Head-to-Head Comparison
Loyola University Maryland vs Washington University in St Louis
- Loyola Maryland Wins
- 15
- Tied
- 14
- Washington St Wins
- 25
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Washington University in St Louis offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $21,786 vs Loyola University Maryland's $30,574, Washington University in St Louis delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Washington University in St Louis'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.
Washington St
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $86,182 ten years after enrollment, 4% more than Loyola University Maryland
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,786, roughly $8,788 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 94% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $17,500, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 12% 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 St in Engineering (14%). 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 University in St Louis over Loyola University Maryland. Median earnings of $86,182 ten years after enrollment vs $82,652.
Pick Washington University in St Louis over Loyola University Maryland. Net price $21,786 vs $30,574.
Pick Washington University in St Louis over Loyola University Maryland. 1% mobility rate vs 0.7%.
Pick Washington University in St Louis 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 University in St Louis are close on paper, but Washington University in St Louis 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
Washington University in St Louis is the harder admit. It takes 12% of applicants, while Loyola University Maryland takes 75%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,290 to 1,530.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Washington University in St Louis 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 University in St Louis comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,786, about $8,788 a year below Loyola University Maryland's $30,574. Graduates of Washington University in St Louis also borrow less: median debt of $17,500, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $35,152 before any change in aid. Choosing Washington University in St Louis leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Washington University in St Louis graduates report median earnings of $86,182, compared with $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland. That is a 4% advantage. Set against borrowing, Washington University in St Louis has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.2x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 4% 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 University in St Louis 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
Washington University in St Louis does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1%; at Loyola University Maryland, it is 0.7%. Washington University in St Louis also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 1.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.7%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Washington University in St Louis 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 University in St Louis 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 Washington University in St Louis 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 Washington University in St Louis's $21,786.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $17,500 at Washington University in St Louis.
- Engineering-focused students: Washington University in St Louis has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: Washington University in St Louis has less business program depth, and Loyola University Maryland offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Washington University in St Louis's enrollment of 7,857 far exceeds Loyola University Maryland's 3,869.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Washington St holds onto its admits more tightly: 48% 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 27.0%). 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
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.
Washington University in St Louis
St. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Washington University in St. Louis attracts driven students looking for a rigorous academic environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in fields like engineering, biology, social sciences, computer science, and business. The graduation rate of 94% reflects a supportive community that helps students succeed and achieve their goals.
Life after graduation looks promising, with alumni reporting an average earnings of $86,182 ten years out. This figure highlights the potential for financial stability in a variety of career paths. While nearly 18% of students receive Pell Grants, the school’s commitment to affordability helps ensure that students from different economic backgrounds can thrive.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,786, and the median debt for graduates is $17,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students here often leave school with a solid foundation for their financial futures. Those who tend to thrive are often self-motivated and eager to engage deeply with their studies and the campus 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 Washington St leads with Mechanical Engineering (14%).
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 Washington St).
The two schools feed different job markets. Loyola University Maryland is strongest in Psychology, Computer Science & IT, while Washington University in St Louis concentrates in Engineering, 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 University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis is harder to get into, admitting 12% of applicants compared with 75% at Loyola University Maryland.
Which is more affordable, Loyola University Maryland or Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,786 after aid versus $30,574 at Loyola University Maryland.
Do Loyola University Maryland or Washington University in St Louis graduates earn more?
Washington University in St Louis graduates earn more: median earnings of $86,182 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland.
Which has a better graduation rate, Loyola University Maryland or Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 80%.
Loyola University Maryland vs Washington University in St Louis: which is better for social mobility?
Washington University in St Louis is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1% versus 0.7%.
Should you choose Loyola University Maryland or Washington University in St Louis?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Washington University in St Louis 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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