Loyola University Maryland vs Fordham University Introduction
Deciding on a college is a crucial decision for high school students and their families. This comparison between Loyola University Maryland and Fordham University provides an overview of the two schools, discussing factors such as cost, admissions, academics, and outcomes. By examining the differences and similarities between these two institutions, prospective students can make a more informed decision about which college best fits their needs and goals.
Loyola University Maryland Overview
Loyola University Maryland is a private Jesuit university located in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded in 1852, it is one of the oldest Jesuit colleges in the United States. Loyola Maryland offers undergraduate and graduate programs to its approximately 4,100 undergraduate and 1,500 graduate students. The university is known for its strong focus on liberal arts and its commitment to social justice, and it emphasizes the development of the whole person.
Loyola Maryland Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Loyola Maryland for the 2021-2022 academic year is $50,500. Room and board costs are an additional $14,990, bringing the total cost of attendance to $65,490. Approximately 97% of students receive some form of financial aid, with the average annual award being $26,000. Additionally, the university offers merit-based scholarships to students based on their academic achievements and extracurricular involvement.
Loyola Maryland Admissions
Admissions to Loyola Maryland are considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 75% for the Fall 2020 entering class. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores (although test-optional for the 2021-2022 application cycle), a letter of recommendation, and a personal essay. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1210, while the average ACT score is 27.
Loyola Maryland Degrees Offered
Loyola Maryland offers more than 35 undergraduate majors and 20 graduate programs. Some popular undergraduate majors include business administration, psychology, and communication. Notable graduate programs include the MBA, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Master of Science in Data Science. The student-faculty ratio is 12:1, and the average class size is 20 students.
Loyola Maryland Academics
The university is committed to providing a rigorous academic experience that challenges students to think critically and creatively. The core curriculum consists of courses in the humanities, natural and social sciences, and mathematics. Additionally, students must complete a foreign language requirement and engage in service-learning opportunities. With a strong emphasis on research and experiential learning, Loyola Maryland encourages students to collaborate with faculty on research projects and participate in internships and study abroad programs.
Loyola Maryland Diversity
Loyola Maryland strives to create an inclusive and diverse campus community. Approximately 21% of the undergraduate student population identifies as an underrepresented minority. The university offers numerous resources and programs to support diversity and inclusion, such as the Center for Intercultural Engagement, the ALANA (African American, Latinx, Asian, and Native American) Services Center, and multicultural student organizations.
Loyola Maryland Students
The undergraduate student body is predominantly full-time, with 98% of students enrolled on a full-time basis. 52% of students are female, and 48% are male. Around 83% of students come from out-of-state, and 2% are international students. Student life at Loyola Maryland is active, with more than 170 clubs and organizations available for students to join, including academic and professional organizations, service groups, and recreational clubs.
Loyola Maryland Campus
The Loyola Maryland campus spans 80 acres in a residential neighborhood of Baltimore. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Sellinger School of Business and Management, the Loyola/Notre Dame Library, and the Fitness and Aquatic Center. On-campus housing is guaranteed for all four years, and students can choose from traditional residence halls, suite-style living, and apartment-style housing.
Loyola Maryland Alumni
Loyola Maryland has a strong alumni network of over 65,000 graduates. The university’s Office of Alumni Engagement works to maintain connections between alumni and the institution by organizing events, providing career resources, and creating opportunities for alumni to connect with current students. Notable alumni include author Tom Clancy, former US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, and NBA coach and executive P.J. Carlesimo.
Loyola Maryland Rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranks Loyola Maryland #5 in the category of Regional Universities North. Additionally, the publication ranks the university #9 for Best Undergraduate Teaching and #21 for Best Value Schools in the same region.
Loyola Maryland Outcomes
The university boasts a strong track record of post-graduation success. Approximately 94% of the Class of 2020 were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Loyola Maryland graduates is $57,000.
Fordham University Overview
Fordham University is a private Jesuit university located in New York City, with campuses in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Westchester County. Established in 1841, it is the oldest Catholic institution of higher education in the northeastern United States. Fordham enrolls over 15,500 students, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its three campuses. The university is known for its strong liberal arts foundation and diverse academic offerings.
