Loyola Marymount University vs Pitzer College: which has better ROI?
Loyola Marymount University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $193,524 in 6.5 years versus 6.5 years at Pitzer College, on median earnings of $78,349 vs $69,512 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Loyola Marymount University | Pitzer College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $48,381 | $34,191 |
| Total net cost | $193,524 | $136,764 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $78,349 | $69,512 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $16,750 |
| Payback | 6.5 yrs | 6.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $406,256 | $286,276 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Loyola Marymount University or Pitzer College?
Pitzer College, at $34,191 a year after aid versus $48,381 — a gap of $14,190 a year, or $56,760 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 Pitzer College graduates earn more?
Loyola Marymount University graduates report a median $78,349 ten years after entry, $8,837 more than the $69,512 at Pitzer College. 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 Pitzer College?
Pitzer College: its completers carry a median $16,750 in federal loans versus $19,500 at Loyola Marymount University, a difference of $2,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
83% of students finish at Pitzer College, against 79% at Loyola Marymount 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.