Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Career OutcomesAzimuth ranks Loyola Marymount University #954 for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn at roughly the same level as similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 61.2 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Loyola Marymount University sits in the 86.0 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. --- Loyola Marymount University's Azimuth ranking reflects strong financial outcomes balanced with meaningful access. Graduates achieve higher-than-expected earnings that place the university among the top performers nationally. These results stem from a program mix anchored in business fields and Los Angeles' diverse labor market.
Azimuth ranks Loyola Marymount University #954 for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions. A private research university (Carnegie R2) in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University enrolls roughly 7,094 undergraduates. Retention is 88.6% and the six-year graduation rate is 78.9%, reflecting solid completion outcomes for a Jesuit institution in a competitive urban market. Where Loyola Marymount University performs strongest is return on investment. Azimuth ranks Loyola Marymount University #277 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn median 4-year earnings of $78,039, and they earn at roughly the same level as similar students at comparable institutions, placing Loyola Marymount University in the 61.2 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. The institution's strength in Business — which represents a significant share of degree output — anchors these earnings outcomes and drives consistent financial returns for graduates. Access and affordability sit lower in the composite. Loyola Marymount University sits in the 48.7 percentile for access and the 2.1 percentile for affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. As a private institution with a sticker price above many public peers, Loyola Marymount University relies on need-based aid to reshape costs for admitted students. 13.2% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants and 22.4% are first-generation college students, reflecting a modest but meaningful commitment to low-income access. Mobility outcomes for these students — measured by graduation rates and earnings trajectories — sit in the 60.5 percentile, indicating that the institution supports low-income and first-generation students into stable career pathways, though at rates somewhat below the strongest peer institutions.
Loyola Marymount University's published cost of attendance is $83,943, but need-based aid reshapes that figure across income levels. Low-income families pay approximately $32,268; middle-income families pay around $34,351; and higher-income families pay approximately $58,371. Azimuth ranks Loyola Marymount University #1395 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Loyola Marymount participates in federal need-based aid programs, including Pell Grants and Direct Loans, alongside institutional aid. The aid structure combines need-based and merit components; families apply using the FAFSA, and work-study is available as part of aid packages for qualifying students. The difference between published cost and net price reflects the institution's commitment to meeting demonstrated financial need through grants and scholarships rather than loans alone. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $19,500, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $58,361; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $78,039, median federal debt of $19,500 projects to a monthly payment of about $220 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
Loyola Marymount University is a strong fit for students seeking a private university experience in Los Angeles with strengths in business and related applied fields, particularly those who prioritize post-graduation earnings potential alongside the benefits of a mid-sized institution. Graduates earn median earnings four years after enrollment of $78,039, placing Loyola Marymount University in the 86.0 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. They earn at roughly the same level as similar students at comparable institutions, placing Loyola Marymount University in the 61.2 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. The institution enrolls students from a range of backgrounds, with 13.2% of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants and 22.4% identifying as first-generation. The published cost of attendance is $58,371, with median federal debt at graduation of $19,500. Fit depends on two realistic filters: the 45.1% admit rate makes the application process selective, and the program mix favors Business (24% of degrees) and related applied fields. Students whose interests align with these areas will find strong outcomes relative to CA's no-degree baseline of $34,672.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
Financial GPS Tool
Personalized cost and earnings calculator
This is the Loyola Marymount University hub overview page. Related admissions, cost, outcomes, majors, and similar-school pages provide the detailed school data.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Loyola Marymount University's published cost of attendance is $83,943, but need-based aid reshapes that figure across income levels. Low-income families pay approximately $32,268; middle-income families pay around $34,351; and higher-income families pay approximately $58,371.
Azimuth ranks Loyola Marymount University #1395 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown.
Loyola Marymount participates in federal need-based aid programs, including Pell Grants and Direct Loans, alongside institutional aid. The aid structure combines need-based and merit components; families apply using the FAFSA, and work-study is available as part of aid packages for qualifying students.
