Head-to-Head Comparison
Loyola University Maryland vs Southern New Hampshire University
- Loyola Maryland Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 17
- Southern New Wins
- 15
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Loyola University Maryland offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $30,574 vs Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708, Loyola University Maryland delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. 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, 64% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $30,574, roughly $6,134 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 80% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 75% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Southern New
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,082, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Loyola Maryland graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (32% of degrees); Southern New in Business & Marketing (35%). 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 Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $82,652 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick Loyola University Maryland over Southern New Hampshire University. Net price $30,574 vs $36,708.
Pick Southern New Hampshire University over Loyola University Maryland. 1.4% mobility rate vs 0.7%.
Pick Loyola University Maryland over Southern New Hampshire University. 80% completion rate vs 44%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Loyola University Maryland and Southern New Hampshire University are close on paper, but Loyola University Maryland 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
Loyola University Maryland is the harder admit. It takes 75% of applicants, while Southern New Hampshire University takes 100%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Loyola University Maryland 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 $6,134 a year below Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708. Graduates of Southern New Hampshire University also borrow less: median debt of $21,082, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $24,536 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 $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 64% advantage. Set against borrowing, Loyola University Maryland has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.33x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 64% 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 44%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 36% 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
Southern New Hampshire University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.4%; at Loyola University Maryland, it is 0.7%. Southern New Hampshire University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.7%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Southern New Hampshire 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 Southern New Hampshire University if upward mobility and access matter most.
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
Loyola University Maryland is harder to get into, with a 75% admit rate, but Southern New Hampshire University posts the higher mobility rate, at 1.4%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Loyola University Maryland concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, while Southern New Hampshire University leans toward Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $21,082 at Southern New Hampshire University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Loyola University Maryland's enrollment, and Southern New Hampshire University is stronger here.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $36,708 runs well above Loyola University Maryland's $30,574.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Southern New Hampshire University's enrollment of 163,164 far exceeds Loyola University Maryland's 3,869.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Loyola Maryland offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Southern New does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
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.
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of over 163,000 students, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a place where a diverse range of learners can thrive, particularly those pursuing degrees in Business & Marketing, Psychology, Computer Science & IT, Humanities, and Health Professions. The school's 100% acceptance rate opens the door for many, creating an inclusive atmosphere. This setup is ideal for students looking for flexibility in their education, whether they’re fresh out of high school or returning to school after some time away.
After graduation, students at SNHU can expect to earn around $50,318 within a decade, which is a decent starting point for many. This aligns well with the school's focus on practical, career-oriented programs. While the graduation rate sits at 44%, those who complete their degrees are often better positioned for upward mobility in the job market, especially in fields like business and technology. The affordability factor plays a role here, too, as nearly half of the students receive Pell Grants, which can make a significant difference in financing education.
When it comes to the cost of attending SNHU, the net price is approximately $36,708 after financial aid, which can seem daunting at first glance. However, the median debt upon graduation is $21,082, a figure that many find manageable in the context of their potential earnings. Students who tend to thrive here are often those looking for a supportive environment and a clear path to career opportunities, making it a solid choice for individuals ready to invest in their future.
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 35% of Southern New'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 Southern New).
The two schools feed different job markets. Loyola University Maryland is strongest in Social Sciences, while Southern New Hampshire University concentrates in Humanities. 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 Southern New Hampshire University?
Loyola University Maryland is harder to get into, admitting 75% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, Loyola University Maryland or Southern New Hampshire University?
Loyola University Maryland is more affordable, with an average net price of $30,574 after aid versus $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Do Loyola University Maryland or Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn more?
Loyola University Maryland graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,652 ten years after enrollment, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Loyola University Maryland or Southern New Hampshire University?
Loyola University Maryland has the higher graduation rate, 80% versus 44%.
Loyola University Maryland vs Southern New Hampshire University: which is better for social mobility?
Southern New Hampshire University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.4% versus 0.7%.
Should you choose Loyola University Maryland or Southern New Hampshire University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Loyola University Maryland if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Southern New Hampshire University if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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