Head-to-Head Comparison
Loyola University Maryland vs Texas A&M University-College Station
- Loyola Maryland Wins
- 11
- Tied
- 18
- Texas A&M Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Texas A&M University-College Station offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $21,315 vs Loyola University Maryland's $30,574, Texas A&M University-College Station delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Texas A&M University-College Station's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
50 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, 15% more than Texas A&M University-College Station
Texas A&M
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,315, roughly $9,259 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 84% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $17,804, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 57% 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); Texas A&M in Engineering (17%). 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 Texas A&M University-College Station. Median earnings of $82,652 ten years after enrollment vs $72,097.
Pick Texas A&M University-College Station over Loyola University Maryland. Net price $21,315 vs $30,574.
Pick Texas A&M University-College Station over Loyola University Maryland. 84% 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 Texas A&M University-College Station are close on paper, but Texas A&M University-College Station 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
Texas A&M University-College Station is the harder admit. It takes 57% of applicants, while Loyola University Maryland takes 75%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,290 to 1,280.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Texas A&M University-College Station 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, Texas A&M University-College Station comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,315, about $9,259 a year below Loyola University Maryland's $30,574. Graduates of Texas A&M University-College Station also borrow less: median debt of $17,804, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $37,036 before any change in aid. Choosing Texas A&M University-College Station 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 $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station. That is a 15% advantage. Set against borrowing, Texas A&M University-College Station has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 15% 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
Texas A&M University-College Station graduates a larger share of its students, 84% versus 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% 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 Texas A&M University-College Station to keep costs and debt down; pick Loyola University Maryland for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Texas A&M University-College Station saves about $9,259 a year, yet Loyola University Maryland graduates earn $10,555 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 Social Sciences, Psychology, while Texas A&M University-College Station leans toward Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. 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 Texas A&M University-College Station's $21,315.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $17,804 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
- Engineering-focused students: Texas A&M University-College Station has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Texas A&M University-College Station's enrollment of 59,615 far exceeds Loyola University Maryland's 3,869.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Texas A&M holds onto its admits more tightly: 38% 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; Texas A&M 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
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.
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 60,000 students, Texas A&M University-College Station is a bustling hub for those interested in fields like Engineering, Business, Biology, and Health Professions. This diverse community suits students who thrive in a large, spirited environment and are looking for practical, career-oriented education. The 57% acceptance rate indicates a competitive yet accessible admissions process, welcoming a broad range of students keen on making an impact in their chosen fields.
When it comes to life after graduation, the figures speak volumes. Graduates earn an impressive average of $72,097 in their first decade, reflecting the solid return on investment that comes with a degree from Texas A&M. This earning potential, coupled with a graduation rate of 84%, illustrates that many students not only complete their degrees but also step into well-paying jobs. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university is also working to support students from diverse financial backgrounds.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,315, which is manageable considering the earning prospects. The median debt of $17,804 is reasonable, especially when weighed against the potential earnings. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are self-motivated and ready to engage in a collaborative and energetic college culture, preparing them well for their careers ahead.
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 Texas A&M leads with Mechanical Engineering (17%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Loyola Maryland) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Texas A&M).
The two schools feed different job markets. Loyola University Maryland is strongest in Social Sciences, Psychology, Computer Science & IT, while Texas A&M University-College Station concentrates in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, Health Professions. 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 Texas A&M University-College Station?
Texas A&M University-College Station is harder to get into, admitting 57% of applicants compared with 75% at Loyola University Maryland.
Which is more affordable, Loyola University Maryland or Texas A&M University-College Station?
Texas A&M University-College Station is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,315 after aid versus $30,574 at Loyola University Maryland.
Do Loyola University Maryland or Texas A&M University-College Station graduates earn more?
Loyola University Maryland graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,652 ten years after enrollment, versus $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Which has a better graduation rate, Loyola University Maryland or Texas A&M University-College Station?
Texas A&M University-College Station has the higher graduation rate, 84% versus 80%.
Should you choose Loyola University Maryland or Texas A&M University-College Station?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Texas A&M University-College Station if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Loyola University Maryland 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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