Head-to-Head Comparison
Emory University vs Loyola University Maryland
- Emory Wins
- 26
- Tied
- 15
- Loyola Maryland Wins
- 13
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Emory University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $22,585 vs Loyola University Maryland's $30,574, Emory University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Emory University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Emory
- Lower cost: Average net price of $22,585, roughly $7,989 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 91% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,250, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.8%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 11% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Loyola Maryland
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,652 ten years after enrollment, 3% more than Emory University
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Emory graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (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 Loyola University Maryland over Emory University. Median earnings of $82,652 ten years after enrollment vs $80,137.
Pick Emory University over Loyola University Maryland. Net price $22,585 vs $30,574.
Pick Emory University over Loyola University Maryland. 1.8% mobility rate vs 0.7%.
Pick Emory 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
Emory University and Loyola University Maryland are close on paper, but Emory 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
Emory University is the harder admit. It takes 11% of applicants, while Loyola University Maryland takes 75%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,520 to 1,290.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Emory 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, Emory University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $22,585, about $7,989 a year below Loyola University Maryland's $30,574. Graduates of Emory University also borrow less: median debt of $18,250, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $31,956 before any change in aid. Choosing Emory University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Loyola University Maryland graduates report median earnings of $82,652, compared with $80,137 at Emory University. That is a 3% advantage. Set against borrowing, Emory University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x 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
Emory 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 12% 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
Emory University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.8%; at Loyola University Maryland, it is 0.7%. Emory University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.7%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Emory 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 Emory University to keep costs and debt down; pick Loyola University Maryland 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. Emory University saves about $7,989 a year, yet Loyola University Maryland graduates earn $2,515 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. Emory University concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, while Loyola University Maryland leans toward Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Emory University's enrollment of 7,298 far exceeds Loyola University Maryland's 3,869.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $30,574 runs well above Emory University's $22,585.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $18,250 at Emory University.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Emory holds onto its admits more tightly: 40% 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 23.2%). 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
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Emory University
Atlanta, GA · Private nonprofit
Emory University has an impressive graduation rate of 91%. This high percentage reflects the strong support systems in place for students and their ability to successfully navigate their academic journeys. With an acceptance rate of just 11%, Emory attracts a competitive pool of applicants, ensuring a diverse and engaged student body.
According to Opportunity Insights data, Emory's graduates earn a median salary of $80,137 ten years after enrollment. This earning potential suggests that students are well-prepared for the job market, particularly in fields like business, health professions, and social sciences. While detailed mobility rates are not available, the strong outcomes indicate that students from various socioeconomic backgrounds can succeed here.
The net price for attending Emory is $22,585, with a median debt of $18,250. This financial framework allows many students to graduate with manageable debt levels. Emory is ideal for motivated students who thrive in an academically rigorous environment and seek strong career outcomes post-graduation.
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
Emory University is featured on the Best Nursing Colleges in Georgia ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 23% of Emory'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 Emory) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Loyola Maryland).
The two schools feed different job markets. Emory University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Health Professions, while Loyola University Maryland concentrates in 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 Emory University or Loyola University Maryland?
Emory University is harder to get into, admitting 11% of applicants compared with 75% at Loyola University Maryland.
Which is more affordable, Emory University or Loyola University Maryland?
Emory University is more affordable, with an average net price of $22,585 after aid versus $30,574 at Loyola University Maryland.
Do Emory University or Loyola University Maryland graduates earn more?
Loyola University Maryland graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,652 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,137 at Emory University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Emory University or Loyola University Maryland?
Emory University has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 80%.
Emory University vs Loyola University Maryland: which is better for social mobility?
Emory University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.8% versus 0.7%.
Should you choose Emory University or Loyola University Maryland?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Emory University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Loyola University Maryland 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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