Fordham Costs & Tuition
Tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year at Fordham University is $54,730. Room and board costs are an additional $18,510, making the total cost of attendance $73,240. Approximately 93% of students receive some form of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. The average annual financial aid award is $27,000.
Fordham Admissions
Admissions at Fordham University are competitive, with an acceptance rate of 46% for the Fall 2020 entering class. Applicants must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores (test-optional for the 2021-2022 application cycle), a letter of recommendation, and a personal essay. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1340, while the average ACT score is 30.
Fordham Degrees Offered
Fordham offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and over 130 graduate and professional programs across its three campuses. Popular undergraduate majors include finance, psychology, and communication. Notable graduate programs include the Fordham Law School, the Gabelli School of Business, and the Graduate School of Social Service. The student-faculty ratio is 13:1, and the average class size is 23 students.
Fordham Academics
Fordham University is committed to providing a rigorous and engaging academic experience. The core curriculum, rooted in the Jesuit tradition, includes courses in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. Students are encouraged to participate in research, internships, and study abroad programs to gain practical experience and global perspectives. The university also emphasizes a commitment to social justice and ethical decision-making in its academic programs.
Fordham Diversity
Fordham University aims to promote diversity and inclusion on campus. Approximately 33% of the undergraduate student population identifies as an underrepresented minority. The university offers resources and programs to support diversity, such as the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Center for Community Engaged Learning, and various multicultural student organizations.
Fordham Students
The undergraduate student body at Fordham is predominantly full-time, with 95% of students enrolled on a full-time basis. 56% of students are female, and 44% are male. Roughly 80% of students come from out-of-state, and 10% are international students. Student life at Fordham is vibrant, with more than 200 student clubs and organizations available for students to join.
Fordham Campus
Fordham’s primary campus is located in the Bronx, covering 85 acres in a residential area of the city. The Lincoln Center campus in Manhattan is home to the law school and other graduate programs, and the Westchester campus offers graduate and professional programs in a suburban setting. The university provides modern facilities, including the Walsh Library, the McGinley Center, and the Quinn Center for Performing Arts.
Fordham Alumni
Fordham has an extensive alumni network of over 190,000 graduates worldwide. The university offers various resources and opportunities for alumni to remain engaged with their alma mater, including events, career services, and networking opportunities. Notable Fordham alumni include actor Denzel Washington, former CIA Director John Brennan, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa.
Fordham Rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranks Fordham University #66 in National Universities and #58 in Best Value Schools. The university is also ranked #44 for Best Undergraduate Teaching and #53 for Most Innovative Schools.
Fordham Outcomes
Fordham University boasts strong post-graduation outcomes for its students. Approximately 93% of the Class of 2020 were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Fordham graduates is $59,000.
Loyola Maryland vs Fordham University Cost Comparison
Comparing the costs of attending Loyola Maryland and Fordham University reveals some differences. The total cost of attendance for Loyola Maryland is $65,490, while Fordham has a total cost of $73,240. Both schools offer financial aid to the majority of their students, with the average annual award at Loyola Maryland being $26,000 and the average annual award at Fordham being $27,000.
Loyola Maryland vs Fordham University Admissions Difficulty
Admissions to both Loyola Maryland and Fordham are selective, with Loyola Maryland having a higher acceptance rate of 75% compared to Fordham’s 46%. The average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students are slightly higher at Fordham, with an average SAT score of 1340 and an average ACT score of 30, compared to Loyola Maryland’s average SAT score of 1210 and an average ACT score of 27.
Loyola Maryland vs Fordham University Academic Difficulty
Both schools are committed to providing a challenging and engaging academic experience rooted in the Jesuit tradition. Loyola Maryland has a slightly lower student-faculty ratio of 12:1, compared to Fordham’s 13:1. The average class size is also slightly smaller at Loyola Maryland, with 20 students per class, compared to Fordham’s average of 23 students per class.
Loyola Maryland vs Fordham University Outcome Comparison
In terms of post-graduation outcomes, both schools boast high employment and graduate school enrollment rates. Loyola Maryland has a slightly higher rate of 94% within six months of graduation, while Fordham has a rate of 93%. The average starting salary for Loyola Maryland graduates is $57,000, and for Fordham graduates, it is $59,000.
