Loyola at a Glance
What Is Loyola Known For?
Loyola University Chicago is known for academic rigor grounded in a Jesuit tradition that asks you to think critically, act ethically, and stay engaged with the wider world. It operates at the level of a nationally active research university while maintaining deep commitments to community engagement, global learning, and faith-informed change.
What Academic Opportunities Does Loyola Offer?
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Loyola’s undergraduate and graduate academic programs span health sciences, business, law, sustainability, communication, education, arts and sciences, and more, giving you flexibility in how you shape your academic path. You’ll study alongside faculty who are active practitioners in their fields and bring current research and experience into the classroom.
Key elements of our academic excellence include:
- 100+ undergraduate majors and minors
- 180+ graduate degrees, professional programs, and certificates
- 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 200+ study abroad program options worldwide
- 30+ departments offering academic internships
The Learning Environment
In your courses, you can expect:
- Small and mid-sized classes across disciplines
- Faculty with the highest degrees in their field or significant professional experience
- Undergraduate research, internships, and hands-on learning opportunities
Incoming First-Year Academic Profile (Fall 2025)
The following statistics reflect admitted first-year students for Fall 2025. Standardized test scores are optional and represent the middle 50% of students who submitted them.
- 3.82 mean weighted high school GPA
- 1200–1370 SAT composite
- 27–32 ACT composite
How Active Is Research at Loyola?
Research is an active and mission-informed part of the Loyola experience. Faculty and students contribute to work addressing public health disparities, climate science, bioethics, digital security, immigration policy, and translational medicine.
Our research impact is demonstrated through:
- Carnegie R1 designation recognizing high research activity
- 254 active grants (FY 2025)
- 202 research faculty members
- 45 research institutes and centers
Who Makes Up the Loyola Community?
Loyola’s student body reflects geographic, cultural, and academic diversity. Here, you’ll learn alongside peers from across the country and around the world while engaging in organizations, service initiatives, faith-based events, and campus leadership.
- 12,538 total students
- 2,763 first-year students
- 55% students of color (first-year class)
- 47 states represented
- 38 countries represented*
- 850+ community partners
*Includes students who identify as American Indian and Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, two or more races, or Other.
What Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities Are Available at Loyola?
As a nationally recognized best value institution, Loyola prioritizes access to a college education. Our financial aid and scholarship programs are structured to help you pursue your goals.
The following financial aid statistics represent awards granted to first-year undergraduate students who joined Loyola in Fall 2025.
- 99% of first-year students receive financial aid
- $37,247 average award
- 99% of first-year students receive grants or scholarships
- $14,000–$31,000 range for initial merit scholarships
Located in Chicago. Connected Globally.
Intern at a global consulting firm in th.e Loop, observe proceedings at a federal courthouse, conduct research with a public health partner, or complete clinical rotations within one of the nation’s largest health systems. Chicago may anchor your Loyola experience, but it doesn’t confine it. Through study abroad, international research, and cross-cultural programs, you can apply what you learn in settings far beyond the city.
Education in Service of Humanity
As a Jesuit, Catholic university, Loyola integrates faith and scholarship without separating one from the other. You consider difficult questions in the classroom while examining how values shape policy, science, business, and culture. The result is an education that develops intellectual strength alongside moral perspective and faithful action.
The Stats Behind Loyola
Since 1870, Loyola has served as a private Jesuit, Catholic university in Chicago. Today, it offers hundreds of academic programs, supports an active research mission, and engages a vibrant student community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Loyola University Chicago
Looking for a clearer picture of Loyola? Find answers to common questions about our academic opportunities, research, student community, affordability, and more.