The difference between published cost and net price reflects the institution's commitment to meeting demonstrated financial need through grants and scholarships rather than loans alone. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $19,500, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $58,361; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the [Parent PLUS risk framework](/analysis/ou-what-happens-when-parents-borrow-too/) for how household context shapes PLUS decisions.
For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $78,039, median federal debt of $19,500 projects to a monthly payment of about $220 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use [Azimuth's Financial GPS tool](/analysis/financial-gps-framework/).
Graduates of Loyola Marymount University earn median 4-year earnings of $78,039, placing Loyola Marymount University in the 86.0 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn at roughly the same level as similar students at comparable institutions, placing Loyola Marymount University in the 61.2 percentile for [earnings beyond expectations](/analysis/a-value-added-approach-to-college-outcomes/) among nonprofit four-year institutions.
Azimuth ranks Loyola Marymount University #277 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The earnings pattern reflects Loyola Marymount University's strength in business and professional fields.
Psychology, General is the largest program with 158 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $60,958, performing at 1.2x the national benchmark for the field. The Digital Marketing program graduates 154 students with median 4-year earnings of $82,825, while Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft delivers median 4-year earnings of $49,135 across 134 graduates.
Communication and Media Studies and Finance round out the top programs, with graduates earning $69,144 and $109,303 respectively. The concentration in Business — which comprises a significant share of the institution's degree output — aligns with strong early-career earnings and sustained career progression through the decade following enrollment.
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of Redlands Higher acceptance rate (40.6 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 72 miles away; similar graduate earnings | CA | 81% | $72,690 | Compare |
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Higher acceptance rate (33.4 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 35 miles away; similar graduate earnings | CA | 74% | $71,902 | Compare |
California Lutheran University Higher acceptance rate (48.6 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 32 miles away; similar graduate earnings | CA | 89% | $68,712 | Compare |
University Of The Pacific Higher acceptance rate (54.6 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | CA | 95% | $78,445 | Compare |
Saint Mary's College Of California Higher acceptance rate (48.3 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | CA | 89% | $78,812 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Saint Leo University Similar quality tier (#24282 ranked) | FL | 78% | $48,364 | #24282 | Compare |
Xavier University Of Louisiana Similar quality tier (#23763 ranked) | LA | 69% | $52,184 | #23763 | Compare |
American University Similar quality tier (#24295 ranked) | DC | 62% | $77,370 | #24295 | Compare |
Gonzaga University Similar quality tier in West (#23761 ranked) | WA | 82% | $78,892 | #23761 | Compare |
York College Of Pennsylvania Similar quality tier (#24817 ranked) | PA | 74% | $61,012 | #24817 | Compare |
Computer and Information Sciences, General
52 graduates
Accounting and Related Services
35 graduates
Finance and Financial Management Services
115 graduates
Civil Engineering
27 graduates
Mechanical Engineering
30 graduates
Loyola Marymount University's program mix is anchored in business and professional fields, reflecting the university's Jesuit mission and Los Angeles location. Psychology, General is the largest program with 158 graduates annually, followed by Digital Marketing, Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Communication and Media Studies, and Finance.
Across 39 programs, 0 meet Azimuth's ranking threshold, with several delivering strong four-year earnings outcomes aligned to Southern California's professional and creative industries. The earnings pattern reflects strength in applied business and professional pathways.
Finance leads with median four-year earnings of $109,303, followed by Economics at $88,682 and Digital Marketing at $82,825. Biology, General and Political Science round out the highest-earning programs, with graduates earning $80,317 and $72,375 respectively four years after enrollment.
The concentration of Business as the dominant program family—representing 24% of graduates—drives the institution's overall earnings profile and aligns with regional employer demand in finance, accounting, management, and professional services. Loyola Marymount University's program portfolio emphasizes direct-to-workforce pathways where four-year earnings reflect immediate labor-market outcomes.
The [supply and demand for college graduates](/analysis/supply-demand-map-college-degrees/) provides context for how the institution's concentration in business and professional fields aligns with national wage trends and regional hiring patterns in the Los Angeles market.
