Head-to-Head Comparison
Bryant University vs Loyola University Maryland
- Bryant Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 15
- Loyola Maryland Wins
- 18
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Loyola University Maryland offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Bryant University achieves a higher graduation rate (80% vs 80%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $41,219 compared to Loyola University Maryland's $30,574 for in-state paths. Students who choose Loyola University Maryland benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $82,652 at ten years.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Bryant
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,008 ten years after enrollment, 9% more than Loyola University Maryland
- Less debt: Median debt of $26,849, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.6%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 65% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Loyola Maryland
- Lower cost: Average net price of $30,574, roughly $10,645 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bryant graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (82% of degrees); Loyola Maryland in Business & Marketing (32%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Bryant University over Loyola University Maryland. Median earnings of $90,008 ten years after enrollment vs $82,652.
Pick Loyola University Maryland over Bryant University. Net price $30,574 vs $41,219.
Pick Bryant University over Loyola University Maryland. 1.6% mobility rate vs 0.7%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bryant University and Loyola University Maryland are close on paper, but Bryant University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Bryant University is the harder admit. It takes 65% of applicants, while Loyola University Maryland takes 75%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,265 to 1,290.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Bryant University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Loyola University Maryland comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $30,574, about $10,645 a year below Bryant University's $41,219. Graduates of Bryant University also borrow less: median debt of $26,849, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $42,580 before any change in aid. Choosing Loyola University Maryland leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Bryant University graduates report median earnings of $90,008, compared with $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland. That is a 9% advantage. Set against borrowing, Bryant University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.3x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 9% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Moving people up
Bryant University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.6%; at Loyola University Maryland, it is 0.7%. Bryant University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.7%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Bryant University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Loyola University Maryland to keep costs and debt down; pick Bryant University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Loyola University Maryland saves about $10,645 a year, yet Bryant University graduates earn $7,356 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,219 runs well above Loyola University Maryland's $30,574.
No strong negative signals — Loyola Maryland competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Loyola Maryland offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Bryant does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Bryant University
Smithfield, RI · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of around 3,200 students and an acceptance rate of 65%, Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island, is a great fit for those interested in business and marketing, as well as fields like mathematics, social sciences, and communications. The school’s focus on practical skills and real-world applications prepares students well for their future careers. Students here can expect to be engaged in a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes collaboration and innovation.
After graduation, the financial outlook for Bryant alumni is strong, with a median earning of $90,008 ten years after completing their degree. This figure is significant as it indicates that many graduates find solid career opportunities. Additionally, the affordability of Bryant is notable, as its net price after financial aid is $41,219, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. This means that students who invest in their education at Bryant can expect a good return on that investment.
When considering the practical aspects of attending Bryant, it’s important to look at the financial implications. The median debt for graduates stands at $26,849, which is reasonable given the earning potential. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are motivated, engaged, and ready to take advantage of the supportive community and resources available. With a graduation rate of 80%, it’s clear that many find their place and succeed in reaching their educational goals.
Loyola University Maryland
Baltimore, MD · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of nearly 3,900 students, Loyola University Maryland caters to those seeking a well-rounded education in a supportive environment. The 75% acceptance rate suggests that the school aims to welcome a diverse group of students, which contributes to a vibrant campus life. Popular areas of study include Business and Marketing, Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, Communications, and Social Sciences, allowing students to explore various fields while preparing for their careers.
After graduation, students can expect a solid financial outlook, with a median earnings figure of $82,652 after ten years. This is encouraging and indicates that many graduates find good opportunities in their chosen fields. The affordability factor is also important; with a net price of $30,574, students can weigh the cost of their education against potential earnings, making it a reasonable investment for many.
When considering the practical aspects of attending Loyola, the average debt load of $27,000 is relatively manageable, especially given the earnings potential. The school attracts a mix of students, including those who are determined to succeed and take advantage of the supportive community. With a graduation rate of 80%, it’s clear that many students find their footing here and go on to thrive in their careers.
Rankings They Appear On
Loyola University Maryland is featured on the Best Business Colleges in Maryland ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 82% of Bryant's student body and 32% of Loyola Maryland's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Bryant) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Loyola Maryland).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bryant University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, while Loyola University Maryland concentrates in Computer Science & IT. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Bryant University or Loyola University Maryland?
Bryant University is harder to get into, admitting 65% of applicants compared with 75% at Loyola University Maryland.
Which is more affordable, Bryant University or Loyola University Maryland?
Loyola University Maryland is more affordable, with an average net price of $30,574 after aid versus $41,219 at Bryant University.
Do Bryant University or Loyola University Maryland graduates earn more?
Bryant University graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,008 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bryant University or Loyola University Maryland?
Bryant University has the higher graduation rate, 80% versus 80%.
Bryant University vs Loyola University Maryland: which is better for social mobility?
Bryant University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.6% versus 0.7%.
Should you choose Bryant University or Loyola University Maryland?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Loyola University Maryland if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Bryant University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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