Head-to-Head Comparison
Carnegie Mellon University vs Loyola University Maryland
- Carnegie Mellon Wins
- 25
- Tied
- 15
- Loyola Maryland Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Loyola University Maryland offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Carnegie Mellon University achieves a higher graduation rate (93% vs 80%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $31,944 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.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Carnegie Mellon
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment, 39% more than Loyola University Maryland
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,750, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 12% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Loyola Maryland
- Lower cost: Average net price of $30,574, roughly $1,370 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Carnegie Mellon graduates concentrate in Engineering (23% 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 Carnegie Mellon University over Loyola University Maryland. Median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment vs $82,652.
Pick Loyola University Maryland over Carnegie Mellon University. Net price $30,574 vs $31,944.
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over Loyola University Maryland. 2.2% mobility rate vs 0.7%.
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over Loyola University Maryland. 93% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Carnegie Mellon University and Loyola University Maryland are close on paper, but Carnegie Mellon 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
Carnegie Mellon University is the harder admit. It takes 12% of applicants, while Loyola University Maryland takes 75%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,546 to 1,290.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Carnegie Mellon 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 $1,370 a year below Carnegie Mellon University's $31,944. Graduates of Carnegie Mellon University also borrow less: median debt of $21,750, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $5,480 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, Carnegie Mellon University graduates report median earnings of $114,862, compared with $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland. That is a 39% advantage. Set against borrowing, Carnegie Mellon University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.19x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 39% 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.
Finishing the degree
Carnegie Mellon University graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 13% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Carnegie Mellon University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at Loyola University Maryland, it is 0.7%. Carnegie Mellon University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.7%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Carnegie Mellon 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 Carnegie Mellon 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 $1,370 a year, yet Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn $32,210 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Carnegie Mellon University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while Loyola University Maryland leans toward Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Carnegie Mellon University has less business program depth, and Loyola University Maryland offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Carnegie Mellon University's enrollment of 7,304 far exceeds Loyola University Maryland's 3,869.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $21,750 at Carnegie Mellon University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Loyola University Maryland's enrollment, and Carnegie Mellon University is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Carnegie Mellon holds onto its admits more tightly: 47% of admitted students enroll, versus 12% at Loyola Maryland — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Loyola Maryland (41.8% Early Decision admit rate vs 20.6%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice.
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
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Carnegie Mellon University is a great fit for students who are ready to dive into rigorous academic programs. This school attracts those passionate about fields like Engineering, Computer Science, and Business. The blend of technical and creative disciplines, including Visual and Performing Arts, creates a unique environment where students can thrive while exploring their varied interests.
Life after graduation at Carnegie Mellon looks promising. Graduates can expect to earn an impressive average of $114,862 within ten years of completing their degrees. This strong earning potential is crucial for students weighing their options, as it reflects the value of the education they receive here. With a graduation rate of 93%, it’s clear that students are not only getting in but are also navigating their studies successfully.
When considering the financial aspect, the net price after aid is around $31,944, which can feel daunting but is manageable compared to potential earnings. The median debt for graduates stands at $21,750, suggesting that many students are able to graduate with a reasonable level of debt. Students who tend to thrive here are those who are dedicated, ambitious, and ready to engage deeply with their chosen fields.
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
Carnegie Mellon University is featured on the Highest-Paying Colleges for Visual ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Carnegie Mellon's top program is Mechanical Engineering (23% of enrollment), while Loyola Maryland leads with Business Administration (32%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Carnegie Mellon) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Loyola Maryland).
The two schools feed different job markets. Carnegie Mellon University is strongest in Engineering, Mathematics & Statistics, while Loyola University Maryland concentrates in Social Sciences, Psychology. 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 Carnegie Mellon University or Loyola University Maryland?
Carnegie Mellon University is harder to get into, admitting 12% of applicants compared with 75% at Loyola University Maryland.
Which is more affordable, Carnegie Mellon University or Loyola University Maryland?
Loyola University Maryland is more affordable, with an average net price of $30,574 after aid versus $31,944 at Carnegie Mellon University.
Do Carnegie Mellon University or Loyola University Maryland graduates earn more?
Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn more: median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland.
Which has a better graduation rate, Carnegie Mellon University or Loyola University Maryland?
Carnegie Mellon University has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 80%.
Carnegie Mellon University vs Loyola University Maryland: which is better for social mobility?
Carnegie Mellon University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 0.7%.
Should you choose Carnegie Mellon University or Loyola University Maryland?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Loyola University Maryland if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Carnegie Mellon 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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