Loyola vs. Carleton College

Comparable Facts

Compare Loyola University Chicago in Chicago, IL with Carleton College in Northfield, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Loyola University Chicago is larger than Carleton College based on total student enrollment (17,384 students vs. 2,128 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Loyola University Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Carleton College is in Northfield, MN (Distant Town setting).
• Loyola University Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carleton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Loyola University Chicago 13:1; Carleton College 8:1.

Loyola vs. Carleton College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Loyola or Carleton College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Carleton College than Loyola ($28,047 vs. $39,147).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Loyola University Chicago are 3.3% lower than at Carleton College ($17,010 vs. $17,586).
• Carleton College is 28.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Loyola (about $15,182 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $53,710.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.3% higher at Carleton College than at Loyola University Chicago (about $15,182 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $53,710.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Loyola University Chicago than at Carleton College (98% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carleton College students is 97.3% larger than aid received by Loyola University Chicago students ($56,846 vs. $28,816).

Loyola vs. Carleton College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Loyola or Carleton College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Carleton College and Loyola.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carleton College (1510) is 240 points higher than at Loyola (1270).
• Incoming Carleton College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 29 at Loyola).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Loyola University Chicago 1170/1360; Carleton College 1450/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Loyola University Chicago 27/32; Carleton College 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Loyola - Test optional; Carleton College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Carleton College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carleton College students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Loyola (3.71).
• Loyola has a higher acceptance rate (81.6%) than Carleton College (20.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.6% at Loyola vs. 34.8% at Carleton College.

Loyola vs. Carleton College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Loyola and Carleton College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Carleton College's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Loyola University Chicago's (70%).
• Graduates from Carleton College earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Loyola graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,600 vs. $59,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carleton College graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Loyola graduates ($19,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Carleton College graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Loyola graduates ($201 vs. $258).
• More Carleton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Loyola students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 76%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.