Head-to-Head Comparison
Loyola University Maryland vs Providence College
- Loyola Maryland Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 11
- Providence Wins
- 19
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Loyola University Maryland offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Providence College achieves a higher graduation rate (87% vs 80%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $48,523 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.
50 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 $17,949 a year less
Providence
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $87,054 ten years after enrollment, 5% more than Loyola University Maryland
- Higher grad rate: 87% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 0.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 51% 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); Providence in Business & Marketing (42%). 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 Providence College over Loyola University Maryland. Median earnings of $87,054 ten years after enrollment vs $82,652.
Pick Loyola University Maryland over Providence College. Net price $30,574 vs $48,523.
Pick Providence College over Loyola University Maryland. 0.9% mobility rate vs 0.7%.
Pick Providence College over Loyola University Maryland. 87% 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 Providence College are close on paper, but Providence College 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
Providence College is the harder admit. It takes 51% of applicants, while Loyola University Maryland takes 75%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,290 to 1,346.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Providence College 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 $17,949 a year below Providence College's $48,523.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $71,796 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, Providence College graduates report median earnings of $87,054, compared with $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland. That is a 5% advantage. Set against borrowing, Providence College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.31x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 5% 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
Providence College graduates a larger share of its students, 87% versus 80%. 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
Providence College does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 0.9%; at Loyola University Maryland, it is 0.7%. Providence College 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, Providence College 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 Providence College 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 $17,949 a year, yet Providence College graduates earn $4,402 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 Psychology, while Providence College leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Loyola Maryland competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $48,523 runs well above Loyola University Maryland's $30,574.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Providence holds onto its admits more tightly: 19% 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 Providence (85.5% Early Decision admit rate vs 41.8%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice. 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
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.
Providence College
Providence, RI · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of about 4,200 students, Providence College is a great fit for those looking for a close-knit community while still enjoying the resources of a larger institution. The college’s emphasis on programs like Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, and Biology & Biomedical sets a clear academic direction for students. The 51% acceptance rate indicates that while it's selective, there are plenty of opportunities for students who are passionate about their fields.
Looking ahead, the average earnings for graduates after ten years is around $87,054. That’s a solid number that reflects the value of a degree from this institution. Graduates are likely to see upward mobility in their careers, which is a significant consideration when choosing a school. The fact that 87% of students graduate suggests a supportive environment that helps students stay on track and achieve their goals.
Financially, the net price after aid stands at $48,523, and the median debt for graduates is $27,000. This debt load is manageable compared to the earning potential, making it a reasonable investment in education. Students who thrive here tend to be those who are engaged in their studies and take advantage of the community support available. Overall, Providence College presents a compelling option for students focused on both academic and career success.
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 42% of Providence'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 Providence).
The two schools feed different job markets. Loyola University Maryland is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while Providence College concentrates in 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 Providence College?
Providence College is harder to get into, admitting 51% of applicants compared with 75% at Loyola University Maryland.
Which is more affordable, Loyola University Maryland or Providence College?
Loyola University Maryland is more affordable, with an average net price of $30,574 after aid versus $48,523 at Providence College.
Do Loyola University Maryland or Providence College graduates earn more?
Providence College graduates earn more: median earnings of $87,054 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland.
Which has a better graduation rate, Loyola University Maryland or Providence College?
Providence College has the higher graduation rate, 87% versus 80%.
Loyola University Maryland vs Providence College: which is better for social mobility?
Providence College is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 0.9% versus 0.7%.
Should you choose Loyola University Maryland or Providence College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Loyola University Maryland if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Providence College 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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