Head-to-Head Comparison
Loyola University Maryland vs Michigan State University
- Loyola Maryland Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 15
- Michigan State Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Michigan State University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $19,680 vs Loyola University Maryland's $30,574, Michigan State University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Michigan State 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
Loyola Maryland
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,652 ten years after enrollment, 23% more than Michigan State University
- More selective: Admits 75% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Michigan State
- Lower cost: Average net price of $19,680, roughly $10,894 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $23,250, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Loyola Maryland graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (32% of degrees); Michigan State in Business & Marketing (15%). 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 Michigan State University. Median earnings of $82,652 ten years after enrollment vs $67,253.
Pick Michigan State University over Loyola University Maryland. Net price $19,680 vs $30,574.
Pick Michigan State University over Loyola University Maryland. 1.4% mobility rate vs 0.7%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Loyola University Maryland and Michigan State University are close on paper, but Michigan State 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 Michigan State University takes 85%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,290 to 1,269.
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, Michigan State University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $19,680, about $10,894 a year below Loyola University Maryland's $30,574. Graduates of Michigan State University also borrow less: median debt of $23,250, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $43,576 before any change in aid. Choosing Michigan State 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 $67,253 at Michigan State University. That is a 23% advantage. Set against borrowing, Loyola University Maryland has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.33x to 0.35x.
So what: An earnings gap of 23% 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.
Moving people up
Michigan State University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.4%; at Loyola University Maryland, it is 0.7%. Michigan State University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.7%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Michigan State 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 Michigan State 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. Michigan State University saves about $10,894 a year, yet Loyola University Maryland graduates earn $15,399 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Loyola University Maryland is harder to get into, with a 75% admit rate, but Michigan State University posts the higher mobility rate, at 1.4%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Loyola University Maryland concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Psychology, while Michigan State University leans toward Biology & Biomedical, Communications. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $30,574 runs well above Michigan State University's $19,680.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $23,250 at Michigan State University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Michigan State University's enrollment of 40,922 far exceeds Loyola University Maryland's 3,869.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Michigan State holds onto its admits more tightly: 18% of admitted students enroll, versus 12% at Loyola Maryland — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Loyola Maryland offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Michigan State does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. 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
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.
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI · Public
With an enrollment of over 40,000 students, Michigan State University is a vibrant choice for those looking to dive into fields like Business, Biology, Engineering, and Social Sciences. The acceptance rate of 85% means it's accessible, welcoming a diverse range of students who are eager to grow academically and socially. Here, you’ll find a mix of rigorous academic programs and a lively campus life that suits both serious scholars and those looking to make connections.
After graduation, students can expect a solid earning potential, with a median income of $67,253 just ten years post-degree. This indicates that graduates are moving into steady careers that often lead to upward mobility, although specific statistics on mobility are not available. The cost of education is manageable, especially considering the average net price of $19,680 after aid, which makes it an appealing option for many.
When it comes to affordability, the median debt sits at $23,250, which is relatively reasonable given the earning potential. Students who thrive here often take advantage of the large network and resources available, whether through campus organizations or internship opportunities. Overall, Michigan State University attracts those who are ready to engage in a dynamic environment and are focused on building a future that balances education with real-world applicability.
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 32% of Loyola Maryland's student body and 15% of Michigan State's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Loyola Maryland) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Michigan State).
The two schools feed different job markets. Loyola University Maryland is strongest in Social Sciences, Psychology, Computer Science & IT, while Michigan State University concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, Communications, Engineering. 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 Loyola University Maryland or Michigan State University?
Loyola University Maryland is harder to get into, admitting 75% of applicants compared with 85% at Michigan State University.
Which is more affordable, Loyola University Maryland or Michigan State University?
Michigan State University is more affordable, with an average net price of $19,680 after aid versus $30,574 at Loyola University Maryland.
Do Loyola University Maryland or Michigan State University graduates earn more?
Loyola University Maryland graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,652 ten years after enrollment, versus $67,253 at Michigan State University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Loyola University Maryland or Michigan State University?
Michigan State University has the higher graduation rate, 81% versus 80%.
Loyola University Maryland vs Michigan State University: which is better for social mobility?
Michigan State University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.4% versus 0.7%.
Should you choose Loyola University Maryland or Michigan State University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Michigan State 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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