Head-to-Head Comparison
Loyola University Maryland vs Stanford University
- Loyola Maryland Wins
- 11
- Tied
- 14
- Stanford Wins
- 29
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Stanford University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,807 vs Loyola University Maryland's $30,574, Stanford University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Stanford 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.
Stanford
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment, 50% more than Loyola University Maryland
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,807, roughly $16,767 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 92% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $12,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 4% 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); Stanford in Computer Science & IT (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 Stanford University over Loyola University Maryland. Median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment vs $82,652.
Pick Stanford University over Loyola University Maryland. Net price $13,807 vs $30,574.
Pick Stanford University over Loyola University Maryland. 2.2% mobility rate vs 0.7%.
Pick Stanford University over Loyola University Maryland. 92% 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 Stanford University are close on paper, but Stanford 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
Stanford University is the harder admit. It takes 4% 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, Stanford 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, Stanford University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,807, about $16,767 a year below Loyola University Maryland's $30,574. Graduates of Stanford University also borrow less: median debt of $12,000, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $67,068 before any change in aid. Choosing Stanford University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Stanford University graduates report median earnings of $124,080, compared with $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland. That is a 50% advantage. Set against borrowing, Stanford University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.1x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 50% 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
Stanford University graduates a larger share of its students, 92% versus 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 13% 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
Stanford University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at Loyola University Maryland, it is 0.7%. Stanford University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.7%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Stanford 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 Stanford 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 Stanford University leans toward Computer Science & IT, Engineering. 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 Stanford University's $13,807.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $12,000 at Stanford University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Loyola University Maryland's enrollment, and Stanford University is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: Stanford University has less business program depth, and Loyola University Maryland offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Stanford University's enrollment of 7,554 far exceeds Loyola University Maryland's 3,869.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Stanford holds onto its admits more tightly: 80% 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; Stanford 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.
Stanford University
Stanford, CA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 4%, Stanford University is a fitting choice for students who excel academically and are looking for a vibrant, intellectually stimulating environment. Here, you'll find a strong focus on programs like Computer Science and IT, Engineering, and Social Sciences, among others. It’s a place where ambitious students can dive deep into their fields and explore new ideas alongside peers who are just as driven.
When it comes to life after graduation, Stanford graduates see some impressive outcomes. The average earnings after ten years is around $124,080, which speaks volumes about the value of a degree here. That kind of financial trajectory can be life-changing, especially considering the university's commitment to keeping education affordable. With a median debt of $12,000, many graduates can focus on building their careers without being burdened by excessive loans.
Looking at the practical aspects, the net price for attending Stanford after aid is approximately $13,807. This balanced cost structure allows a diverse range of students to access the opportunities here, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, as evidenced by the 19% Pell Grant rate. Students who thrive in this environment are typically those who are self-motivated, eager to engage in rigorous academic challenges, and ready to contribute to a collaborative community.
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 Stanford leads with Computer Science (21%).
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 Stanford).
The two schools feed different job markets. Loyola University Maryland is strongest in Business & Marketing, Psychology, while Stanford University concentrates in Engineering, Mathematics & Statistics. 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 Stanford University?
Stanford University is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 75% at Loyola University Maryland.
Which is more affordable, Loyola University Maryland or Stanford University?
Stanford University is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,807 after aid versus $30,574 at Loyola University Maryland.
Do Loyola University Maryland or Stanford University graduates earn more?
Stanford University graduates earn more: median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland.
Which has a better graduation rate, Loyola University Maryland or Stanford University?
Stanford University has the higher graduation rate, 92% versus 80%.
Loyola University Maryland vs Stanford University: which is better for social mobility?
Stanford University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 0.7%.
Should you choose Loyola University Maryland or Stanford University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Stanford 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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