At $35,196/yr net price, Loyola University Chicago graduates earn $71,530/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $37,530/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $35,196 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $140,784 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $71,530/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$37,530/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 76.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,157 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $28,666/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $29,489/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $32,527/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $36,217/yr |
| $110,001+ | $40,370/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $59,750 |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. | Master | $97,071 | $58,186 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $87,470 | $59,409 |
| Statistics. | Master | $71,015 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $68,219 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $66,821 | $92,394 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,195 | $25,000 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $66,029 | $24,166 |
The Risk Factor
76.9% of students at Loyola University Chicago graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 23% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Loyola University Chicago delivers strong ROI for health-focused majors but questionable value for most other programs. The $35,196 annual net price pushes total costs near $140,000 for a degree that produces median earnings of just $71,530 after ten years.
Your major choice determines everything at Loyola. Health and Medical Administrative Services graduates earn $220,906 annually, making the investment worthwhile despite high costs. Nursing also pays off well at $97,604 to $116,458, though you'll carry nearly $60,000 in debt. Business Administration graduates earn $87,470 but face similar debt loads, creating a marginal return.
The school's Chicago location helps with job prospects in healthcare and business, but you're competing with graduates from cheaper state schools for the same positions. The 76.9% graduation rate means nearly one in four students pays without finishing, amplifying financial risk.
Loyola works financially if you're committed to healthcare careers or can access substantial merit aid. The school's Catholic mission attracts donors who fund scholarships, particularly for students from underserved communities. However, only 23.24% of students receive aid, suggesting limited availability.
Skip Loyola if you're considering liberal arts majors, education, or social work. The debt-to-earnings ratio makes little sense for these fields when Illinois offers quality public alternatives. The high net price also makes this a poor choice if you need to borrow heavily or lack family financial support. Healthcare-bound students with strong academic records represent the sweet spot for Loyola's value proposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Loyola University Chicago worth the cost?
Loyola University Chicago's $35,196 annual net price leads to median earnings of $71,530 after 10 years, which is reasonable but not outstanding for the cost. The value depends heavily on your major, with health administration and nursing programs showing strong returns while other fields may struggle to justify the expense.
What are the best paying majors at Loyola University Chicago?
Health and Medical Administrative Services leads with median earnings over $220,000, followed by nursing programs averaging $97,000-$116,000. Business and legal studies graduates earn around $87,000-$97,000, significantly lower than the health-focused programs.
How much student debt do Loyola University Chicago graduates have?
Loyola University Chicago graduates leave with a median debt of $24,157, which is manageable compared to many private universities. This debt level is reasonable for graduates entering high-paying health fields but may be challenging for those in lower-earning majors.
Does Loyola University Chicago have good financial aid?
With a sticker price around $60,000 but a net price of $35,196, Loyola University Chicago provides substantial financial aid that cuts costs nearly in half. However, the remaining cost is still significant and may not be justified for all degree programs.