Santa Clara University vs Loyola Marymount University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Santa Clara University and Loyola Marymount University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Santa Clara University vs Loyola Marymount University at a glance
Santa Clara University admits 48% of applicants and Loyola Marymount University 45.1% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $36,116 at Santa Clara University and $50,518 at Loyola Marymount University. Six-year graduation rates are 87.3% and 78.8%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Santa Clara University admits 48% of applicants and Loyola Marymount University 45.1%, so Loyola Marymount University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $36,116 a year at Santa Clara University and $50,518 at Loyola Marymount University; Santa Clara University costs $14,402 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $22,696 at Santa Clara University and $36,415 at Loyola Marymount University.
- 87.3% of students graduate within six years at Santa Clara University, against 78.8% at Loyola Marymount University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $117,193 for Santa Clara University and $86,034 for Loyola Marymount University; Santa Clara University is $31,159 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at Santa Clara University and $19,500 at Loyola Marymount University.
- Santa Clara University enrolls 6,552 students (midsize city) and Loyola Marymount University 7,094 (large city).
Side by side
Santa Clara University and Loyola Marymount University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Santa Clara University | Loyola Marymount University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 48% | 45.1% |
| Applicants | 16,848 | 19,045 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1350–1490 | 1260–1430 |
| ACT middle 50% | 31–33 | 28–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $36,116 | $50,518 |
| Tuition, in state | $63,513 | $65,857 |
| Tuition, out of state | $63,513 | $65,857 |
| Cost of attendance | $84,261 | $88,656 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $22,696 | $36,415 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $13,570 | $34,172 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $25,352 | $33,201 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $40,238 | $45,169 |
| Over $110,000 | $63,129 | $63,737 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 87.3% | 78.8% |
| First-year retention | 93.9% | 88.6% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $117,193 | $86,034 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $19,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $222 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 6,552 | 7,094 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Large |
| Location | Santa Clara, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Santa Clara University reports 46 bachelor's programs and Loyola Marymount University 47; 32 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Santa Clara University vs Loyola Marymount University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Santa Clara University or Loyola Marymount University?
Loyola Marymount University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Santa Clara University admits 48% of applicants and Loyola Marymount University admits 45.1%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Santa Clara University 1350–1490; Loyola Marymount University 1260–1430.
Which is cheaper, Santa Clara University or Loyola Marymount University?
Santa Clara University has the lower average net price after grants: $36,116 a year at Santa Clara University against $50,518 at Loyola Marymount University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $22,696 and $36,415. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Santa Clara University or Loyola Marymount University graduates earn more?
Santa Clara University graduates earn more at the median: $117,193 ten years after entry for Santa Clara University and $86,034 for Loyola Marymount University. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $19,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Santa Clara University or Loyola Marymount University?
Santa Clara University does: 87.3% of Santa Clara University students graduate within six years, against 78.8% at Loyola Marymount University.
How big are Santa Clara University and Loyola Marymount University?
Santa Clara University has 6,552 students in Santa Clara, CA and Loyola Marymount University has 7,094 students in Los Angeles, CA.