Overview
Loyola Marymount University is a moderately selective private four-year institution in Los Angeles, California. The school accepts 41.3% of applicants and enrolls 7,171 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 41.3%
- Average SAT
- 1,380
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,300–1,460
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 31
- Total Enrollment
- 7,171
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
LMU's Jesuit identity shapes every part of campus life, so your application should show how you connect service to others with personal growth. Write about specific community service experiences where you learned something about yourself, not just helped others.
The film school at LMU ranks among the best in the country, with alumni working at major studios throughout LA. If you're applying to film production, submit a creative portfolio that shows technical skill and storytelling ability. Engineering applicants should highlight hands-on projects or internships, since LMU emphasizes practical application over pure theory.
Your supplemental essays matter more here than at many schools. LMU asks why you want to attend and how you'll contribute to the community. Skip generic answers about location or weather. Instead, research specific professors, programs like the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts honors program, or service opportunities through the Center for Service and Action.
Campus sits on bluffs overlooking LA with the ocean visible from many buildings. Students tend to be socially conscious but not overly political, balancing academics with California's outdoor lifestyle. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social scenes. Many students come from middle to upper-middle class families, often from California, and the campus can feel somewhat homogeneous despite efforts toward diversity.
LMU uses rolling admission, so apply early for better housing options and scholarship consideration. The school fills spots as applications come in, making October and November submissions much stronger than January ones. Merit scholarships are competitive but possible for strong applicants.
Don't underestimate the business school. The entrepreneurship program connects directly with LA's startup scene, and accounting graduates regularly land positions at Big Four firms. The location provides internship access that smaller schools can't match.
Your recommendation letters should emphasize character and service, not just academic achievement. LMU wants students who will engage with the broader LA community, so show how you've made connections beyond your high school classroom. Consider reaching out to current students or alumni in your area of interest to demonstrate genuine interest in the school's specific programs and culture.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $45,723/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $58,974
- Students Receiving Aid
- 13%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 79.8%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $78,349/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 88.2%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Loyola Marymount University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
LMU is test-optional, meaning you can apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores. Students who feel their test scores strengthen their application can still choose to submit them.
What is the application deadline for Loyola Marymount University?
LMU's regular decision deadline is January 15. The university also offers Early Action with a November 1 deadline for students who want an earlier admission decision.
Can you transfer to Loyola Marymount University as a junior?
Yes, LMU accepts transfer students for fall and spring semesters. Transfer applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA from their previous college coursework and must complete at least 60 units at LMU to graduate.
What GPA do you need to get into Loyola Marymount University?
LMU does not publish a minimum GPA requirement, but admitted students typically have strong academic records. The middle 50% of admitted students generally have GPAs above 3.7.