University of San Diego vs LMU-LA

Nestled in the vibrant cities of San Diego and Los Angeles, University of San Diego (USD) and Loyola Marymount University (LMU) stand as two prominent institutions of higher learning, each offering a unique educational experience. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence and student success, they differ in several key aspects. USD boasts a slightly higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for prospective students. LMU, on the other hand, has a slightly higher graduation rate, indicating a strong focus on student retention and completion. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details, including popular majors, student body demographics, and additional factors that may influence your decision. Discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Loyola Marymount University	University of San Diego
Overview
Location	Los Angeles, California	San Diego, California
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	4-1-4
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	90.0%	92.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Catholic	Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	45.8%	52.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $45
SAT range	1250 - 1420	N/A
ACT range	28 - 32	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	18.0%
Students submitting ACT score	14.0%
Total number of applicants	19,045	14,326
Total number of admissions given out	8,727	7,550
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,610	1,166
Yield rate	18.4%	15.4%
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	$76,665	$75,982
Average net price	$40,180	$34,155
Tuition	$52,310	$52,120
Room & board	$16,474	$16,246
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $19,651	82.0% Average amount $34,413
Students receiving federal student loan	33.0% Average amount $5,128	33.0% Average amount $5,216
Students taking out private loans	13.0% Average amount $7,027	5.0% Average amount $12,155

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	7,127 Men 46.5% Women 53.5%	5,702 Men 43.9% Women 56.1%
Graduate students	3,057 Men 37.6% Women 62.4%	3,339 Men 42.4% Women 57.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	37.2%	45.5%
International students	9.7%	6.2%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	3,685	2,484
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 Arizona Nevada

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Education Legal Profession Visual & Performing Arts Engineering	Legal Profession Business Education Health Professions Law Enforcement and Firefighting
Students to faculty ratio	11:1	13:1
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%	80.0%
Dropout rate	20.8%	19.5%
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	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $114,672 Year 2: $117,572 Year 3: $115,744 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $95,123 Year 2: $89,672 Year 3: $102,690 Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,786 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $98,598 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $96,329 Year 2: $91,744 Year 3: $93,985 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $71,367 Year 2: $73,391 Year 3: $92,346 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,417 Year 2: $75,706 Year 3: $84,924 Real Estate (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,970 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $84,277 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,809 Year 2: $61,962 Year 3: $75,083 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,424 Year 2: $67,324 Year 3: $72,729 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,434 Year 2: $61,069 Year 3: $72,310

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of San Diego (USD) and Loyola Marymount University (LMU)?

USD and LMU are both excellent private universities in Southern California, but they have distinct characteristics. USD, located in San Diego, is known for its strong undergraduate focus, beautiful campus with Spanish Renaissance architecture, and emphasis on international study and community service. LMU, situated in Los Angeles, offers a broader range of graduate programs, a stronger presence in the entertainment industry, and a more urban campus environment. USD tends to have a slightly smaller student body and a more residential feel, while LMU benefits from its location in a major media hub.
How do the academic programs at USD and LMU compare?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate programs. USD is particularly strong in business, engineering, and international relations. LMU excels in film and television production, business, and communication studies. While both have strong liberal arts programs, LMU's location provides unique opportunities for internships and networking in the entertainment and media industries. USD's international business programs often incorporate study abroad experiences more directly into the curriculum.
What is the campus environment like at USD versus LMU?

USD boasts a stunning campus with Spanish Renaissance architecture, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing environment. It's generally considered a more residential campus, with a strong sense of community. LMU's campus, while also beautiful, is more integrated into the urban landscape of Los Angeles. This provides students with easier access to city amenities and cultural experiences, but the campus environment may feel less insular than USD's.
How do the costs of attending USD and LMU compare?

The cost of attendance at USD and LMU is comparable, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Both are private universities, so expect similar expenses. It's important to research specific program costs and available financial aid packages at each institution. Factors like living expenses in San Diego versus Los Angeles can also influence the overall cost.
What are the career opportunities like after graduating from USD and LMU?

Both universities offer strong career services and alumni networks. LMU's location in Los Angeles provides a significant advantage for students seeking careers in the entertainment, media, and technology industries. USD's strong business and international programs open doors to opportunities in global commerce and international affairs. Both universities have active alumni networks that can assist with job placement and career advancement.
What is the student life like at USD and LMU?

USD offers a more traditional, residential college experience with a strong emphasis on campus activities and student organizations. LMU, while also offering a vibrant student life, benefits from its location in Los Angeles, providing students with access to a wider range of cultural and entertainment options. Both universities have active Greek life, sports teams, and a variety of clubs and organizations to suit diverse interests.
How do USD and LMU approach faith and service?

Both USD and LMU are Catholic universities with a commitment to social justice and service. USD is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church and emphasizes ethical leadership and community engagement. LMU, as a Jesuit university, focuses on educating the whole person and promoting service to others. Both institutions offer numerous opportunities for students to participate in service projects and engage with their faith.
Which university is better for specific majors like Film or Engineering?

LMU is generally considered to have a stronger film and television production program due to its location and industry connections. USD is known for its strong engineering programs, particularly in electrical and mechanical engineering. However, both universities offer quality programs in a variety of fields, so it's best to research specific departments and faculty to determine the best fit for your academic goals.
What are the admission requirements for USD and LMU?

Both USD and LMU have selective admission processes. They typically require a strong academic record, including a challenging high school curriculum, competitive standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply), compelling essays, and strong letters of recommendation. Demonstrated involvement in extracurricular activities and community service is also valued. Check each university's website for the most up-to-date admission requirements and deadlines.
How do the class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios compare?

Both USD and LMU pride themselves on offering a personalized learning environment with relatively small class sizes. The student-to-faculty ratio is similar at both institutions, allowing for more interaction between students and professors. This fosters a supportive and engaging academic atmosphere.

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