Loyola vs. Drake

Comparable Facts

Compare Loyola University Chicago in Chicago, IL with Drake University in Des Moines, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Loyola University Chicago is larger than Drake based on total student enrollment (17,384 students vs. 4,345 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Loyola University Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Drake University is in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting).
• Loyola University Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Loyola University Chicago 13:1; Drake University 11:1.

Loyola vs. Drake Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Loyola or Drake? 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 Drake University than Loyola ($29,565 vs. $39,147).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drake University are 26.8% lower than at Loyola University Chicago ($12,452 vs. $17,010).
• Loyola University Chicago is 3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Drake (about $1,580 more per year; $53,710.00 vs. $52,130.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3% higher at Loyola than at Drake University (about $1,580 more per year; $53,710.00 vs. $52,130.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drake University than at Loyola University Chicago (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 23.2% larger than aid received by Loyola University Chicago students ($35,498 vs. $28,816).

Loyola vs. Drake Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Loyola or Drake? 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 Drake and Loyola.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Loyola University Chicago (1270) is 40 points higher than at Drake (1230).
• Incoming Loyola students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at Drake).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Loyola University Chicago 1170/1360; Drake University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Loyola University Chicago 27/32; Drake University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Loyola - Test optional; Drake - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Loyola students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Drake (3.7).
• Loyola has a higher acceptance rate (81.6%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.6% at Loyola vs. 9.8% at Drake.

Loyola vs. Drake Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Loyola and Drake? 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).

• Drake University's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Loyola University Chicago's (70%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than Loyola graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $59,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Loyola University Chicago graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Drake graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Loyola graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drake graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Loyola students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 76%)

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.