Analysis
Loyola Maryland's engineering program offers an interesting case for Maryland families: while starting salaries trail the national engineering median by about $4,000, graduates sit squarely at the state's midpoint—and they're carrying manageable debt of $27,000, below both state and national averages. The 26% earnings jump to $80,796 by year four suggests the program's slower start doesn't limit long-term potential.
The value proposition becomes clearer in context. Yes, University of Maryland Eastern Shore grads start $10,000 higher, but Loyola's debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 means graduates owe less than five months of their starting salary—a healthy position that allows for career flexibility early on. With 76% of applicants admitted and an average SAT around 1290, this isn't an ultra-selective environment, yet outcomes remain competitive within Maryland's engineering landscape.
For families weighing this program, the moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means these numbers reflect real but limited data points. The trajectory matters here: starting slightly behind but growing solidly suggests Loyola engineers develop skills employers increasingly value. If your student prioritizes a smaller private university environment over maximizing their day-one paycheck, and Maryland's in-state public options aren't the right fit, this program delivers reasonable returns without crushing debt.
Where Loyola University Maryland Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Loyola University Maryland graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola University Maryland | $64,116 | $80,796 | +26% |
| Franklin W Olin College of Engineering | $109,455 | $114,228 | +4% |
| University of California-Davis | $82,956 | $104,701 | +26% |
| Harvey Mudd College | $92,491 | $103,969 | +12% |
| Lafayette College | $76,507 | $92,618 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $55,480 | $64,116 | $80,796 | $27,000 | 0.42 | |
| $8,898 | $73,839 | — | $18,166 | 0.25 | |
| $9,998 | $62,968 | — | $23,750 | 0.38 | |
| National Median | — | $67,911 | — | $26,056 | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
Robotics Engineers
Nanosystems Engineers
Wind Energy Engineers
Solar Energy Systems Engineers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Loyola University Maryland, approximately 18% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 51 graduates with reported earnings and 45 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.