In this article, we will be comparing Loyola University and The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). These schools are popular options for students, and our goal is to provide an in-depth analysis to help you choose the right institution for your educational needs. We will cover various aspects such as costs, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes.
Loyola University Overview
Loyola University is a private Jesuit university located in Baltimore, Maryland. Established in 1852, this esteemed institution offers undergraduate and graduate programs in arts and sciences, business, and education. With a strong emphasis on a liberal arts education, Loyola University aims to develop well-rounded individuals prepared for successful careers in various fields.
Loyola University Costs & Tuition
The tuition at Loyola University is approximately $50,500 per year for full-time undergraduate students. However, the university offers financial aid packages to students based on their needs. On average, around 96% of first-year students receive financial aid, with an average amount of $26,000 awarded per student.
Loyola University Admissions
Admissions at Loyola University are somewhat competitive, with an acceptance rate of 75%. The middle 50% of accepted students have SAT scores between 1150 and 1330, and ACT scores between 23 and 29. The university also requires a high school GPA of 3.0 or above for admission.
Loyola University Degrees Offered
Loyola University offers undergraduate degrees in a range of disciplines, including arts and sciences, business, and education. Graduate programs are also available, including business administration, computer science, education, and psychology.
Loyola University Academics
The university has a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, ensuring personalized attention and opportunities for research and collaboration. The average class size is 20 students, promoting interactive learning experiences. Loyola University places a strong emphasis on experiential learning through internships, study abroad programs, and service-learning projects.
Loyola University Diversity
Loyola University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus atmosphere. The university has various programs and resources to support students from different backgrounds, such as the ALANA (African, Latinx, Asian, and Native American) Services center. The student body comprises around 58% female and 42% male students, with 21% identifying as students of color.
Loyola University Students
There are around 4,100 undergraduate students and 1,900 graduate students at Loyola University, creating a vibrant campus community. With more than 170 student clubs and organizations, there are ample opportunities to get involved in various activities, including student government, Greek life, and community service.
Loyola University Campus
The campus of Loyola University is spread across 81 acres in Baltimore, Maryland. The picturesque campus features a mix of modern and historic architecture, with state-of-the-art academic facilities, residence halls, and recreational spaces. The university also provides various services and resources to ensure student well-being, such as on-campus dining options, health and wellness services, and career development resources.
Loyola University Alumni
Notable Loyola University alumni include Michael R. Bloomberg (entrepreneur and former New York City mayor), Mark Bowden (author of Black Hawk Down), and Jeanette Epps (NASA astronaut). The university’s strong alumni network offers career support and networking opportunities for current students and graduates.
Loyola University Rankings
Loyola University is ranked #4 among the Best Regional Universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, it ranks #20 for Best Undergraduate Teaching and #32 for Best Value Schools in the same publication.
Loyola University Outcomes
The university has a strong focus on preparing students for successful careers, with an impressive 94% of graduates either employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for a Loyola University graduate is $57,000.
TCNJ Overview
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is a public institution located in Ewing, New Jersey, founded in 1855. Known for offering high-quality education at an affordable cost, TCNJ has a strong commitment to liberal arts and professional programs. With a broad range of degrees available, students can choose from over 50 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs.
TCNJ Costs & Tuition
As a public institution, TCNJ offers lower tuition rates compared to private colleges. The estimated annual cost for in-state full-time undergraduate students is approximately $16,551, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $28,901 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with around 70% of first-year students receiving some form of assistance.
TCNJ Admissions
Admissions at TCNJ are competitive, with an acceptance rate of 49%. The middle 50% of accepted students have SAT scores between 1200 and 1390, and ACT scores between 25 and 31. A high school GPA of 3.0 or above is also required for admission.
TCNJ Degrees Offered
TCNJ offers a wide range of undergraduate majors across various disciplines, such as arts and communication, business, education, engineering, humanities and social sciences, and science. Graduate programs are available in fields including education, counseling, nursing, and public health.
TCNJ Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, TCNJ ensures that students receive individual attention and support from faculty members. The average class size is 21 students, fostering a collaborative learning environment. TCNJ places a strong emphasis on research and experiential learning, offering opportunities for internships, study abroad programs, and community engagement.
TCNJ Diversity
TCNJ is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity within its campus community. The university offers resources and support for students from diverse backgrounds, such as the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The student body consists of approximately 60% female and 40% male students, with 33% identifying as students of color.
TCNJ Students
Approximately 6,800 undergraduate students and 800 graduate students make up the student body at TCNJ. The campus offers a variety of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, with over 200 student clubs and organizations, including Greek life, community service, and special interest groups.
TCNJ Campus
TCNJ’s campus is spread across 289 acres in Ewing, New Jersey, featuring a mix of modern and traditional architecture. The campus provides state-of-the-art facilities, including academic buildings, residence halls, and recreational spaces. Services such as on-campus dining, health and wellness services, and career resources are also available to students.
TCNJ Alumni
Notable TCNJ alumni include Chris Smith (U.S. Representative), Andrew Zwicker (New Jersey Assemblyman), and Holly Black (author of The Spiderwick Chronicles). The strong alumni network offers networking and career support for current students and graduates.
TCNJ Rankings
TCNJ is ranked #4 in Regional Universities North by U.S. News & World Report and #6 among Top Public Schools in the same category. The college also ranks #9 for Best Undergraduate Teaching and #10 for Best Value Schools in the same publication.
TCNJ Outcomes
TCNJ graduates enjoy successful career outcomes, with 95% of graduates either employed or enrolled in graduate school within one year of graduation. The average starting salary for a TCNJ graduate is $55,000.
Loyola University vs TCNJ Cost Comparison
Loyola University, as a private institution, has a higher tuition rate than TCNJ, a public college. The annual tuition at Loyola University is approximately $50,500, compared to $16,551 for in-state students and $28,901 for out-of-state students at TCNJ. However, financial aid is available at both schools, with 96% of Loyola University first-year students receiving aid, compared to 70% of TCNJ first-year students.
Loyola University vs TCNJ Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both institutions are competitive, with Loyola University having an acceptance rate of 75% and TCNJ at 49%. The middle 50% SAT scores for accepted students are 1150-1330 at Loyola University and 1200-1390 at TCNJ. Both schools also require a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 for admission.
Loyola University vs TCNJ Academic Difficulty
Both Loyola University and TCNJ offer rigorous academic programs, with a focus on experiential learning and research opportunities. Students at both institutions benefit from low student-faculty ratios and small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention and support. The average class size is 20 students at Loyola University and 21 students at TCNJ.
Loyola University vs TCNJ Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both Loyola University and TCNJ enjoy strong career outcomes, with 94% of Loyola University graduates employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation, compared to 95% of TCNJ graduates within one year of graduation. The average starting salary for a Loyola University graduate is $57,000, compared to $55,000 for a TCNJ graduate.