Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 81.6%, an average net price of $36,340, and an overall rank of #703 (Grade B). About 72.1% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $76,633 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Loyola University Chicago is a private nonprofit university in Chicago, IL. Students most often pursue Management Information Systems and Services and Finance and Financial Management Services.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and 81.7% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 50.8%. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Loyola University Chicago Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Loyola University Chicago graduates 72.1% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings) and keeps 81.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Loyola University Chicago's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $34,348 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $56,060 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $17,600 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,700 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $70,688 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 29.7% of Loyola University Chicago students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $30,709 to $43,708 depending on family income. Use Loyola University Chicago's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $35,289/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $43,708/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $76,633
- 10-Year Median Earnings $78,431
- Average Years to Graduate 4.2 years
- Average Student Debt $23,750
- Debt-to-Earnings ~31.0%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 75.4%
- Employment Rate 92.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Loyola University Chicago graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
Loyola University Chicago vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Loyola University Chicago's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Loyola University Chicago's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 600-690
- SAT Math 570-670
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 27-32
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 11,737
- Full-Time Students 96.0%
- Part-Time Students 4.0%
- Retention Rate 81.7%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 72.1%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 72.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into Loyola University Chicago
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Loyola University Chicago requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 81.6%, Loyola University Chicago is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 81.6% acceptance rate, Loyola University Chicago is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1170 and 1360 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Loyola University Chicago undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Biology, General, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 15.0%
- Biology, General 9.6%
- Psychology, General 8.1%
- Marketing 4.5%
- Political Science and Government 3.9%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 3.8%
See more majors
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi 3.7%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 3.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Management Information Systems and Services $119,530
- 2. Finance and Financial Management Services $102,491
- 3. Business/Managerial Economics $100,568
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Accounting and Related Services $93,326
- 5. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $86,020
- 6. Marketing $85,371
- 7. Health and Medical Administrative Services $79,385
- 8. Business Administration, Management and Operations $72,266
- 9. Criminal Justice and Corrections $69,197
- 10. Computer and Information Sciences, General $68,950
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $168,571
- 2. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $158,574
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $149,948
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $135,295
- 5. Law (First Professional Degree) $125,944
- 6. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $124,591
- 7. Bioethics/Medical Ethics (Master's Degree) $107,579
- 8. Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degree) $106,476
- 9. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degree) $96,986
- 10. Statistics (Master's Degree) $74,337
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Management Information Systems and Services grads earn $119,530—73% more than Computer and Information Sciences, General ($68,950). Graduate: Health and Medical Administrative Services programs lead with $168,571 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for Loyola University Chicago. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 424 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 280 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 261 graduates)
- Law (First Professional Degree, 231 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 180 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (95 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Political Science and Government
- Marketing
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Accounting and Related Services
- Social Work
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- History
- Communication and Media Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- International/Globalization Studies
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Business/Managerial Economics
- International Business
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Computer Engineering
- Security Science and Technology
- Public Health
- Journalism
- Design and Applied Arts
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Anthropology
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Dance
- Mathematics
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Music
- Economics
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Statistics
- Physics
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Human Services, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Data Science
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Area Studies
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Religious Education
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Psychology, Other
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
- Applied Mathematics
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Information Science/Studies
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Forestry
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Education, Other
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Business/Corporate Communications
Online Master's Degrees (63 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Biology, General
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Marketing
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Accounting and Related Services
- Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities
- Communication and Media Studies
- History
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Statistics
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Sociology
- Computer Engineering
- Philosophy
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemistry
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Political Science and Government
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Computer Science
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Mathematics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Special Education and Teaching
- Religious Education
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Psychology, General
- Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Management Information Systems and Services
- International/Globalization Studies
- Human Computer Interaction
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Data Science
Online Doctoral Degrees (27 programs)▼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Chemistry
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Social Work
- Philosophy
- History
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Sociology
- Political Science and Government
- English Language and Literature, General
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Psychology, General
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Education, Other
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biology, General
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (19 programs)▼
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Social Work
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- International Business
- Geography and Cartography
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Forestry
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (9 programs)▼
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Data Science
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Law
- Medicine
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 11,737
- Full-Time Students 96.0%
- Part-Time Students 4.0%
- Male Students 30.8%
- Female Students 69.2%
- Caucasian 47.2%
- Asian 12.9%
- Hispanic 23.3%
- Black 8.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 29.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Loyola University Chicago's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Loyola University Chicago's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Loyola University Chicago support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Loyola University Chicago, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Loyola University Chicago has a diverse student body, with 47.2% identifying as White. Women make up 69.2% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Loyola University Chicago support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Loyola University Chicago, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Loyola University Chicago offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 0.0% ROI. Ranked #703 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $36,340 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $76,633 median earnings. With 72.1% graduating within 150% of normal time and 81.7% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Loyola University Chicago's Positioning
With a B grade and #703 ranking, Loyola University Chicago competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $36,340 annually, Loyola University Chicago charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 81.7% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $25,438 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 0.0% ROI and $76,633 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $26,340+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Loyola University Chicago ranks #703 of 1934 institutions, with 0 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 72.1% graduation rate sits 9.6 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 81.7% first-year retention is 4.9 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- Median earnings of $76,633 run about 24% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $36,340 is roughly $16,432 higher than the national median of $19,908.
- 92.8% employment rate within three years is 24.6 points above the national 68.2%.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 81.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.8% employment rate within three years sits 24.6 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $36,340 is about $16,432 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 29.7% trails the national share by 9.0 points, so equity work remains important.
- 46.4% of students borrow federal loans, outpacing typical campuses and raising repayment stakes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Loyola University Chicago, a private nonprofit university in Chicago, IL, secures a B grade in our latest review. It holds a #703 overall ranking Category results include Completion (A-), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (C-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
81.7% of learners come back after year one while 72.1% graduate within 150% of normal time. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $36,340 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $70,688.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $34,348 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $23,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 29.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $76,633 five years after graduation. That sits about 24% above the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 92.8%.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
81.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Loyola University Chicago admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Loyola University Chicago: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/loyola-university-chicago/
MLA (9th): “Loyola University Chicago: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/loyola-university-chicago/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Loyola University Chicago: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/loyola-university-chicago/.
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other Illinois campuses you might consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Loyola University Chicago's acceptance rate?
Loyola University Chicago's acceptance rate is 81.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does Loyola University Chicago cost?
At Loyola University Chicago, listed tuition and fees are $56,060 per year, and the average net price after aid is $36,340. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Loyola University Chicago's ranking?
Loyola University Chicago ranks #703 overall in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Loyola University Chicago's graduation rate?
At Loyola University Chicago, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 72.1% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 72.1%, and first-year retention is 81.7%.
What are Loyola University Chicago's job outcomes?
Graduates of Loyola University Chicago report median earnings of $76,633 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Loyola University Chicago's student population?
Loyola University Chicago enrolls about 11,737 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 1032 W. Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660
- Website www.luc.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$971.4M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate21.1%