Natural Sciences at Loyola Marymount University

LMU's natural sciences graduates start slow but see dramatic earnings growth—from $33,647 in year one to nearly $66,000 by year four. That 96% jump is among the strongest in the field, suggesting graduates land entry-level positions that evolve into well-paying roles. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could swing significantly with just a few data points.

The concerning part: first-year earnings fall below California's median for natural sciences programs ($36,758), placing this in just the 40th percentile statewide. Cal State LA graduates, for instance, earn $39,870 right out of the gate—$6,000 more. For a private university charging significantly higher tuition than Cal State schools, that initial salary gap matters. The $26,000 median debt is manageable relative to first-year earnings, but it's worth questioning whether the LMU premium delivers enough value when state schools produce better immediate outcomes.

If your child already has an offer from LMU and is genuinely committed to natural sciences, the earnings trajectory suggests the degree can work out financially—just prepare for lean early years. But if comparing offers, look hard at what public universities in California offer. The four-year earnings are promising, but with only 13% of students on Pell grants, LMU skews toward families who can absorb higher costs and delayed returns.