Loyola University Maryland vs. Penn State Altoona

Comparable Facts

Compare Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore, MD with Penn State Altoona in Altoona, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Loyola University Maryland is larger than Penn State Altoona based on total student enrollment (4,897 students vs. 2,371 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Loyola University Maryland is located in Baltimore, MD (Large City setting); Penn State Altoona is in Altoona, PA (Small City setting).
• Loyola University Maryland is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Altoona is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Loyola University Maryland 12:1; Penn State Altoona 13:1.

Loyola University Maryland vs. Penn State Altoona Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Loyola University Maryland or Penn State Altoona? 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 Penn State Altoona than Loyola University Maryland ($21,618 vs. $32,846).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Penn State Altoona are 24.2% lower than at Loyola University Maryland ($14,474 vs. $19,090).
• Loyola University Maryland is 257.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Altoona (about $41,178 more per year; $57,150.00 vs. $15,972.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 112% higher at Loyola University Maryland than at Penn State Altoona (about $30,192 more per year; $57,150.00 vs. $26,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Loyola University Maryland than at Penn State Altoona (99% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Loyola University Maryland students is 272.8% larger than aid received by Penn State Altoona students ($41,341 vs. $11,088).

Loyola University Maryland vs. Penn State Altoona Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Loyola University Maryland or Penn State Altoona? 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 Penn State Altoona and Loyola University Maryland.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Loyola University Maryland (1290) is 110 points higher than at Penn State Altoona (1180).
• Incoming Loyola University Maryland students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 25 at Penn State Altoona).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Loyola University Maryland 1200/1370; Penn State Altoona 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Loyola University Maryland 28/32; Penn State Altoona 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Loyola University Maryland - Test optional; Penn State Altoona - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Loyola University Maryland Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Loyola University Maryland students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Penn State Altoona (3.4).
• Penn State Altoona has a higher acceptance rate (98.1%) than Loyola University Maryland (75.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Loyola University Maryland vs. 10.3% at Penn State Altoona.

Loyola University Maryland vs. Penn State Altoona Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Loyola University Maryland and Penn State Altoona? 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).

• Loyola University Maryland's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than Penn State Altoona's (65%).
• Graduates from Loyola University Maryland earn a median of about $21,300 more per year than Penn State Altoona graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,600 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Penn State Altoona graduates have a $182 lower median loan debt than Loyola University Maryland graduates ($26,818 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Penn State Altoona graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Loyola University Maryland graduates ($277 vs. $279).
• More Loyola University Maryland graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Penn State Altoona students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 69%)

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.