UDenver vs Loyola Chicago

When it comes to higher education, University of Denver and Loyola University Chicago stand out as two prominent institutions with distinct characteristics. With an acceptance rate of 65%, University of Denver welcomes a diverse student body, while Loyola University Chicago maintains a slightly lower acceptance rate of 59%. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate programs, with popular majors such as Business, Engineering, and Psychology at University of Denver and Business, Nursing, and Communication at Loyola University Chicago. While University of Denver boasts a higher graduation rate of 84%, Loyola University Chicago is known for its strong commitment to community engagement and social justice. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details and discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Loyola University Chicago logo

Loyola University Chicago

University of Denver logo

University of Denver

Overview

Location Chicago, Illinois Denver, Colorado
Campus setting City: Large City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Quarter
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 88.0% 84.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Catholic

Admission

Acceptance rate 77.0% 63.6%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $65

Graduate: $65
SAT range 1160 - 1360 1200 - 1390
ACT range 27 - 32 27 - 31
Students submitting SAT score 23.0% 24.0%
Students submitting ACT score 22.0% 27.0%
Total number of applicants 37,824 22,694
Total number of admissions given out 29,117 14,440
Admitted students who chose to enroll 2,867 1,621
Yield rate 9.8% 11.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $63,074 $73,514
Average net price $29,371 $39,973
Tuition $46,410 $53,640
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $9,400

Meal plan: $5,780
Room/dormitory: $9,262

Meal plan: $5,412
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

98.0%
Average amount $25,854
98.0%
Average amount $31,672
Students receiving federal student loan 44.0%
Average amount $5,419
38.0%
Average amount $5,173
Students taking out private loans 8.0%
Average amount $17,984
5.0%
Average amount $21,978

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 11,819
Men 31.8% Women 68.2%
5,867
Men 44.8% Women 55.2%
Graduate students 5,679
Men 32.1% Women 67.9%
8,263
Men 33.8% Women 66.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students 50.0% 71.9%
International students 3.3% 4.1%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 3,902 2,647
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Illinois Michigan Minnesota California Ohio Colorado California Illinois Texas Minnesota

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Legal Profession
  • Psychology
  • Business
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Psychology
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Legal Profession
Students to faculty ratio 14:1 10:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 72.0% 75.7%
Dropout rate 27.4% 23.5%
Transferred out N/A N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $100,817
  • Year 2: $220,906
  • Year 3: $179,958
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $93,218
  • Year 2: $97,604
  • Year 3: $105,174
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $78,836
  • Year 2: $87,470
  • Year 3: $104,925
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,863
  • Year 2: $97,071
  • Year 3: $88,922
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,345
  • Year 2: $65,424
  • Year 3: $85,807
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,864
  • Year 2: $66,821
  • Year 3: $82,913
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,124
  • Year 2: $61,380
  • Year 3: $75,618
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,063
  • Year 2: $66,029
  • Year 3: $74,558
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,529
  • Year 2: $56,544
  • Year 3: $70,042
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,111
  • Year 2: $66,195
  • Year 3: $69,151
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $87,503
  • Year 2: $86,129
  • Year 3: $98,717
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,126
  • Year 2: $69,338
  • Year 3: $86,073
Taxation (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,750
  • Year 2: $66,104
  • Year 3: $85,588
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,915
  • Year 2: $64,493
  • Year 3: $78,170
Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $70,020
  • Year 2: $72,667
  • Year 3: $77,585
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $66,104
  • Year 3: $75,452
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,899
  • Year 2: $60,704
  • Year 3: $73,790
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $74,139
  • Year 2: $73,949
  • Year 3: $73,641
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,983
  • Year 2: $62,632
  • Year 3: $73,152
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,647
  • Year 2: $65,905
  • Year 3: $72,754

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the key differences in location between the University of Denver and Loyola University Chicago?

    The University of Denver (DU) is located in Denver, Colorado, offering access to the Rocky Mountains and a vibrant city environment. Loyola University Chicago (LUC) has multiple campuses, with its main campus situated in Chicago, Illinois, providing access to a major metropolitan area, Lake Michigan, and diverse cultural experiences. DU offers a more outdoors-focused lifestyle, while LUC provides a more urban experience.

  • How do the academic programs compare at the University of Denver and Loyola University Chicago?

    Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. DU is particularly strong in business, engineering, and international studies, with a focus on experiential learning. LUC is well-regarded for its programs in law, medicine, and communication, emphasizing social justice and Jesuit values. The specific program strengths will vary, so it's important to research the programs that interest you at each university.

  • What is the student life like at the University of Denver versus Loyola University Chicago?

    Student life at DU often revolves around outdoor activities, skiing, and snowboarding, given its proximity to the mountains. The campus culture is generally active and engaged. LUC offers a more urban student life, with access to Chicago's cultural attractions, internships, and a diverse student body. Both universities have active student organizations, sports teams, and social events, but the focus and activities will differ based on location and campus culture.

  • How does the cost of attendance compare between the University of Denver and Loyola University Chicago?

    The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is generally comparable between DU and LUC. However, specific costs can vary depending on the program of study, housing choices, and financial aid packages. It's recommended to check the most recent tuition and fees information on each university's website and explore financial aid options to determine the net cost.

  • What are the admission requirements for the University of Denver and Loyola University Chicago?

    Both universities require similar application materials, including high school transcripts, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies are common), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Admission requirements can vary slightly depending on the program and year, so it's crucial to review the specific requirements for each university on their respective admissions websites. Both universities consider a holistic review of applications.

  • How do the campus environments differ between the University of Denver and Loyola University Chicago?

    DU has a more traditional, residential campus with a mix of historic and modern buildings. The campus is relatively self-contained, providing a close-knit community feel. LUC has multiple campuses, with its main campus located in a more urban setting. The campus is integrated into the city, offering easy access to Chicago's resources and attractions. The campus environment at LUC is more integrated with the city, while DU offers a more contained campus experience.

  • What are the career services and opportunities like at the University of Denver and Loyola University Chicago?

    Both universities offer robust career services to help students with internships, job searches, and career planning. DU's location in Denver provides access to opportunities in various industries, including aerospace, technology, and finance. LUC's location in Chicago offers access to a wide range of industries, including finance, healthcare, and media. The specific career opportunities will depend on your chosen field of study and your networking efforts.

  • What is the religious affiliation of Loyola University Chicago, and how does it impact the university experience?

    Loyola University Chicago is a Jesuit Catholic university. This affiliation influences the university's values, emphasizing social justice, service to others, and a commitment to intellectual inquiry. While the university welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds, the Jesuit values are integrated into the curriculum, campus culture, and community service initiatives.

  • How do the athletic programs compare at the University of Denver and Loyola University Chicago?

    The University of Denver has a strong athletic program, particularly in winter sports, and competes in NCAA Division I. Loyola University Chicago also competes in NCAA Division I, with notable success in men's basketball. Both universities offer a variety of sports and recreational activities for students.

  • Which university is a better fit for me: the University of Denver or Loyola University Chicago?

    The best fit depends on your individual preferences and goals. If you prefer an outdoor-focused lifestyle and a more traditional campus environment, the University of Denver might be a better choice. If you prefer a vibrant urban environment, a diverse student body, and a focus on social justice, Loyola University Chicago might be a better fit. Consider your academic interests, career aspirations, and desired campus culture when making your decision. Visiting both campuses, if possible, is highly recommended.

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