Loyola University Chicago logo

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL Private ยท Urban Est. 1870 www.luc.edu
Accept Rate
81.39%
Grad Rate
73.9%
Enrollment
11,576
Avg SAT
1283
Tuition
$51,716
Median Salary
$71,530
Overall Grade
C
B
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A-
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Loyola University Chicago feels like a Jesuit institution deeply integrated into the vibrant fabric of Chicago, offering a blend of rigorous academics and social consciousness. The campus vibe is welcoming and diverse, with a strong emphasis on service and global engagement that extends beyond the classroom walls.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

81.39%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 128375th Pctl
11601340
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 3075th Pctl
2731
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your commitment to service and community engagement in your application essays, as this aligns with Loyola's Jesuit mission. While the acceptance rate is high, aim for the average SAT of 1283 or higher to strengthen your application for merit-based scholarships.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1283
40080012001600
School range: 1160โ€“1340

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Loyola offers strong programs in Business, Health Professions, and Biology, supported by Jesuit teaching principles that emphasize critical thinking and ethics. Students benefit from small class sizes and access to research opportunities, particularly through the Stritch School of Medicine and the Lake Shore and Water Tower campuses.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
19.1%
Health Professions
15.9%
Biology & Biomedical
13.4%
Psychology
8.9%
Communications
7.5%
Social Sciences
6.6%
Criminal Justice
3.8%
Natural Resources
3.2%
Visual & Performing Arts
2.6%
Education
2.3%
Computer Science
2.2%
Multidisciplinary Studies
2.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

73.9%
Graduation Rate
84.2%
Retention Rate
11,576
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$51,716
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$35,196
After financial aid
Total Cost
$64,167
Cost of attendance/year
23.2%
Receive Pell Grants
47.9%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Chicago

Students enjoy easy access to Chicago's world-class museums, theaters, and Lake Michigan beaches, often spending weekends exploring the city's vibrant neighborhoods. On campus, there are over 200 student organizations and D1 athletics, while off-campus options include concerts, sports games, and diverse dining experiences.

Local Rent Check

$1,507 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Chicago
Explore Chicago

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$206,864
$0Est. 4 Years: $206,864

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($71,530):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Loyola's campuses are generally safe, with robust campus security measures in place, including the LUCpd app and well-lit pathways. The surrounding Lake Shore and Water Tower campuses in Chicago are in active neighborhoods, but students should remain aware of their surroundings as in any urban setting.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong academic programs in high-demand fields like Business and Health Professions
  • โœ“ Prime Chicago location offering unparalleled internship and cultural opportunities
  • โœ“ High retention rate of 84.2% indicating student satisfaction and support
  • โœ“ Strong alumni network with median earnings of $71,530 after 10 years

Cons

  • โœ— High tuition cost of $51,716 regardless of residency
  • โœ— Urban setting may not appeal to students preferring a traditional college town environment
  • โœ— Graduation rate of 73.9% suggests some students may struggle to complete degrees on time

Notable Alumni

Bob Odenkirk
Actor and comedian known for roles in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.
John C. Dvorak
Renowned technology columnist and commentator on PC Magazine.
Peter Hans
Former President of the University of North Carolina System and advocate for higher education reform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Loyola University Chicago is known for its Jesuit values, strong programs in Business, Health Professions, and Biology, and its integration into the urban landscape of Chicago. It emphasizes service, social justice, and global education, with campuses near Lake Michigan offering a unique blend of city life and natural beauty.

With an acceptance rate of 81.39%, Loyola is considered less selective, making it accessible to a broad range of applicants. The average SAT score is 1283, and while meeting this benchmark strengthens your application, the school also values essays and extracurriculars that reflect its Jesuit mission.

Campus life is dynamic and urban, with students engaging in over 200 clubs, D1 athletics, and frequent events in Chicago. The Lake Shore campus offers a serene environment near the lake, while the Water Tower campus provides easy access to downtown, fostering a balance between study and city exploration.

At $51,716 tuition, the value depends on your major and financial aid; the average net price is $35,196, and 10-year median earnings of $71,530 suggest good ROI for graduates. With 84.2% retention and 73.9% graduation rates, it's a solid investment for those pursuing high-earning fields like business or health.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

IBM Northwestern Medicine Deloitte Caterpillar Chicago Public Schools
Smart Start Score
75

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1870
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 13,532
  • In-State Tuition $51,716
  • Zip Code 60660

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 31.2% โ™€ 68.8%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $35,196 and 10-year median earnings of $71,530, the degree offers a solid return on investment, especially for in-demand fields like business and health. However, the sticker price of $51,716 is high, so leveraging the 23.2% Pell Grant rate and scholarships is crucial to manage costs.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $51,716
Housing (12 mo) $18,084
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $77,000
With avg financial aid:
$35,196/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.