Loyola Marymount vs. AU

Comparable Facts

Compare Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA with American University in Washington, DC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American University is larger than Loyola Marymount based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 10,179 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Loyola Marymount University is located in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting); American University is in Washington, DC (Large City setting).
• Loyola Marymount University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Loyola Marymount University 10:1; American University 10:1.

Loyola Marymount vs. AU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Loyola Marymount or AU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at American University than Loyola Marymount ($39,676 vs. $59,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at American University are 18.4% lower than at Loyola Marymount University ($17,982 vs. $22,026).
• Loyola Marymount University is 6.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $3,586 more per year; $62,357.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.1% higher at Loyola Marymount than at American University (about $3,586 more per year; $62,357.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Loyola Marymount University than at American University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 49.5% larger than aid received by Loyola Marymount University students ($36,349 vs. $24,318).

Loyola Marymount vs. AU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Loyola Marymount or AU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between AU and Loyola Marymount.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 20 points higher than at Loyola Marymount (1350).
• Incoming Loyola Marymount students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at AU (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Loyola Marymount University 1260/1430; American University 1280/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Loyola Marymount University 28/32; American University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Loyola Marymount - Test optional; AU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Loyola Marymount Jan 15, 2027; AU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Loyola Marymount students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at AU (3.7).
• AU has a higher acceptance rate (62%) than Loyola Marymount (45.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.8% at Loyola Marymount vs. 15.6% at AU.

Loyola Marymount vs. AU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Loyola Marymount and AU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• The graduation rate at Loyola Marymount is the same as at American University (77% vs. 77%).
• Graduates from Loyola Marymount University earn a median of about $900 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,700 vs. $64,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Loyola Marymount University graduates have a $2,582 lower median loan debt than AU graduates ($21,668 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Loyola Marymount graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AU graduates ($224 vs. $250).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Loyola Marymount students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 79%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.