UMASS Amherst or UMASS Lowell for Engineering

So as the decision for which college to attend comes closer and closer, I am stuck between which school to attend for engineering. I was accepted into both colleges except I was not accepted into my first major of choice for UMASS Amherst. I was accepted into the engineering exploratory track, while for UMASS Lowell I was accepted into mechanical engineering (first choice). Not being accepted into my major of choice for UMASS Amherst is causing me to lean towards Lowell, but cost wise UMASS Amherst gave the better deal. Both colleges have great reputations and excellent programs. I’ve visited UMASS Lowell as my brother attends there and had a pretty good experience. Being on my high school robotics team, almost all of our engineers are from Lowell, all seeming to have an excellent career and a wide array of knowledge. Visiting UMASS Amherst in a couple of weeks, which school should I attend? My main concerns was not getting into my intended major at UMASS Amherst and the cost at Lowell being a bit higher.

My son is applying to UMass Lowell for Mechanical engineering, so I am curious which you did select. We are waiting for a decision, not sure when they are available. If you chose UMass Lowell, how do you like it?

A couple of years ago my son was in the same place as the OP. He got into Umass Lowell for Mech Engineering and Umass Amherst as Undecided. He also got into UCONN for Mech Eng which was his first choice for school. He got a scholarship of 1/2 tuition and fees at Umass Lowell and nothing at Umass amherst. He did get a grant at UCONN which brought the price down somewhat.

He hesitated about going to Umass amherst and have to try and transfer into the Engineering program and, for him he did not want to go to school, in the city of Lowell.

He is currently a senior at UCONN but he will have loans to pay off when done. Sometimes I wish he had gone to Lowell as he wouldn’t have any loans and it seems as though the Lowell Eng program is getting all sorts of good press lately and good opportunities for the students in the Boston area.