Johnson & Wales University-Providence (JWU) vs UMass Lowell

Johnson & Wales University-Providence and University of Massachusetts-Lowell, two distinct institutions with unique offerings, stand ready to shape your academic journey. Johnson & Wales, a private university, boasts a smaller student body and a higher acceptance rate, fostering a close-knit community. UMass-Lowell, a public research university, offers a wider range of academic programs, including graduate degrees, and attracts a larger and more diverse student population. While both universities excel in certain areas, their differences in size, academic focus, and student demographics may influence your decision. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into specific details, such as acceptance rates, popular majors, student body composition, and graduation rates, to determine which university aligns best with your aspirations and goals.

	Johnson & Wales University-Providence	University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Overview
Location	Providence, Rhode Island	Lowell, Massachusetts
Campus setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	71.0%	82.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	88.4%	84.6%
Application fees		Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $50
SAT range	N/A	1170 - 1340
ACT range	N/A	25 - 32
Students submitting SAT score		26.0%
Students submitting ACT score		2.0%
Total number of applicants	9,254	12,493
Total number of admissions given out	8,182	10,565
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,121	1,907
Yield rate	13.7%	18.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$49,682	In state: $24,672 Out of state: $42,598
Average net price	$30,715	$13,227
Tuition	$35,750	In state: $15,078 Out of state: $33,004
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $12,551 Meal plan: $5,050	Room/dormitory: $8,500 Meal plan: $5,070
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $22,880	78.0% Average amount $10,449
Students receiving federal student loan	81.0% Average amount $5,731	59.0% Average amount $5,148
Students taking out private loans	18.0% Average amount $20,241	5.0% Average amount $10,989

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	4,652 Men 39.6% Women 60.4%	12,884 Men 58.6% Women 41.4%
Graduate students	465 Men 28.4% Women 71.6%	4,713 Men 53.7% Women 46.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	78.3%	N/A
International students	4.4%	5.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	2,255	4,787
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Rhode Island Mississippi New York New Jersey Connecticut	Mississippi New Hampshire New York New Jersey Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Culinary and Personal Services Family and Consumer Sciences Health Professions Kinesiology & Leisure Studies	Business Engineering Health Professions Computer and Information Science Law Enforcement and Firefighting
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	18:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	62.9%	69.0%
Dropout rate	18.0%	28.0%
Transferred out	18.5%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,155 Year 2: $105,585 Year 3: $110,068 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $90,408 Year 2: $87,604 Year 3: $92,194 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,354 Year 2: $56,641 Year 3: $59,213 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $50,690 Year 2: $50,677 Year 3: $59,195 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $48,464 Year 2: $46,254 Year 3: $55,561 Engineering, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $53,378 Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,561 Year 2: $50,439 Year 3: $53,161 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,238 Year 2: $37,568 Year 3: $46,378 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,411 Year 2: $39,009 Year 3: $45,545 International Business (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,639 Year 2: $34,526 Year 3: $44,695	Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,995 Year 2: $71,575 Year 3: $92,580 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $71,575 Year 3: $90,960 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $81,072 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $89,338 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $81,208 Year 2: $71,854 Year 3: $88,920 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,889 Year 2: $78,612 Year 3: $88,135 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,760 Year 2: $63,501 Year 3: $77,826 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $51,707 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $77,121 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,655 Year 2: $66,989 Year 3: $74,462 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $67,655 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $73,578 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,402 Year 2: $60,623 Year 3: $73,430

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic focuses of Johnson & Wales University-Providence (JWU) and the University of Massachusetts-Lowell (UMass Lowell)?

JWU is renowned for its career-focused education, particularly in culinary arts, hospitality, business, and technology. UMass Lowell, on the other hand, is a comprehensive research university with strengths in engineering, sciences, business, and humanities. If you're seeking hands-on training for a specific industry, JWU might be a better fit. If you prefer a broader academic experience with research opportunities, consider UMass Lowell.
How do the campus environments differ between JWU and UMass Lowell?

JWU's Providence campus offers a more intimate, urban setting with a focus on experiential learning. UMass Lowell has a larger campus, providing a more traditional university experience with a wider range of student activities and a stronger emphasis on research and graduate programs. Consider whether you prefer a smaller, career-oriented environment or a larger, more comprehensive university setting.
What is the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio at each university?

JWU generally has smaller class sizes and a lower student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for more personalized attention from instructors. UMass Lowell, being a larger university, may have larger class sizes, especially in introductory courses. However, UMass Lowell also offers opportunities to work closely with faculty in research settings. If individual attention is a priority, JWU might be preferable, but UMass Lowell provides diverse research opportunities.
How do the costs of attending JWU and UMass Lowell compare?

Generally, JWU tends to have a higher tuition cost compared to UMass Lowell, especially for in-state students at UMass Lowell. However, the overall cost can vary depending on financial aid packages, scholarships, and living expenses. It's crucial to compare the net cost (cost after financial aid) for both universities based on your individual circumstances.
What types of student life and extracurricular activities are available at each institution?

JWU offers a vibrant student life centered around its career-focused programs, with clubs and organizations related to culinary arts, hospitality, and business. UMass Lowell provides a broader range of extracurricular activities, including sports teams, academic clubs, cultural organizations, and a more active Greek life. Your choice depends on your interests and whether you prefer a career-specific or a more diverse range of activities.
What career services and internship opportunities are offered at JWU and UMass Lowell?

Both universities offer career services to assist students with internships and job placement. JWU's career services are heavily integrated with its industry-focused programs, providing strong connections to employers in culinary arts, hospitality, and related fields. UMass Lowell's career services support students across a wider range of disciplines, with strong ties to technology and engineering companies in the Massachusetts area. Consider which university's connections align better with your career goals.
How do the locations of Providence, Rhode Island (JWU) and Lowell, Massachusetts (UMass Lowell) impact the student experience?

Providence is a vibrant city with a thriving arts and culinary scene, offering students at JWU numerous opportunities for dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences. Lowell is a smaller city with a rich industrial history, providing UMass Lowell students with a more affordable cost of living and access to the Boston metropolitan area. Your preference depends on whether you prefer a bustling city or a more affordable and historically rich environment.
What are the admission requirements for JWU and UMass Lowell?

Both universities require a standard application process, including transcripts, standardized test scores (though many schools are test-optional now, so check their current policies), and letters of recommendation. UMass Lowell may place a greater emphasis on academic performance, while JWU may consider relevant experience and a strong interest in their career-focused programs. Review each university's specific requirements on their admissions websites.
What are the strengths of JWU's culinary arts program compared to other culinary programs?

JWU's culinary arts program is known for its hands-on, experiential learning approach, with state-of-the-art facilities and experienced chef-instructors. The program emphasizes practical skills and industry connections, preparing students for immediate entry into the culinary workforce. While other culinary programs may offer similar training, JWU's reputation and industry partnerships are significant advantages.
What are the strengths of UMass Lowell's engineering programs compared to other engineering programs?

UMass Lowell's engineering programs are highly regarded for their focus on practical application and research opportunities. The university has strong ties to the local technology industry, providing students with access to internships and co-op programs. The faculty are actively involved in research, offering students the chance to participate in cutting-edge projects. This combination of practical experience and research makes UMass Lowell a strong choice for aspiring engineers.

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