Head-to-Head Comparison
Lehigh University vs Loyola University Maryland
- Lehigh Wins
- 25
- Tied
- 15
- Loyola Maryland Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Loyola University Maryland offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Lehigh University achieves a higher graduation rate (89% vs 80%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $36,931 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
Lehigh
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment, 28% more than Loyola University Maryland
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,960, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 26% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Loyola Maryland
- Lower cost: Average net price of $30,574, roughly $6,357 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Lehigh 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 Lehigh University over Loyola University Maryland. Median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment vs $82,652.
Pick Loyola University Maryland over Lehigh University. Net price $30,574 vs $36,931.
Pick Lehigh University over Loyola University Maryland. 1.9% mobility rate vs 0.7%.
Pick Lehigh University over Loyola University Maryland. 89% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Lehigh University and Loyola University Maryland are close on paper, but Lehigh 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
Lehigh University is the harder admit. It takes 26% of applicants, while Loyola University Maryland takes 75%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,440 to 1,290.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Lehigh 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 $6,357 a year below Lehigh University's $36,931. Graduates of Lehigh University also borrow less: median debt of $21,960, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $25,428 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, Lehigh University graduates report median earnings of $105,584, compared with $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland. That is a 28% advantage. Set against borrowing, Lehigh University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 28% 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
Lehigh University graduates a larger share of its students, 89% versus 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 9% 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
Lehigh University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.9%; at Loyola University Maryland, it is 0.7%. Lehigh University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.3% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.7%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Lehigh 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 Lehigh 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 $6,357 a year, yet Lehigh University graduates earn $22,932 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. Lehigh University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, 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 $36,931 runs well above Loyola University Maryland's $30,574.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Lehigh University's enrollment of 5,898 far exceeds Loyola University Maryland's 3,869.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $21,960 at Lehigh University.
- Engineering-focused students: Lehigh University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Lehigh holds onto its admits more tightly: 27% 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 Lehigh (47.4% Early Decision admit rate vs 41.8%). 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
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit
Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, is a great fit for students who are looking for a balance of academic rigor and a vibrant campus life. With an acceptance rate of 26%, it attracts motivated individuals who are interested in fields like Business & Marketing, Engineering, and Computer Science. The strong emphasis on these programs means students can expect a well-rounded education that prepares them for today’s job market.
After graduation, Lehigh alumni see impressive earnings, with a median salary of $105,584 just ten years post-degree. This figure highlights the university's strong return on investment for graduates, especially in high-demand fields. While the affordability of higher education is a concern for many, the net price here is $36,931 after financial aid, making it a manageable option for those willing to invest in their future.
On the financial side, graduates typically carry a median debt of $21,960, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This manageable debt load means that many students can thrive here, particularly those who are proactive about their education and take advantage of the resources available. Lehigh is especially welcoming to students who are ready to engage deeply with both their studies and the community.
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
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 23% of Lehigh's student body and 32% of Loyola Maryland's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Lehigh) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Loyola Maryland).
The two schools feed different job markets. Lehigh 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 Lehigh University or Loyola University Maryland?
Lehigh University is harder to get into, admitting 26% of applicants compared with 75% at Loyola University Maryland.
Which is more affordable, Lehigh University or Loyola University Maryland?
Loyola University Maryland is more affordable, with an average net price of $30,574 after aid versus $36,931 at Lehigh University.
Do Lehigh University or Loyola University Maryland graduates earn more?
Lehigh University graduates earn more: median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland.
Which has a better graduation rate, Lehigh University or Loyola University Maryland?
Lehigh University has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 80%.
Lehigh University vs Loyola University Maryland: which is better for social mobility?
Lehigh University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.9% versus 0.7%.
Should you choose Lehigh University or Loyola University Maryland?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Loyola University Maryland if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Lehigh 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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