Head-to-Head Comparison
Loyola University Maryland vs Northeastern University
- Loyola Maryland Wins
- 13
- Tied
- 15
- Northeastern Wins
- 26
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Loyola University Maryland offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Northeastern University achieves a higher graduation rate (90% vs 80%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $30,915 compared to Loyola University Maryland's $30,574. 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
Loyola Maryland
- Lower cost: Average net price of $30,574, roughly $341 a year less
Northeastern
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $92,538 ten years after enrollment, 12% more than Loyola University Maryland
- Higher grad rate: 90% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $24,250, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 5% 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); Northeastern in Business & Marketing (21%). 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 Northeastern University over Loyola University Maryland. Median earnings of $92,538 ten years after enrollment vs $82,652.
Pick Loyola University Maryland over Northeastern University. Net price $30,574 vs $30,915.
Pick Northeastern University over Loyola University Maryland. 2.4% mobility rate vs 0.7%.
Pick Northeastern University over Loyola University Maryland. 90% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Loyola University Maryland and Northeastern University are close on paper, but Northeastern 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
Northeastern University is the harder admit. It takes 5% of applicants, while Loyola University Maryland takes 75%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,290 to 1,497.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Northeastern 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 $341 a year below Northeastern University's $30,915. Graduates of Northeastern University also borrow less: median debt of $24,250, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $1,364 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, Northeastern University graduates report median earnings of $92,538, compared with $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland. That is a 12% advantage. Set against borrowing, Northeastern University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 12% 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
Northeastern University graduates a larger share of its students, 90% versus 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 11% 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
Northeastern University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.4%; at Loyola University Maryland, it is 0.7%. Northeastern University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.7%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Northeastern 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 Northeastern 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 $341 a year, yet Northeastern University graduates earn $9,886 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. Loyola University Maryland concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Psychology, while Northeastern University leans toward Computer Science & IT, Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Loyola University Maryland's enrollment, and Northeastern University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Northeastern University's enrollment of 17,326 far exceeds Loyola University Maryland's 3,869.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Northeastern holds onto its admits more tightly: 34% 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 Northeastern (43.0% Early Decision admit rate vs 41.8%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice.
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.
Northeastern University
Boston, MA · Private nonprofit
Northeastern University in Boston is an excellent fit for students who are driven and ready to engage in a highly competitive academic environment. With an acceptance rate of just 5%, it attracts those who excel in their studies and seek a dynamic campus experience. Students here often dive into popular programs like Business & Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, and Social Sciences. This variety allows for a rich educational experience and a chance to connect with peers across different fields.
Looking at life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates can expect to earn an average of $92,538 within ten years of completing their degree. This figure highlights the potential for upward mobility, especially considering the strong graduation rate of 90%. While affordability can be a concern for many students, the financial landscape here is manageable, with a net price of $30,915 after aid. This balance between cost and earning potential is a significant advantage for graduates.
When it comes to practical considerations, the typical debt load for students at Northeastern is around $24,250. This is relatively low compared to their earning potential, making it easier for graduates to pay off loans while enjoying their careers. The environment here tends to suit those who are ambitious and ready to take advantage of the university's extensive resources and networking opportunities. If you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced setting and values real-world experience alongside academic rigor, Northeastern could be a great choice for you.
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 21% of Northeastern's.
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 Northeastern).
The two schools feed different job markets. Loyola University Maryland is strongest in Social Sciences, Psychology, while Northeastern University 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 Northeastern University?
Northeastern University is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 75% at Loyola University Maryland.
Which is more affordable, Loyola University Maryland or Northeastern University?
Loyola University Maryland is more affordable, with an average net price of $30,574 after aid versus $30,915 at Northeastern University.
Do Loyola University Maryland or Northeastern University graduates earn more?
Northeastern University graduates earn more: median earnings of $92,538 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland.
Which has a better graduation rate, Loyola University Maryland or Northeastern University?
Northeastern University has the higher graduation rate, 90% versus 80%.
Loyola University Maryland vs Northeastern University: which is better for social mobility?
Northeastern University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.4% versus 0.7%.
Should you choose Loyola University Maryland or Northeastern University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Loyola University Maryland if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Northeastern 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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