Head-to-Head Comparison
Loyola University Maryland vs Washington and Lee University
- Loyola Maryland Wins
- 15
- Tied
- 13
- Washington Lee Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Washington and Lee University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $23,781 vs Loyola University Maryland's $30,574, Washington and Lee University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Washington and Lee University'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
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 0.7%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Washington Lee
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment, 15% more than Loyola University Maryland
- Lower cost: Average net price of $23,781, roughly $6,793 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 94% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 14% 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); Washington Lee in Business & Marketing (32%). 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 Washington and Lee University over Loyola University Maryland. Median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment vs $82,652.
Pick Washington and Lee University over Loyola University Maryland. Net price $23,781 vs $30,574.
Pick Loyola University Maryland over Washington and Lee University. 0.7% mobility rate vs 0.6%.
Pick Washington and Lee University over Loyola University Maryland. 94% 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 Washington and Lee University are close on paper, but Washington and Lee University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Washington and Lee University is the harder admit. It takes 14% of applicants, while Loyola University Maryland takes 75%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,290 to 1,498.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Washington and Lee 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, Washington and Lee University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $23,781, about $6,793 a year below Loyola University Maryland's $30,574. Graduates of Washington and Lee University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $27,172 before any change in aid. Choosing Washington and Lee University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Washington and Lee University graduates report median earnings of $94,810, compared with $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland. That is a 15% advantage. Set against borrowing, Washington and Lee University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x 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
Washington and Lee University graduates a larger share of its students, 94% versus 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 15% 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
Loyola University Maryland does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 0.7%; at Washington and Lee University, it is 0.6%. Loyola University Maryland also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 1.7% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Loyola University Maryland 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 Washington and Lee University to keep costs and debt down; pick Loyola University Maryland 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
Washington and Lee University is harder to get into, with a 14% admit rate, but Loyola University Maryland posts the higher mobility rate, at 0.7%. 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 Psychology, while Washington and Lee University 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 Washington and Lee University's $23,781.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $19,500 at Washington and Lee University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Loyola University Maryland's enrollment of 3,869 far exceeds Washington and Lee University's 1,881.
No strong negative signals — Washington Lee competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Washington Lee holds onto its admits more tightly: 41% of admitted students enroll, versus 12% at Loyola Maryland — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Loyola Maryland (41.8% Early Decision admit rate vs 33.9%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice. 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.
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, VA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Washington and Lee University draws students who are serious about their education and ready to engage deeply in their studies. This private institution, located in Lexington, Virginia, is known for strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Physical Sciences. If you’re looking for a place that encourages critical thinking and a close-knit community, this might just be the right fit for you.
Graduates from Washington and Lee see impressive earnings, with a median income of $94,810 ten years after graduation. This kind of financial outcome suggests that students who excel here are well-prepared for the job market and often find themselves in higher-paying positions. The strong graduation rate of 94% also points to a supportive environment that helps students succeed academically and transition smoothly into their careers.
When it comes to the practicalities of attending Washington and Lee, the net price after aid stands at $23,781, which is relatively manageable given the high earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $19,500, students can graduate with a reasonable amount of loans, especially considering the high salaries many alumni achieve. Those who thrive here are typically driven, engaged, and ready to make the most of their educational experience.
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 32% of Washington Lee's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Loyola Maryland) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Washington Lee).
The two schools feed different job markets. Loyola University Maryland is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while Washington and Lee University 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 Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 75% at Loyola University Maryland.
Which is more affordable, Loyola University Maryland or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University is more affordable, with an average net price of $23,781 after aid versus $30,574 at Loyola University Maryland.
Do Loyola University Maryland or Washington and Lee University graduates earn more?
Washington and Lee University graduates earn more: median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland.
Which has a better graduation rate, Loyola University Maryland or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 80%.
Loyola University Maryland vs Washington and Lee University: which is better for social mobility?
Loyola University Maryland is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 0.7% versus 0.6%.
Should you choose Loyola University Maryland or Washington and Lee University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Washington and Lee University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Loyola University Maryland 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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