Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) vs Loyola Chicago

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Loyola University Chicago (LUC) are two distinct institutions of higher learning with unique offerings and characteristics. RIT, a private research university in Rochester, New York, is known for its strong programs in engineering, technology, and the arts. LUC, a private Jesuit university in Chicago, Illinois, excels in the liberal arts, business, and health sciences. While both universities offer a diverse range of academic programs, their acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates vary significantly. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to discover which university better aligns with your academic aspirations, preferred campus environment, and personal preferences.

	Loyola University Chicago	Rochester Institute of Technology
Overview
Location	Chicago, Illinois	Rochester, New York
Campus setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	88.0%	88.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	77.0%	71.4%
Application fees		Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65
SAT range	1160 - 1360	1270 - 1450
ACT range	27 - 32	28 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	23.0%	39.0%
Students submitting ACT score	22.0%	12.0%
Total number of applicants	37,824	21,923
Total number of admissions given out	29,117	15,645
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,867	3,355
Yield rate	9.8%	21.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$63,074	$69,232
Average net price	$29,371	$35,012
Tuition	$46,410	$52,030
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,400 Meal plan: $5,780	Room/dormitory: $8,392 Meal plan: $7,000
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	98.0% Average amount $25,854	100.0% Average amount $31,960
Students receiving federal student loan	44.0% Average amount $5,419	62.0% Average amount $5,197
Students taking out private loans	8.0% Average amount $17,984	16.0% Average amount $19,624

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	11,819 Men 31.8% Women 68.2%	14,000 Men 66.5% Women 33.5%
Graduate students	5,679 Men 32.1% Women 67.9%	2,790 Men 62.1% Women 37.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	50.0%	53.2%
International students	3.3%	11.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	3,902	6,543
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Illinois Michigan Minnesota California Ohio	New York Pennsylvania New Jersey Connecticut Maryland

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Health Professions Biological and Biomedical Sciences Legal Profession Psychology	Computer and Information Science Engineering Visual & Performing Arts Engineering Technologies Business
Students to faculty ratio	14:1	13:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	72.0%	69.0%
Dropout rate	27.4%	29.1%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $100,817 Year 2: $220,906 Year 3: $179,958 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,218 Year 2: $97,604 Year 3: $105,174 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,836 Year 2: $87,470 Year 3: $104,925 Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $89,863 Year 2: $97,071 Year 3: $88,922 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $69,345 Year 2: $65,424 Year 3: $85,807 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $59,864 Year 2: $66,821 Year 3: $82,913 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,124 Year 2: $61,380 Year 3: $75,618 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,063 Year 2: $66,029 Year 3: $74,558 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,529 Year 2: $56,544 Year 3: $70,042 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,111 Year 2: $66,195 Year 3: $69,151	Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $80,382 Year 2: $89,006 Year 3: $104,341 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,806 Year 2: $98,137 Year 3: $98,068 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,771 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $93,116 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $77,470 Year 2: $79,389 Year 3: $92,303 Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,401 Year 2: $72,901 Year 3: $87,280 Industrial Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,111 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $85,564 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,226 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $82,398 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $79,931 Year 2: $75,623 Year 3: $81,980 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,306 Year 2: $68,219 Year 3: $79,663 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,256 Year 2: $71,351 Year 3: $79,347

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main academic strengths of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Loyola University Chicago?

RIT excels in technology, art, and design, offering strong programs in engineering, computer science, photography, and game design. It's known for its co-op program, providing extensive real-world experience. Loyola University Chicago, on the other hand, is renowned for its liberal arts education, particularly in fields like business, law, nursing, and the humanities. It emphasizes social justice and service-learning opportunities.
How do the campus environments differ between RIT and Loyola University Chicago?

RIT has a large, suburban campus in Rochester, New York, with a focus on technology and innovation. The atmosphere is generally more technically oriented and career-focused. Loyola University Chicago has multiple campuses, including a main campus on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago. Its urban setting provides access to a vibrant city life and a more diverse cultural experience. Loyola also has a more traditional college campus feel with a strong emphasis on community and Jesuit values.
What is the cost of attendance like at RIT compared to Loyola University Chicago?

Generally, RIT and Loyola University Chicago have similar tuition costs. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors like room and board, fees, and personal expenses. Living in Rochester, NY (RIT) might be slightly less expensive than living in Chicago (Loyola). It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date and personalized cost estimates, including information on financial aid and scholarships.
What kind of student life and extracurricular activities are available at each university?

RIT offers a wide range of clubs and organizations, particularly in technology, gaming, and the arts. Its co-op program is a significant part of student life. Loyola University Chicago also has a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including student government, clubs, and organizations focused on social justice, community service, and the arts. Being in Chicago provides access to numerous cultural and entertainment opportunities.
How do RIT and Loyola University Chicago compare in terms of career services and job placement?

RIT is highly regarded for its career services, particularly its co-op program, which provides students with valuable work experience and connections. This often leads to strong job placement rates in technical fields. Loyola University Chicago also offers comprehensive career services, with a focus on internships and networking opportunities in Chicago and beyond. Their career services are strong in fields like business, communications, and healthcare.
What are the admission requirements and acceptance rates for RIT and Loyola University Chicago?

Both RIT and Loyola University Chicago have selective admission processes. RIT tends to emphasize strong math and science backgrounds, especially for its technical programs. Loyola University Chicago looks for well-rounded students with strong academic records and a commitment to service. Acceptance rates can fluctuate, so it's best to check the official websites for the most current information. Generally, Loyola might have a slightly higher acceptance rate than RIT, but this can vary year to year.
How do the graduate programs at RIT and Loyola University Chicago differ?

RIT's graduate programs are primarily focused on technology, engineering, and design, offering advanced degrees in fields like computer science, engineering, and imaging science. Loyola University Chicago's graduate programs are strong in areas like business, law, education, and healthcare. The best choice depends on your specific field of study and career goals.
What is the location like for each school, and how does it impact the student experience?

RIT is located in a suburban setting in Rochester, New York. This provides a more campus-focused experience with a strong sense of community within the university. Loyola University Chicago is located in a major urban center, Chicago, Illinois. This offers students access to a wide range of cultural, social, and professional opportunities. The urban environment can be more stimulating and diverse, but also more demanding.
What are the religious affiliations, if any, of RIT and Loyola University Chicago?

RIT is a non-sectarian university with no religious affiliation. Loyola University Chicago is a Jesuit Catholic university, which means it is guided by Jesuit values and principles, emphasizing social justice, service, and intellectual inquiry. While Loyola has a religious affiliation, it welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.
How do the research opportunities compare between RIT and Loyola University Chicago?

RIT has strong research programs in areas like imaging science, sustainability, and microelectronics. It offers numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research projects. Loyola University Chicago also has active research programs, particularly in areas like health sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. The research focus at Loyola often aligns with its Jesuit mission of addressing social issues and promoting the common good.

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