Head-to-Head Comparison
Colgate University vs Loyola University Maryland
- Colgate Wins
- 22
- Tied
- 14
- Loyola Maryland Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Colgate University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $28,786 vs Loyola University Maryland's $30,574, Colgate University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Colgate 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
Colgate
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $85,139 ten years after enrollment, 3% more than Loyola University Maryland
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,786, roughly $1,788 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 91% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 0.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 14% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Loyola Maryland
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Colgate graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (34% 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 Colgate University over Loyola University Maryland. Median earnings of $85,139 ten years after enrollment vs $82,652.
Pick Colgate University over Loyola University Maryland. Net price $28,786 vs $30,574.
Pick Colgate University over Loyola University Maryland. 0.9% mobility rate vs 0.7%.
Pick Colgate University over Loyola University Maryland. 91% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Colgate University and Loyola University Maryland are close on paper, but Colgate University wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Colgate University is the harder admit. It takes 14% of applicants, while Loyola University Maryland takes 75%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,508 to 1,290.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Colgate 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, Colgate University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $28,786, about $1,788 a year below Loyola University Maryland's $30,574. Graduates of Colgate University also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $7,152 before any change in aid. Choosing Colgate University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Colgate University graduates report median earnings of $85,139, compared with $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland. That is a 3% advantage. Set against borrowing, Colgate University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 3% 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
Colgate University graduates a larger share of its students, 91% versus 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 11% 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
Colgate University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 0.9%; at Loyola University Maryland, it is 0.7%. Colgate University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 2.4% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.7%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Colgate 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 Colgate 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
Their academic identities diverge. Colgate University concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT, while Loyola University Maryland leans toward Business & Marketing, Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Colgate University has less business program depth, and Loyola University Maryland offers the stronger options.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $15,000 at Colgate University.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Colgate holds onto its admits more tightly: 29% 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 19.5%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice. Test scores matter less at Loyola Maryland, where only about 17% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
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
Colgate University
Hamilton, NY · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Colgate University attracts students who are serious about their education and ready to engage deeply with their studies. This school is a great fit for those interested in fields like Social Sciences, Biology, Psychology, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences. The tight-knit community and emphasis on critical thinking make it a place where students can really thrive.
After graduation, Colgate alums see an impressive median earnings of $85,139 after ten years. This strong financial outcome reflects not just the quality of education, but also the commitment of students to leverage their degrees in meaningful ways. While the Pell Grant rate sits at 13%, the majority of students manage to find success in their careers, illustrating that hard work and dedication pay off.
On the practical side, the net price after aid stands at $28,786, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. The median debt of $15,000 is relatively low, suggesting that most students graduate with a solid financial footing. Those who tend to thrive here are motivated individuals seeking a challenging academic environment and who value the connections made during their time at Colgate.
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
Colgate's top program is Sociology (34% 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 Colgate) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Loyola Maryland).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colgate University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, while Loyola University Maryland concentrates in Business & Marketing. 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 Colgate University or Loyola University Maryland?
Colgate University is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 75% at Loyola University Maryland.
Which is more affordable, Colgate University or Loyola University Maryland?
Colgate University is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,786 after aid versus $30,574 at Loyola University Maryland.
Do Colgate University or Loyola University Maryland graduates earn more?
Colgate University graduates earn more: median earnings of $85,139 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colgate University or Loyola University Maryland?
Colgate University has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 80%.
Colgate University vs Loyola University Maryland: which is better for social mobility?
Colgate University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 0.9% versus 0.7%.
Should you choose Colgate University or Loyola University Maryland?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Colgate University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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