Head-to-Head Comparison
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach vs Loyola University Maryland
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL
Loyola University Maryland
Baltimore, MD
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 15
- Loyola Maryland Wins
- 18
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Loyola University Maryland offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $30,574 vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's $41,272, Loyola University Maryland delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. 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
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $84,131 ten years after enrollment, 2% more than Loyola University Maryland
- Less debt: Median debt of $23,666, the lower of the two
- 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 $10,698 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 80% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical graduates concentrate in Transportation (41% 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 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach over Loyola University Maryland. Median earnings of $84,131 ten years after enrollment vs $82,652.
Pick Loyola University Maryland over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. Net price $30,574 vs $41,272.
Pick Loyola University Maryland over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. 80% completion rate vs 67%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach and Loyola University Maryland are close on paper, but Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach is the harder admit. It takes 65% of applicants, while Loyola University Maryland takes 75%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,257 to 1,290.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach 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 $10,698 a year below Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's $41,272. Graduates of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach also borrow less: median debt of $23,666, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $42,792 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, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach graduates report median earnings of $84,131, compared with $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland. That is a 2% advantage. Set against borrowing, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.28x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 2% 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 67%. 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Loyola University Maryland to keep costs and debt down; pick Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Loyola University Maryland saves about $10,698 a year, yet Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach graduates earn $1,479 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. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach concentrates enrollment in Transportation, Engineering, 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
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,272 runs well above Loyola University Maryland's $30,574.
- Business and consulting-track students: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has less business program depth, and Loyola University Maryland offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's enrollment of 7,860 far exceeds Loyola University Maryland's 3,869.
- Engineering-focused students: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Loyola Maryland offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical 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
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL · Private nonprofit
Students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach can expect to earn an average of $84,131 within ten years of graduation. This strong earning potential makes it a compelling choice for those looking to invest in their future.
The Opportunity Insights data isn't available for Embry-Riddle, but the statistics on graduation and job placement suggest that students have a solid chance of finding success post-graduation. With a graduation rate of 67%, students are likely to complete their degrees and enter the workforce equipped with skills that are in demand.
The net price to attend is $41,272, with a median debt of $23,666. This balance is manageable considering the earning potential graduates enjoy. Students who thrive here are typically those drawn to aviation, engineering, and technical fields, seeking hands-on experience and a pathway to a stable career.
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
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical's top program is Supply Chain Management (41% of enrollment), while Loyola Maryland leads with Business Administration (32%).
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Loyola Maryland).
The two schools feed different job markets. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach is strongest in Transportation, Engineering, Criminal Justice, while Loyola University Maryland concentrates in Social Sciences, Psychology, 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 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach or Loyola University Maryland?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach is harder to get into, admitting 65% of applicants compared with 75% at Loyola University Maryland.
Which is more affordable, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach or Loyola University Maryland?
Loyola University Maryland is more affordable, with an average net price of $30,574 after aid versus $41,272 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Do Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach or Loyola University Maryland graduates earn more?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach graduates earn more: median earnings of $84,131 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland.
Which has a better graduation rate, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach or Loyola University Maryland?
Loyola University Maryland has the higher graduation rate, 80% versus 67%.
Should you choose Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach or Loyola University Maryland?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Loyola University Maryland if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach 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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