University of San Diego vs Loyola Marymount University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of San Diego and Loyola Marymount University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of San Diego vs Loyola Marymount University at a glance
University of San Diego admits 52.4% of applicants and Loyola Marymount University 45.1% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $29,539 at University of San Diego and $50,518 at Loyola Marymount University. Six-year graduation rates are 81.1% and 78.8%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of San Diego admits 52.4% of applicants and Loyola Marymount University 45.1%, so Loyola Marymount University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $29,539 a year at University of San Diego and $50,518 at Loyola Marymount University; University of San Diego costs $20,979 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $16,814 at University of San Diego and $36,415 at Loyola Marymount University.
- 81.1% of students graduate within six years at University of San Diego, against 78.8% at Loyola Marymount University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $93,069 for University of San Diego and $86,034 for Loyola Marymount University; University of San Diego is $7,035 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $21,250 at University of San Diego and $19,500 at Loyola Marymount University.
- University of San Diego enrolls 5,671 students (large city) and Loyola Marymount University 7,094 (large city).
Side by side
University of San Diego 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 | University of San Diego | Loyola Marymount University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 52.4% | 45.1% |
| Applicants | 14,326 | 19,045 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | Not reported | 1260–1430 |
| ACT middle 50% | Not reported | 28–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $29,539 | $50,518 |
| Tuition, in state | $62,420 | $65,857 |
| Tuition, out of state | $62,420 | $65,857 |
| Cost of attendance | $83,503 | $88,656 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $16,814 | $36,415 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $17,381 | $34,172 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $21,109 | $33,201 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $24,962 | $45,169 |
| Over $110,000 | $52,698 | $63,737 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 81.1% | 78.8% |
| First-year retention | 91.4% | 88.6% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $93,069 | $86,034 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $21,250 | $19,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $242 | $222 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 5,671 | 7,094 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | San Diego, 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
University of San Diego reports 41 bachelor's programs and Loyola Marymount University 47; 28 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of San Diego vs Loyola Marymount University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of San Diego or Loyola Marymount University?
Loyola Marymount University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of San Diego admits 52.4% of applicants and Loyola Marymount University admits 45.1%.
Which is cheaper, University of San Diego or Loyola Marymount University?
University of San Diego has the lower average net price after grants: $29,539 a year at University of San Diego against $50,518 at Loyola Marymount University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $16,814 and $36,415. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of San Diego or Loyola Marymount University graduates earn more?
University of San Diego graduates earn more at the median: $93,069 ten years after entry for University of San Diego and $86,034 for Loyola Marymount University. Median federal debt at graduation is $21,250 and $19,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of San Diego or Loyola Marymount University?
University of San Diego does: 81.1% of University of San Diego students graduate within six years, against 78.8% at Loyola Marymount University.
How big are University of San Diego and Loyola Marymount University?
University of San Diego has 5,671 students in San Diego, CA and Loyola Marymount University has 7,094 students in Los Angeles, CA.