Head-to-Head Comparison
Clarkson University vs Loyola University Maryland
- Clarkson Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 13
- Loyola Maryland Wins
- 18
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Clarkson University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Loyola University Maryland achieves a higher graduation rate (80% vs 74%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $30,574 compared to Clarkson University's $30,305. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Clarkson University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Clarkson
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $89,696 ten years after enrollment, 9% more than Loyola University Maryland
- Lower cost: Average net price of $30,305, roughly $269 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $26,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Loyola Maryland
- Higher grad rate: 80% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Clarkson graduates concentrate in Engineering (54% 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 Clarkson University over Loyola University Maryland. Median earnings of $89,696 ten years after enrollment vs $82,652.
Pick Clarkson University over Loyola University Maryland. Net price $30,305 vs $30,574.
Pick Clarkson University over Loyola University Maryland. 3% mobility rate vs 0.7%.
Pick Loyola University Maryland over Clarkson University. 80% completion rate vs 74%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Clarkson University and Loyola University Maryland are close on paper, but Clarkson University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Loyola University Maryland is the harder admit. It takes 75% of applicants, while Clarkson University takes 77%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,304 to 1,290.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Loyola University Maryland 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, Clarkson University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $30,305, about $269 a year below Loyola University Maryland's $30,574. Graduates of Clarkson University also borrow less: median debt of $26,000, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $1,076 before any change in aid. Choosing Clarkson University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Clarkson University graduates report median earnings of $89,696, compared with $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland. That is a 9% advantage. Set against borrowing, Clarkson University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.29x 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.
Finishing the degree
Loyola University Maryland graduates a larger share of its students, 80% versus 74%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 6% 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
Clarkson University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3%; at Loyola University Maryland, it is 0.7%. Clarkson University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.7%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Clarkson 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 Clarkson University to keep costs and debt down.
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
Loyola University Maryland is harder to get into, with a 75% admit rate, but Clarkson University posts the higher mobility rate, at 3%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Clarkson University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, while Loyola University Maryland leans toward Social Sciences, Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Clarkson competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Engineering-focused students: Clarkson University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Loyola University Maryland's enrollment of 3,869 far exceeds Clarkson University's 2,196.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Loyola Maryland offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Clarkson 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
Clarkson University
Potsdam, NY · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of 77%, Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, is a solid choice for students seeking a blend of academic rigor and community feel. It's particularly suitable for those interested in fields like Engineering, Business and Marketing, Biology, Computer Science, and Psychology. The hands-on learning and collaborative environment stand out, making it easier for students to connect their studies to real-world applications.
Looking at what comes after graduation, the average earnings ten years out is $89,696. This figure is telling; it suggests that graduates from Clarkson tend to find good job opportunities that lead to solid financial stability. While the median debt is $26,000, the affordability of education here can help mitigate the long-term financial burden for many students.
When we talk about the practical side of attending Clarkson, the net price after aid hovers around $30,305. This cost is manageable compared to what many private institutions charge, especially when considering the potential return on investment. Students who thrive here are typically those who are proactive, engaged, and eager to apply their learning in real-world contexts. The supportive campus community also plays a role in helping students succeed.
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
Clarkson's top program is Mechanical Engineering (54% 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 Clarkson) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Loyola Maryland).
The two schools feed different job markets. Clarkson University is strongest in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, 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 Clarkson University or Loyola University Maryland?
Loyola University Maryland is harder to get into, admitting 75% of applicants compared with 77% at Clarkson University.
Which is more affordable, Clarkson University or Loyola University Maryland?
Clarkson University is more affordable, with an average net price of $30,305 after aid versus $30,574 at Loyola University Maryland.
Do Clarkson University or Loyola University Maryland graduates earn more?
Clarkson University graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,696 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland.
Which has a better graduation rate, Clarkson University or Loyola University Maryland?
Loyola University Maryland has the higher graduation rate, 80% versus 74%.
Clarkson University vs Loyola University Maryland: which is better for social mobility?
Clarkson University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3% versus 0.7%.
Should you choose Clarkson University or Loyola University Maryland?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Clarkson University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Loyola University Maryland if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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