Business/Commerce at Loyola University Maryland

A $27,000 debt load for a business degree isn't excessive, but the estimated first-year earnings of just over $50,000—based on what similar Maryland business programs report—means graduates would be dedicating roughly half their first-year salary to their total debt burden. That 0.53 ratio sits at a manageable level, but it's worth noting that Maryland's business programs show considerable variation: some graduates from state peers are landing first-year jobs above $55,000, while others earn less than $47,000. Where Loyola's actual outcomes fall within that range matters significantly for financial security.

The good news is that business degrees typically offer steady employment and clear salary progression, and the estimated debt here is nearly identical to both state and national medians for this credential. However, with an admission rate of 76% and only 18% of students receiving Pell grants, Loyola serves a relatively affluent student body—families should consider whether the private school premium is delivering measurably better career outcomes than Maryland's public alternatives.

The central challenge is that we're working entirely from estimates here, so you don't know if Loyola's business program is performing closer to the higher or lower end of that Maryland range. Before committing, request the school's actual placement data and starting salary information for recent business graduates to see if you're getting what you're paying for.