UMBC vs Loyola: Pros and cons?

Hi all! I'm having a hard time deciding between UMBC and Loyola University Maryland. Can anyone share any pros and cons of both schools in terms of academics, campus feel, and extracurricular opportunities?

Hi! It's always tough to choose between colleges, but I'll try to help by breaking down some pros and cons of UMBC and Loyola University Maryland.

UMBC (University of Maryland, Baltimore County):

Pros:

1. Academics: UMBC is well-known for its strong science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs, as well as a variety of other majors.

2. Research Opportunities: The university has a strong focus on undergraduate research and hands-on learning, allowing students to gain valuable experience.

3. Affordability: As a public university, UMBC is generally more affordable compared to private universities like Loyola, especially for in-state students.

4. Campus: UMBC has a diverse student body and a suburban campus with lots of green spaces for students to enjoy.

Cons:

1. Size: As a medium-sized university with over 11,000 students, some students may feel less individualized attention in larger class sizes.

2. Social Scene: The campus is known to be more academically focused, with less of a party atmosphere compared to some universities.

3. Campus Location: While UMBC is near Baltimore, students may have to commute to explore the city's amenities and entertainment offerings.

Loyola University Maryland:

Pros:

1. Academics: Loyola offers a well-rounded liberal arts education with a focus on individualized attention due to smaller class sizes.

2. Jesuit Education: As a Jesuit university, Loyola emphasizes social justice, service learning, and ethics, which can be appealing to some students.

3. Campus: The campus is beautiful, featuring traditional architecture and a close-knit community.

4. Location: Located in Baltimore, Loyola is close to restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions.

Cons:

1. Cost: Loyola is a private university and typically has a higher tuition than public universities like UMBC. However, some students may receive financial aid packages or scholarships that can help offset the costs.

2. Limited STEM Programs: While Loyola offers some STEM courses, its offerings may not be as extensive as those available at UMBC.

3. Religious Affiliation: Although campus life is generally inclusive, students who are not Catholic or not interested in a religiously-affiliated university may find the Jesuit influence less appealing.

Both UMBC and Loyola offer great academics, campus experiences, and extracurricular opportunities, but they cater to different preferences in terms of school size, campus feel, and academic focus. I hope this helps you make a more informed decision!