Choosing the right college is an important decision that can impact your future success. Two popular options are the University of San Diego (USD) and Loyola Marymount University (LMU). Both universities offer a wide range of courses, facilities, and opportunities for students, but there are also significant differences between the two. In this article, we will provide an in-depth comparison of USD and LMU, covering their overviews, costs, tuition, admissions, academics, and more.
University of San Diego Overview
The University of San Diego is a private Catholic university located in San Diego, California. It was founded in 1949 and offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. The campus is situated on a hilltop, providing picturesque views of San Diego and the Pacific Ocean.
University of San Diego Costs & Tuition
Tuition at USD is approximately $53,000 per year for undergraduate students. Additional fees, such as room and board, bring the total cost of attendance close to $70,000 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with approximately 70% of USD students receiving some form of aid.
University of San Diego Admissions
Admissions at USD are fairly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 53%. Prospective students are required to submit SAT or ACT scores, along with their high school transcripts and a personal statement. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 1190 and 1350, while the average ACT score is between 26 and 31.
University of San Diego Degrees Offered
USD offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees across its seven academic divisions. Some popular majors include Business, Engineering, Communication Studies, Biology, and Psychology.
University of San Diego Academics
The student-to-faculty ratio at USD is 14:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention from their professors. The university has a strong focus on experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, research, and study abroad programs.
University of San Diego Diversity
USD enrolls students from diverse backgrounds, with approximately 36% of the undergraduate student body identifying as students of color. The university is committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity across its campus.
University of San Diego Students
USD has an undergraduate enrollment of around 5,600 students and a total enrollment of approximately 8,900 students, including graduate and professional students. The campus community is known for being close-knit and supportive.
University of San Diego Campus
The picturesque 180-acre campus features Spanish Renaissance-style architecture and offers numerous amenities, including a state-of-the-art recreation center, housing options, dining facilities, and a vibrant student life scene.
University of San Diego Alumni
USD alumni have found success in various fields, including business, education, law, and public service. Some notable alumni include professional athletes, CEOs, and politicians.
University of San Diego Rankings
USD consistently ranks highly among national universities. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, USD was ranked #88 among National Universities and #29 in Best Value Schools.
University of San Diego Outcomes
USD boasts a strong track record of student success, with a graduation rate of 80% and an employment rate of 89% within six months of graduation.
Loyola Marymount University Overview
Loyola Marymount University is a private Jesuit and Marymount university located in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1911, LMU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines. The campus is situated in the Westchester neighborhood, offering scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and downtown Los Angeles.
Loyola Marymount University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at LMU is approximately $52,000 per year for undergraduate students. With additional fees, such as room and board, the total cost of attendance is around $69,000 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with about 81% of LMU students receiving some form of aid.
Loyola Marymount University Admissions
Admissions at LMU are competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 47%. Prospective students must submit SAT or ACT scores, along with their high school transcripts. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 1220 and 1420, while the average ACT score is between 27 and 33.
Loyola Marymount University Degrees Offered
LMU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degrees across its six colleges and schools. Popular majors include Business, Film, and Television Production, Engineering, and Communication Studies.
Loyola Marymount University Academics
The student-to-faculty ratio at LMU is 10:1, providing students with individualized attention from their professors. LMU emphasizes experiential learning through internships, research opportunities, and study abroad programs.
Loyola Marymount University Diversity
LMU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. Approximately 52% of the undergraduate student body identifies as students of color.
Loyola Marymount University Students
LMU has an undergraduate enrollment of about 6,300 students and a total enrollment of around 9,600 students, including graduate and professional students. The campus community is known for its welcoming and collaborative atmosphere.
Loyola Marymount University Campus
The 142-acre LMU campus features a mix of contemporary and historic architecture, as well as numerous amenities, including housing options, dining facilities, and a comprehensive recreation center.
Loyola Marymount University Alumni
LMU alumni have achieved success in a variety of fields, including entertainment, business, law, and public service. Notable alumni include film directors, CEOs, and politicians.
Loyola Marymount University Rankings
In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, LMU was ranked #66 among National Universities and #14 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Loyola Marymount University Outcomes
LMU boasts a strong record of student success, with a graduation rate of 81% and an employment rate of 87% within six months of graduation.
University of San Diego vs Loyola Marymount University Cost Comparison
Both USD and LMU have similar tuition costs, with USD’s annual undergraduate tuition at approximately $53,000 and LMU’s at approximately $52,000. When additional fees are included, the total cost of attendance is around $70,000 for USD and $69,000 for LMU. Both schools offer financial aid to eligible students, with a higher percentage of LMU students (81%) receiving aid compared to USD students (70%).
University of San Diego vs Loyola Marymount University Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both USD and LMU are competitive, with LMU having a slightly lower acceptance rate of 47% compared to USD’s 53%. The average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students are also higher at LMU (SAT: 1220-1420, ACT: 27-33) compared to USD (SAT: 1190-1350, ACT: 26-31).
University of San Diego vs Loyola Marymount University Academic Difficulty
Both universities have a strong focus on academics and providing personalized attention to students through low student-to-faculty ratios (USD: 14:1, LMU: 10:1). Both USD and LMU offer experiential learning opportunities, including internships, research, and study abroad programs.
University of San Diego vs Loyola Marymount University Outcome Comparison
USD and LMU have similar graduation rates (USD: 80%, LMU: 81%) and employment rates within six months of graduation (USD: 89%, LMU: 87%). Both universities prepare their students for success in various fields, with alumni finding success in business, entertainment, law, and public service.