Head-to-Head Comparison
Loyola University Maryland vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Loyola Maryland Wins
- 14
- Tied
- 15
- Minnesota-Twin Cities Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $16,778 vs Loyola University Maryland's $30,574, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities'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, 20% more than University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- More selective: Admits 75% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,778, roughly $13,796 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 85% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Loyola Maryland graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (32% of degrees); Minnesota-Twin Cities in Biology & Biomedical (12%). 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities. Median earnings of $82,652 ten years after enrollment vs $69,020.
Pick University of Minnesota-Twin Cities over Loyola University Maryland. Net price $16,778 vs $30,574.
Pick University of Minnesota-Twin Cities over Loyola University Maryland. 85% 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities are close on paper, but University of Minnesota-Twin Cities wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities takes 80%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,290 to 1,362.
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, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $16,778, about $13,796 a year below Loyola University Maryland's $30,574. Graduates of University of Minnesota-Twin Cities also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $55,184 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. That is a 20% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.28x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 20% 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates a larger share of its students, 85% versus 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities saves about $13,796 a year, yet Loyola University Maryland graduates earn $13,632 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leans toward Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT. 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities's $16,778.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $19,500 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's enrollment of 31,855 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; Minnesota-Twin Cities 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.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN · Public
With an enrollment of over 31,000 students, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities stands out as a vibrant public university where a diverse array of students can thrive. If you're interested in business, biology, computer science, engineering, or psychology, you're likely to find a strong community here. The 80% acceptance rate shows that the university is accessible to many, making it an attractive option for students from various backgrounds seeking to gain a solid education in these fields.
After graduation, students can expect a median earning of around $69,020 within ten years, which is a promising number that speaks to the value of a degree from this university. While the data on mobility rates isn't available, the strong graduation rate of 85% suggests that most students are completing their programs and moving into the workforce with a competitive edge. This financial outlook is further enhanced by the affordability of the education, allowing graduates to step into their careers without overwhelming debt.
Speaking of costs, the net price after financial aid stands at approximately $16,778, which is quite manageable compared to many other institutions. With a median debt of $19,500, students here tend to leave with a reasonable financial burden. The university attracts those who are motivated and ready to invest in their futures, and it seems well-suited for individuals who are driven and eager to engage in a collaborative learning environment.
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 Minnesota-Twin Cities leads with Biology (12%).
Loyola Maryland
Minnesota-Twin Cities
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 Minnesota-Twin Cities).
The two schools feed different job markets. Loyola University Maryland is strongest in Social Sciences, Psychology, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, Engineering. 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Loyola University Maryland is harder to get into, admitting 75% of applicants compared with 80% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which is more affordable, Loyola University Maryland or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,778 after aid versus $30,574 at Loyola University Maryland.
Do Loyola University Maryland or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn more?
Loyola University Maryland graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,652 ten years after enrollment, versus $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which has a better graduation rate, Loyola University Maryland or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has the higher graduation rate, 85% versus 80%.
Should you choose Loyola University Maryland or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Loyola Maryland and Minnesota-Twin Cities stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
