Head-to-Head Comparison
Loyola University Maryland vs Princeton University
- Loyola Maryland Wins
- 11
- Tied
- 16
- Princeton Wins
- 27
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Princeton University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $6,128 vs Loyola University Maryland's $30,574, Princeton University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Princeton 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
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
Princeton
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $110,066 ten years after enrollment, 33% more than Loyola University Maryland
- Lower cost: Average net price of $6,128, roughly $24,446 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 97% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $10,320, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.3%, 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); Princeton in Social Sciences (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 Princeton University over Loyola University Maryland. Median earnings of $110,066 ten years after enrollment vs $82,652.
Pick Princeton University over Loyola University Maryland. Net price $6,128 vs $30,574.
Pick Princeton University over Loyola University Maryland. 1.3% mobility rate vs 0.7%.
Pick Princeton University over Loyola University Maryland. 97% 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 Princeton University are close on paper, but Princeton University wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Princeton 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 1,553.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Princeton 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, Princeton University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $6,128, about $24,446 a year below Loyola University Maryland's $30,574. Graduates of Princeton University also borrow less: median debt of $10,320, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $97,784 before any change in aid. Choosing Princeton University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Princeton University graduates report median earnings of $110,066, compared with $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland. That is a 33% advantage. Set against borrowing, Princeton University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.09x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 33% 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
Princeton University graduates a larger share of its students, 97% versus 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 18% 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
Princeton University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.3%; at Loyola University Maryland, it is 0.7%. Princeton University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.7%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Princeton 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 Princeton University 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 Business & Marketing, Psychology, while Princeton University leans toward Engineering, Computer Science & IT. 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 Princeton University's $6,128.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $10,320 at Princeton University.
- Engineering-focused students: Princeton University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: Princeton University has less business program depth, and Loyola University Maryland offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Princeton University's enrollment of 5,709 far exceeds Loyola University Maryland's 3,869.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Princeton holds onto its admits more tightly: 75% 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; Princeton 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.
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Princeton University is not for everyone, but for those who make the cut, it’s a place where ambition meets opportunity. The school attracts bright minds, particularly in fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, and Biology. Students here are often deeply engaged in their studies, working alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields. This kind of environment fosters not just learning but also a strong sense of community among peers.
After graduation, the benefits of attending Princeton are clear. Alumni can expect an impressive average earning of $110,066 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This speaks volumes about the value of a Princeton education, especially when considering the high graduation rate of 97%. The school’s focus on producing skilled graduates who excel in their careers contributes significantly to their long-term success.
When it comes to finances, the net price after aid is manageable at $6,128, and the median debt stands at $10,320. This means many graduates leave with a realistic financial outlook, allowing them to focus on their careers rather than being weighed down by overwhelming debt. Students who thrive here often come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a variety of perspectives that enhance classroom discussions and campus life.
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 Princeton leads with Sociology (20%).
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 Princeton).
The two schools feed different job markets. Loyola University Maryland is strongest in Business & Marketing, Psychology, while Princeton 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 Princeton University?
Princeton 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 Princeton University?
Princeton University is more affordable, with an average net price of $6,128 after aid versus $30,574 at Loyola University Maryland.
Do Loyola University Maryland or Princeton University graduates earn more?
Princeton University graduates earn more: median earnings of $110,066 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland.
Which has a better graduation rate, Loyola University Maryland or Princeton University?
Princeton University has the higher graduation rate, 97% versus 80%.
Loyola University Maryland vs Princeton University: which is better for social mobility?
Princeton University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.3% versus 0.7%.
Should you choose Loyola University Maryland or Princeton University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Princeton University 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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