Santa Clara U vs LMU-LA

Santa Clara University and Loyola Marymount University, both esteemed private institutions in California, offer distinct educational experiences. Santa Clara, nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, boasts a higher acceptance rate (56%) compared to Loyola Marymount's (48%). While both universities excel in various disciplines, Santa Clara is renowned for its engineering and business programs, while Loyola Marymount shines in the arts, communication, and film. Their student bodies reflect these strengths, with Santa Clara attracting more STEM-oriented students and Loyola Marymount fostering a diverse community with a strong emphasis on the humanities. With comparable graduation rates, both universities ensure their students are well-prepared for successful careers. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Loyola Marymount University	Santa Clara University
Overview
Location	Los Angeles, California	Santa Clara, California
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Quarter
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	90.0%	94.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Catholic	Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	45.8%	54.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $73
SAT range	1250 - 1420	1330 - 1490
ACT range	28 - 32	30 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	18.0%	23.0%
Students submitting ACT score	14.0%	16.0%
Total number of applicants	19,045	16,848
Total number of admissions given out	8,727	9,095
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,610	1,549
Yield rate	18.4%	17.0%
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	$76,665	$78,999
Average net price	$40,180	$48,469
Tuition	$52,310	$55,224
Room & board	$16,474	$16,533
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $19,651	73.0% Average amount $23,770
Students receiving federal student loan	33.0% Average amount $5,128	24.0% Average amount $5,138
Students taking out private loans	13.0% Average amount $7,027	2.0% Average amount $30,446

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	7,127 Men 46.5% Women 53.5%	5,895 Men 52.7% Women 47.3%
Graduate students	3,057 Men 37.6% Women 62.4%	3,023 Men 46.0% Women 54.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	37.2%	44.6%
International students	9.7%	12.6%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	3,685	3,551
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Washington Illinois Colorado Texas	California Washington Colorado Oregon Texas

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Education Legal Profession Visual & Performing Arts Engineering	Business Engineering Legal Profession Education Psychology
Students to faculty ratio	11:1	11:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	78.8%	90.9%
Dropout rate	20.8%	9.0%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $107,439 Year 2: $95,739 Year 3: $104,060 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $108,666 Year 2: $93,646 Year 3: $99,019 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $67,187 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $89,875 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $77,487 Year 3: $83,365 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,189 Year 2: $67,240 Year 3: $80,053 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,511 Year 2: $60,358 Year 3: $74,483 Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $73,656 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,425 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $68,960 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $61,449 Year 2: $58,360 Year 3: $68,244 Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,862 Year 2: $55,693 Year 3: $62,746	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $125,643 Year 2: $128,588 Year 3: $140,820 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $83,523 Year 2: $103,449 Year 3: $131,051 Computer Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $125,788 Year 2: $104,192 Year 3: $129,018 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $74,729 Year 2: $68,379 Year 3: $100,639 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,066 Year 2: $86,424 Year 3: $96,312 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,547 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $94,288 Law (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $86,424 Year 3: $93,193 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,821 Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $90,013 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $79,473 Year 3: $88,047 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,828 Year 2: $69,740 Year 3: $87,254

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Santa Clara University (SCU) and Loyola Marymount University (LMU)?

Santa Clara University (SCU) is a Jesuit university known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and law, located in the heart of Silicon Valley. This location provides excellent internship and job opportunities in the tech industry. Loyola Marymount University (LMU), also a Jesuit university, excels in film, communication, and business, and is situated in Los Angeles, offering access to the entertainment industry. SCU tends to be slightly more focused on STEM fields, while LMU has a stronger emphasis on the arts and humanities. SCU's campus is generally considered more compact and traditional, while LMU's is larger and offers views of the city.
How do the academic reputations of SCU and LMU compare?

Both Santa Clara University and Loyola Marymount University hold strong academic reputations. SCU is particularly well-regarded for its Leavey School of Business and School of Engineering, benefiting from its proximity to Silicon Valley. LMU is highly respected for its School of Film and Television and its College of Communication and Fine Arts, leveraging its location in Los Angeles. Both universities offer a rigorous academic environment, but SCU may have a slight edge in STEM fields, while LMU excels in creative arts and communication.
What is the campus environment and student life like at SCU versus LMU?

Santa Clara University offers a more intimate campus environment with a strong sense of community. Student life revolves around campus activities, clubs, and a vibrant Greek life. Being located in Silicon Valley, SCU students often participate in tech-related events and internships. Loyola Marymount University boasts a larger campus with stunning views of Los Angeles. Student life at LMU is characterized by a diverse range of activities, including film screenings, concerts, and a strong emphasis on social justice. LMU's location provides easy access to the cultural attractions and entertainment options of Los Angeles.
How do the locations of Santa Clara University and Loyola Marymount University impact student opportunities?

Santa Clara University's location in Silicon Valley provides unparalleled access to internships and job opportunities in the technology sector. Students can easily connect with leading tech companies and startups. Loyola Marymount University's location in Los Angeles offers similar advantages in the entertainment, media, and communication industries. LMU students have access to internships at film studios, television networks, and advertising agencies. The location of each university significantly shapes the career paths and networking opportunities available to its students.
What are the average class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios at SCU and LMU?

Both Santa Clara University and Loyola Marymount University pride themselves on offering a personalized learning experience. SCU typically has an average class size of around 23 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1. LMU has a similar average class size and a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 10:1. These low ratios allow for more interaction between students and professors, fostering a supportive academic environment at both institutions.
How do the costs of attending SCU and LMU compare?

The cost of attendance at both Santa Clara University and Loyola Marymount University is relatively similar, placing them among the more expensive private universities in the United States. Tuition, fees, and living expenses are comparable. It's important to research the most up-to-date figures on each university's website. Both institutions offer financial aid and scholarships to eligible students, so exploring those options is crucial when considering the overall cost.
What types of students typically thrive at SCU versus LMU?

Students who are passionate about technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship often thrive at Santa Clara University. SCU's rigorous academic programs and strong connections to Silicon Valley make it an ideal choice for students seeking careers in STEM fields. Loyola Marymount University is a great fit for students interested in film, communication, the arts, and social justice. LMU's creative environment and location in Los Angeles attract students who are drawn to the entertainment industry and want to make a positive impact on the world.
What are the religious affiliations of SCU and LMU, and how does that impact campus life?

Both Santa Clara University and Loyola Marymount University are Jesuit institutions, meaning they are rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition and emphasize values such as social justice, service, and ethical leadership. While both universities welcome students of all faiths and backgrounds, the Jesuit identity is woven into the fabric of campus life. This includes opportunities for spiritual growth, community service projects, and a focus on ethical decision-making in all fields of study. The religious affiliation creates a welcoming and inclusive environment that values intellectual curiosity and personal development.
What are the most popular majors at SCU and LMU?

At Santa Clara University, popular majors include Engineering (particularly Computer Science and Electrical Engineering), Business (especially Finance and Marketing), and Economics. At Loyola Marymount University, popular majors include Film Production, Communication Studies, Business Administration, and Psychology. These popular majors reflect the strengths and focuses of each university, as well as the career opportunities available in their respective locations.
How do the career services and alumni networks compare between SCU and LMU?

Both Santa Clara University and Loyola Marymount University offer robust career services to help students find internships and jobs after graduation. SCU's career center has strong relationships with tech companies in Silicon Valley, providing students with access to a wide range of opportunities. LMU's career services are well-connected to the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, offering students internships and job placements at film studios, television networks, and media companies. Both universities also have active alumni networks that provide mentorship and networking opportunities for current students and graduates.

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