At $45,723/yr net price, Loyola Marymount University graduates earn $78,349/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $44,349/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $45,723 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $182,892 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $78,349/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$44,349/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 79.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $30,208/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,766/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $32,869/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $39,673/yr |
| $110,001+ | $53,926/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $95,739 | $70,420 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $93,646 | $99,813 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $77,487 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $76,460 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $72,796 | $26,000 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,995 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $67,240 | $14,750 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $64,493 | $155,436 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $60,358 | $19,500 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $58,360 | $20,500 |
The Risk Factor
79.8% of students at Loyola Marymount University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 20% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Loyola Marymount University delivers mediocre financial returns despite its Los Angeles location and strong graduation rates. With median 10-year earnings of $78,349 against a net price of $45,723 annually, you're looking at a payback period that stretches longer than most comparable private universities.
Business and educational administration majors see the strongest returns, with business graduates earning over $93,000 annually. Computer science also pays off well relative to debt loads, with graduates carrying just $26,000 in debt while earning nearly $73,000. Psychology and other educational administration tracks fall into the concerning territory where earnings barely justify the investment.
The financial aid picture creates serious affordability gaps. Only 13% of students receive institutional aid, leaving most families to cover the full cost through loans or out-of-pocket payments. This makes LMU particularly risky for middle-class families who don't qualify for need-based aid but struggle with the price tag.
LMU works financially if you're pursuing business or computer science and your family can afford the costs without significant borrowing. The Los Angeles job market does provide networking opportunities that may not show up in salary data immediately. However, if you need substantial financial aid or plan to study liberal arts, education, or psychology, you'll likely find better value elsewhere. The school's merit scholarship opportunities are limited, making it a poor choice for families banking on significant tuition discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Loyola Marymount University worth the high tuition cost?
LMU's $45,723 annual net price is steep for graduates earning $78,349 ten years out. The ROI works better for business and education administration majors who earn over $90,000, but other programs may not justify the cost.
What are the best paying majors at Loyola Marymount University?
Educational administration leads at $95,739, followed by general business at $93,646. Computer science graduates earn $72,796, which is lower than many tech programs elsewhere.
How much student debt do Loyola Marymount University graduates have?
The median debt is $19,500, which is manageable compared to the high sticker price. This suggests financial aid helps, but families still pay substantial amounts out of pocket.
Does Loyola Marymount University have good job outcomes after graduation?
The 79.8% graduation rate is solid, and $78,349 average earnings after 10 years are decent for Los Angeles. However, this return may not justify the premium price tag for many students.