Loyola Marymount University vs California Lutheran University: which has better ROI?
California Lutheran University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $120,436 in 5.9 years versus 6.5 years at Loyola Marymount University, on median earnings of $68,712 vs $78,349 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Loyola Marymount University | California Lutheran University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $48,381 | $30,109 |
| Total net cost | $193,524 | $120,436 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $78,349 | $68,712 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $21,669 |
| Payback | 6.5 yrs | 5.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $406,256 | $286,604 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Loyola Marymount University or California Lutheran University?
California Lutheran University, at $30,109 a year after aid versus $48,381 — a gap of $18,272 a year, or $73,088 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Loyola Marymount University or California Lutheran University graduates earn more?
Loyola Marymount University graduates report a median $78,349 ten years after entry, $9,637 more than the $68,712 at California Lutheran University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Loyola Marymount University or California Lutheran University?
Loyola Marymount University: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $21,669 at California Lutheran University, a difference of $2,169. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
79% of students finish at Loyola Marymount University, against 70% at California Lutheran University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.