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Loyola Marymount University—Los Angeles vs Santa Clara University

Side-by-side comparison of admissions, costs, and outcomes

Cross-Admit Decision Data

Of 16 applicants admitted to both schools:

75%
25%
Median scholarship: $145,000 Median scholarship: $148,250

Based on 16 self-reported cross-admit decisions from the last 5 cycles

View all-time data (69 cross-admits)
88% chose Loyola Marymount 12% chose Santa

69 total cross-admit decisions (all cycles)

Loyola Marymount is Top 75 · Santa is 150+ in the LSD rankings

See full LSD.Law school rankings →
About this comparison

This page compares Loyola Marymount University—Los Angeles and Santa Clara University across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes using official ABA 509 disclosures.

In the U.S. News rankings, Loyola Marymount University—Los Angeles is ranked #71 compared to #156 — a gap of 85 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

There is a meaningful difference in admissions competitiveness: Loyola Marymount University—Los Angeles has a median LSAT of 163 compared to 159, a gap of 4 points. This suggests applicants to Loyola Marymount University—Los Angeles face a more competitive admissions pool.

Loyola Marymount University—Los Angeles is significantly more selective, with an acceptance rate of 26.1% compared to Santa Clara University's 52.6%.

Both schools are located in California — Loyola Marymount University—Los Angeles in Los Angeles and Santa Clara University in Santa Clara — meaning graduates often compete in the same regional legal market.

On cost, Santa Clara University has lower tuition at - per year compared to $70,360. Combined with employment rates of 93.2% (Loyola Marymount) and 82.2% (Santa), prospective students should weigh the cost-to-outcome ratio carefully.

Compare Another Pair

Loyola Marymount University—Los Angeles
vs
Santa Clara University

Admissions Comparison

2025 ABA 509

How these schools compare on LSAT, GPA, selectivity, and class composition.

Metric Loyola Marymount Santa
USN Rank #71 #156
LSD Rank Top 75 (0.007) 150+ (0.001)
LSAT 25th 160 157
LSAT Median 163 159
LSAT 75th 165 162
GPA Median 3.74 3.50
Acceptance Rate 26.1% 52.6%
Class Size 338 256
Yield Rate 28.4% 18.7%

Financial Comparison

2025 ABA 509

Tuition, scholarships, and debt burden at each school.

Metric Loyola Marymount Santa
Tuition (In-State) $70,360 -
Tuition (Out-of-State) $70,360 -
Median Grant $45,000 $40,000
% Receiving Grants 62.0% 61.0%
Avg. Debt at Graduation - -

Employment Outcomes

2024 ABA 509

Post-graduation employment placement, salaries, and bar passage.

Metric Loyola Marymount Santa
BigLaw (501+) 16.7% 19.8%
Judicial Clerkships 2.4% 1.0%
Median Salary (Private) $120,000 $170,400
Employment Rate 93.2% 82.2%
Bar Pass Rate 84.2% 74.8%

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