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79.2%Acceptance
$51,716Tuition
11,576Students
77%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$71,530Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Loyola University Chicago

The Ramblers bring Jesuit values to downtown Chicago, where 11,576 students pursue everything from business to social work at this Catholic research university. Loyola's reputation rests on rigorous academics and service to others, producing graduates like comedian Bob Newhart and author Sandra Cisneros. The university sits in one of America's largest cities, giving students access to internships and cultural opportunities that smaller college towns can't match.

Students pay an average net price of $35,196 after financial aid, which represents solid value given that graduates earn a median of $71,530 ten years after graduation. The typical graduate leaves with $24,157 in debt and monthly loan payments of $256. Those earnings justify the investment, especially considering Loyola's 95.1% employment rate and strong alumni network in Chicago's business community.

Women make up 68.84% of the student body, creating a campus culture that emphasizes collaboration over competition. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally. Loyola's 79.15% acceptance rate makes it accessible to solid students, while the 84.21% retention rate suggests most find what they're looking for once they arrive.

Academics & Faculty

Loyola Chicago operates as a Catholic Jesuit research university with particularly strong reputations in business, medicine, and social work. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors in a mid-sized research environment. Students benefit from the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis, or care for the whole person, which emphasizes both academic rigor and personal development. The 74% four-year graduation rate reflects decent completion rates for students who stay engaged. Loyola's Stritch School of Medicine and Quinlan School of Business attract many pre-professional students. The university's location in Chicago provides extensive internship and research opportunities, especially for students in business, healthcare, and social services programs.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
51.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
73.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
76.9%
Retention Rate
84.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$71,530
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Master $220,906
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Doctoral $116,458
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $97,604
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. Master $97,071
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $87,470
Statistics. Master $71,015
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. Master $68,219
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. Doctoral $66,821
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $66,195
Management Information Systems and Services. Bachelor $66,029

View all 215 programs →

Campus Life

Loyola's lakefront campus sits directly on Chicago's north side, putting you minutes from downtown via the Red Line. The campus houses 4,989 students, though with 11,576 total enrollment, many upperclassmen live in nearby neighborhoods like Rogers Park and Edgewater. Chicago winters demand serious coats and boots, with lake-effect snow and brutal wind chills lasting through March.

The Jesuit tradition shapes daily life here, emphasizing service and social justice. Students volunteer extensively in Chicago's communities, fulfilling the university's mission of educating "men and women for others." With women making up 68.84% of the student body, the campus has a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. The Ramblers compete in Division I athletics with 11 varsity sports, though basketball draws the biggest crowds. Weekends often mean exploring Chicago's neighborhoods, hitting Lincoln Park Zoo, or catching Cubs games at nearby Wrigley Field. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures small class sizes, even at this mid-sized research university.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
4,989 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1870

Campus Safety (2023)

91 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Domestic Violence 12 11 0 1
Stalking 13 8 0 0
Fondling 7 7 0 1
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 0 0 12
Rape 7 6 0 0
Burglary 2 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault 0 0 0 1
Robbery 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
20°–31°F
July Avg
67°–81°F
Annual Precipitation
40.0"
Annual Snowfall
33.6"

Student Demographics

Women make up nearly 69% of Loyola Chicago's student body, reflecting the university's strength in fields like nursing, social work, and education that traditionally attract more female students. The Catholic Jesuit institution draws students who value its commitment to social justice and service to others. About 55% come from Illinois, showing strong regional appeal while still attracting students nationwide. Nearly a quarter receive Pell Grants, demonstrating the school's accessibility to first-generation college students. The diverse student body includes significant Hispanic and Asian populations, mirroring Chicago's multicultural character and the Jesuit tradition of inclusivity.
Men
31.2%
Women
68.8%
White
49.2%
Black
7.2%
Hispanic
22.2%
Asian
13.2%
In-State Students
55.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
23.2%

Location

Loyola University Chicago sits in Chicago, Illinois, the nation's third-largest city with 2.7 million residents. The campus spans multiple neighborhoods along Lake Michigan's shoreline, just eight miles north of downtown. Students live in one of America's great urban centers, with access to strong museums, professional sports teams, and countless internship opportunities. The university's lakefront location provides stunning views and beach access despite the urban setting. Chicago's robust public transit system connects students to the entire metropolitan area of 9.5 million people. The city's famous deep-dish pizza, architecture, and music scene create a active college experience. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Loyola University Chicago with similar schools in the region.
Address
Chicago, Illinois 60660
Madonna della Strada Chapel
Madonna della Strada Chapel
Mundelin Center, Loyola University Chicago
Mundelin Center, Loyola University Chicago
Cudahy Library.2
Cudahy Library.2

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$71,530
Median Earnings (5 years)
$70,419
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$45,200
Loan Repayment Rate
75.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$256/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,157

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Loyola University Chicago?

Loyola University Chicago accepts 79.15% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1180 and 1370 on the SAT. This Jesuit institution values both academic achievement and community service in its admissions process.

How much does Loyola University Chicago cost after financial aid?

Students at Loyola University Chicago pay an average net price of $35,196 after financial aid, less than the full tuition of $51,716. About 24% of students receive institutional grants averaging $25,954. Graduates typically leave with a median debt of $24,157 and monthly loan payments of $256.

What academic programs is Loyola University Chicago known for?

Loyola University Chicago excels in business, medicine, and social work as a Catholic Jesuit research university. The school maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. Students benefit from the Jesuit emphasis on social justice and service learning throughout their academic experience.

What are the career outcomes for Loyola University Chicago graduates?

Loyola University Chicago graduates earn a median salary of $71,530 ten years after graduation with an employment rate of 95.1%. The school achieves a 76.90% six-year graduation rate. Alumni like comedian Bob Newhart and author Sandra Cisneros demonstrate the university's diverse career preparation.

Where is Loyola University Chicago located and what is campus life like?

The university sits in Chicago with housing capacity for 4,989 students out of 11,576 total enrollment. Students experience big-city opportunities while maintaining the close-knit feel of a Jesuit community. The campus serves as a launching pad for internships and careers in America's third-largest city.

Does Loyola University Chicago have a diverse student body?

Women comprise 68.84% of students at Loyola University Chicago, creating a female-majority campus. The student body is 49.19% white, 22.21% Hispanic, and 13.19% Asian, reflecting Chicago's multicultural character. About 23% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating economic diversity within the Jesuit tradition of serving all students.