Head-to-Head Comparison
Loyola University Maryland vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Loyola Maryland Wins
- 10
- Tied
- 16
- Massachusetts-Amherst Wins
- 24
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $22,383 vs Loyola University Maryland's $30,574, University of Massachusetts-Amherst delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Massachusetts-Amherst'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 University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Massachusetts-Amherst
- Lower cost: Average net price of $22,383, roughly $8,191 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 83% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $22,763, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 60% 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); Massachusetts-Amherst in Business & Marketing (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 University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Median earnings of $82,652 ten years after enrollment vs $71,631.
Pick University of Massachusetts-Amherst over Loyola University Maryland. Net price $22,383 vs $30,574.
Pick University of Massachusetts-Amherst over Loyola University Maryland. 83% 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 University of Massachusetts-Amherst are close on paper, but University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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
University of Massachusetts-Amherst is the harder admit. It takes 60% of applicants, while Loyola University Maryland takes 75%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,290 to 1,423.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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, University of Massachusetts-Amherst comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $22,383, about $8,191 a year below Loyola University Maryland's $30,574. Graduates of University of Massachusetts-Amherst also borrow less: median debt of $22,763, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $32,764 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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 $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. That is a 15% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Massachusetts-Amherst has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.32x 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
University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates a larger share of its students, 83% versus 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 3% 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 University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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. University of Massachusetts-Amherst saves about $8,191 a year, yet Loyola University Maryland graduates earn $11,021 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 University of Massachusetts-Amherst leans toward 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 University of Massachusetts-Amherst's $22,383.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $22,763 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Massachusetts-Amherst's enrollment of 23,671 far exceeds Loyola University Maryland's 3,869.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Massachusetts-Amherst holds onto its admits more tightly: 17% 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; Massachusetts-Amherst 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 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.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA · Public
With an enrollment of 23,671 students, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a great fit for those looking for a diverse and vibrant campus life. It stands out for its strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Engineering. Students here are often engaged in a wide range of studies, reflecting both academic rigor and practical application. The acceptance rate of 60% means that while it’s accessible, there’s still a competitive edge that can stimulate personal growth.
Graduates from UMass-Amherst can expect solid outcomes, with a median earning of $71,631 ten years after graduation. This figure speaks volumes about the potential return on investment. It’s encouraging to know that students can find rewarding careers, especially considering the affordability of education here. The net price after aid is $22,383, which positions the school as a reasonable choice for many families.
When it comes to finances, the median debt stands at $22,763, which is manageable given the earning potential. UMass-Amherst tends to attract students who are motivated and ready to embrace the opportunities that come with a public university experience. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, there’s a commitment to supporting diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Overall, this school nurtures those who are eager to thrive both academically and professionally after graduation.
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 17% of Massachusetts-Amherst's.
Loyola Maryland
Massachusetts-Amherst
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 Massachusetts-Amherst).
The two schools feed different job markets. Loyola University Maryland is strongest in Psychology, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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 University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst is harder to get into, admitting 60% of applicants compared with 75% at Loyola University Maryland.
Which is more affordable, Loyola University Maryland or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst is more affordable, with an average net price of $22,383 after aid versus $30,574 at Loyola University Maryland.
Do Loyola University Maryland or University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates earn more?
Loyola University Maryland graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,652 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Which has a better graduation rate, Loyola University Maryland or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst has the higher graduation rate, 83% versus 80%.
Should you choose Loyola University Maryland or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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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