Head-to-Head Comparison
Loyola University Maryland vs New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Loyola Maryland Wins
- 9
- Tied
- 15
- New Jersey Wins
- 30
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, New Jersey Institute of Technology offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Loyola University Maryland achieves a higher graduation rate (80% vs 73%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $30,574 compared to New Jersey Institute of Technology's $16,504 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, New Jersey Institute of Technology'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 grad rate: 80% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
New Jersey
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $84,276 ten years after enrollment, 2% more than Loyola University Maryland
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,504, roughly $14,070 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 6.5%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 65% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Loyola Maryland graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (32% of degrees); New Jersey in Computer Science & IT (33%). 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 New Jersey Institute of Technology over Loyola University Maryland. Median earnings of $84,276 ten years after enrollment vs $82,652.
Pick New Jersey Institute of Technology over Loyola University Maryland. Net price $16,504 vs $30,574.
Pick New Jersey Institute of Technology over Loyola University Maryland. 6.5% mobility rate vs 0.7%.
Pick Loyola University Maryland over New Jersey Institute of Technology. 80% completion rate vs 73%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Loyola University Maryland and New Jersey Institute of Technology are close on paper, but New Jersey Institute of Technology 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
New Jersey Institute of Technology is the harder admit. It takes 65% of applicants, while Loyola University Maryland takes 75%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,290 to 1,337.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, New Jersey Institute of Technology 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, New Jersey Institute of Technology comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $16,504, about $14,070 a year below Loyola University Maryland's $30,574. Graduates of New Jersey Institute of Technology also borrow less: median debt of $21,000, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $56,280 before any change in aid. Choosing New Jersey Institute of Technology leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $84,276, compared with $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland. That is a 2% advantage. Set against borrowing, New Jersey Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x 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 73%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% 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
New Jersey Institute of Technology does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 6.5%; at Loyola University Maryland, it is 0.7%. New Jersey Institute of Technology also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 10.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.7%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, New Jersey Institute of Technology 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 New Jersey Institute of Technology 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. Loyola University Maryland concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Psychology, while New Jersey Institute of Technology leans toward Computer Science & IT, Engineering. 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 New Jersey Institute of Technology's $16,504.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $21,000 at New Jersey Institute of Technology.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Loyola University Maryland's enrollment, and New Jersey Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: New Jersey Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and Loyola University Maryland offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: New Jersey Institute of Technology's enrollment of 9,019 far exceeds Loyola University Maryland's 3,869.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
New Jersey holds onto its admits more tightly: 17% 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; New Jersey 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.
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ · Public
With nearly 9,020 students, New Jersey Institute of Technology is a great fit for those pursuing careers in fields like engineering, computer science, business, and the arts. The 65% acceptance rate means there's a decent chance of getting in, especially for students who are dedicated to their studies and have a solid application. What stands out here is the strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world applications, making it a solid option for anyone looking to dive straight into a career after graduation.
When it comes to life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates can expect to earn around $84,276 within ten years of completing their degree. This level of earning potential is significant, especially when you consider how affordable this school is compared to others. With a median debt of $21,000, students graduate with a manageable financial load, allowing many to move up in their careers without being bogged down by excessive loans.
In terms of the practical bottom line, the net price after aid is about $16,504, which is reasonable for a public institution. This affordability, combined with the strong earning potential, means that students who tend to thrive here are typically those committed to their fields and eager to apply their learning in practical settings. With a diverse range of programs and a supportive environment, NJIT is well-suited for students ready to take the next step in their educational journey.
Rankings They Appear On
Loyola University Maryland is featured on the Best Business Colleges in Maryland ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Loyola Maryland's top program is Business Administration (32% of enrollment), while New Jersey leads with Computer Science (33%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Loyola Maryland) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for New Jersey).
The two schools feed different job markets. Loyola University Maryland is strongest in Social Sciences, Psychology, while New Jersey Institute of Technology concentrates in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. 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 New Jersey Institute of Technology?
New Jersey Institute of Technology is harder to get into, admitting 65% of applicants compared with 75% at Loyola University Maryland.
Which is more affordable, Loyola University Maryland or New Jersey Institute of Technology?
New Jersey Institute of Technology is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,504 after aid versus $30,574 at Loyola University Maryland.
Do Loyola University Maryland or New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $84,276 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland.
Which has a better graduation rate, Loyola University Maryland or New Jersey Institute of Technology?
Loyola University Maryland has the higher graduation rate, 80% versus 73%.
Loyola University Maryland vs New Jersey Institute of Technology: which is better for social mobility?
New Jersey Institute of Technology is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 6.5% versus 0.7%.
Should you choose Loyola University Maryland or New Jersey Institute of Technology?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose New Jersey Institute of Technology 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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