • #1 online master’s in Criminal Justice in the state (#3 in the nation, U.S. News)
  • #1 online master’s in Education Programs in New England (#9 in the nation, U.S. News)

Academic excellence. A rigorous learning environment where you are challenged to do your best while also feeling supported and welcomed. Endless opportunities for career-connected experiences where you can apply what you’ve learned to real-world challenges and build your professional network: Those are all hallmarks of a UMass Lowell education. 

See Why We're So Special

Rena McFall speaks with UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen and another student.
Rena McFall '26
Political Science

Rena McFall led student organizations and gained national and international experience in Washington, D.C., preparing for a future career in international law.

Pushing myself academically in college has shown me how much I love learning.
Rebecca Mendum writing the Wright-Fisher model formula on a dry erase white board.
Rebecca Mendum '23, '24
Mathematics

After earning two degrees at UMass Lowell, Rebecca Mendum is continuing her education at Harvard University.

I just know that I love math, and that’s why I chose to major in it. You have to do what makes you happy. Life is too short.
Thomas Warren stands inside a UMass Lowell engineering lab.
Thomas Warren '26
Mechanical Engineering

River Hawk Racing President Thomas Warren designed precision robotics for semiconductor manufacturing during a pair of summer internships at Brooks Automation.

I’ve grown a lot as an engineer through my internships and River Hawk Racing.
UMass Lowell student Kieran Scofidio in Panama on a service-learning trip where they provided consulting services to several small businesses.
Kieran Scofidio '25
Business (Marketing and Management)

Kieran Scofidio discovered a passion for travel and international business at UMass Lowell.

Having these opportunities to travel has made me realize that it’s accessible.