Head-to-Head Comparison
Loyola University Maryland vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Loyola University Maryland
Baltimore, MD
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
- Loyola Maryland Wins
- 14
- Tied
- 14
- Pennsylvania State Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Loyola University Maryland offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus achieves a higher graduation rate (86% vs 80%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $32,875 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.
49 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, 30% more than Pennsylvania State University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $30,574, roughly $2,301 a year less
Pennsylvania State
- Higher grad rate: 86% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $25,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 61% 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); Pennsylvania State in Business & Marketing (20%). 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 Pennsylvania State University. Median earnings of $82,652 ten years after enrollment vs $63,435.
Pick Loyola University Maryland over Pennsylvania State University. Net price $30,574 vs $32,875.
Pick Pennsylvania State University over Loyola University Maryland. 86% 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 Pennsylvania State University are close on paper, but Pennsylvania State University wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Pennsylvania State University is the harder admit. It takes 61% 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, Pennsylvania State 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 $2,301 a year below Pennsylvania State University's $32,875. Graduates of Pennsylvania State University also borrow less: median debt of $25,000, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $9,204 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, Loyola University Maryland graduates report median earnings of $82,652, compared with $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University. That is a 30% advantage. Set against borrowing, Loyola University Maryland has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.33x to 0.39x.
So what: An earnings gap of 30% 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
Pennsylvania State University graduates a larger share of its students, 86% versus 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 6% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Loyola University Maryland to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Loyola University Maryland concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Psychology, while Pennsylvania State University leans toward Engineering, Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Pennsylvania State University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Pennsylvania State University's enrollment of 42,284 far exceeds Loyola University Maryland's 3,869.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Pennsylvania State holds onto its admits more tightly: 16% 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; Pennsylvania 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 3 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
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.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 42,300 students, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a great fit for those looking for a vibrant campus life paired with solid academics. The acceptance rate stands at 61%, which means students can find a welcoming environment to explore their interests. Popular fields of study include Business and Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science and IT, Communications, and Social Sciences. This diversity in programs allows students to tailor their education to their career goals.
After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median income of $63,435 a decade post-degree. This figure suggests that the education received here has real value in the job market, helping graduates secure positions that often lead to upward mobility. While 14% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating support for those from lower-income backgrounds, the overall affordability of the university is something to consider when planning for the future.
When it comes to the financial aspects, the net price stands at $32,875 after aid, with a median debt load of $25,000 for graduates. This balance between cost and potential earnings suggests that many students can manage their financial commitments effectively. Those who thrive here tend to be motivated and adaptable, ready to engage with both the academic and social opportunities available on campus.
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 20% of Pennsylvania State'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 Pennsylvania State).
The two schools feed different job markets. Loyola University Maryland is strongest in Social Sciences, Psychology, while Pennsylvania State University concentrates in Engineering, Communications. 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 Pennsylvania State University?
Pennsylvania State University is harder to get into, admitting 61% of applicants compared with 75% at Loyola University Maryland.
Which is more affordable, Loyola University Maryland or Pennsylvania State University?
Loyola University Maryland is more affordable, with an average net price of $30,574 after aid versus $32,875 at Pennsylvania State University.
Do Loyola University Maryland or Pennsylvania State University graduates earn more?
Loyola University Maryland graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,652 ten years after enrollment, versus $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Loyola University Maryland or Pennsylvania State University?
Pennsylvania State University has the higher graduation rate, 86% versus 80%.
Should you choose Loyola University Maryland or Pennsylvania State University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Loyola University Maryland if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Pennsylvania State University if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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