Loyola University Chicago Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships awarded at admission
- Competitive and specialty awards (like Presidential and Ignatian)
- How to qualify and stack need-based aid at Loyola
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~82% (Fall 2024 cohort)
- Middle 50% ACT: 27–32 (submitters)
- Middle 50% SAT: 1180–1350 (submitters)
- Average HS GPA: 3.91 (4.0 scale)
Source: Loyola University Chicago Common Data Set 2024–25 (applications, admits, score ranges, and average GPA). Middle 50% = the range where half of enrolled submitters fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Loyola University Chicago at a Glance
Last verified: October 2025
Loyola University Chicago automatically awards generous merit scholarships to incoming freshmen—no separate application needed. Awards typically range from $14,000 to $31,000 annually based on GPA and holistic review.
The Ignatian Scholarship is an invite-only, full-tuition award that requires a faculty interview. The Presidential Scholarship is among Loyola’s top automatic merit awards (tuition-restricted, within the standard $14k–$31k range).
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Loyola is fully test-optional and considers GPA, coursework, and leadership for merit aid.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 27–32; SAT 1180–1350 (Loyola CDS 2024–25).
What’s the average net price? $35,196 after grants and scholarships (College Scorecard).
Does this school offer reciprocity or nonresident waivers? No — Loyola is private, so all students pay the same base tuition. Need-based aid and merit awards apply regardless of residency.
Common Data Set 2024–25 — https://www.luc.edu/media/lucedu/oie/CDS%202024-25%20Loyola%20University%20Chicago%20.pdf
Undergraduate Scholarships page — https://www.luc.edu/finaid/scholarships/undergraduate/
Undergraduate Admission — First-Year Students (deadlines & superscore) — https://www.luc.edu/undergrad/admissions/first-yearstudents/
Scholarship Renewal Policy — https://www.luc.edu/finaid/scholarships_renewal.shtml
College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?146719-Loyola-University-Chicago=
💰 Cost of Attendance at Loyola University Chicago
| Category | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $56,060 |
| Housing & Meals (standard on-campus) | $18,480 |
| Total Direct Costs (Before Aid) | $74,540 |
Other estimated costs not paid directly to Loyola include books and supplies (~$1,600), personal expenses (~$1,700), and travel (~$230–$2,160) depending on distance from campus. These vary by student and are excluded from the table above.
However, Illinois residents may qualify for the MAP Grant (Monetary Award Program), and ROTC scholarships can offset tuition and housing costs. See the Hidden Gems section for more.
FAQ
Who qualifies for reciprocity programs here?
None—private institutions like Loyola charge one tuition rate for all students.
So how can families cut the cost?
Through automatic merit scholarships, full-tuition competitive awards, Illinois MAP need-based grants, and ROTC or donor-funded stipends.
Do I have to apply separately for aid like MAP?
Yes. The MAP Grant is awarded via the FAFSA/ISAC process, while Loyola merit scholarships are automatic with admission.
University COA page — https://www.luc.edu/finaid/undergraduate/tuitionandfees/
Housing & Meal Rates 2025–26 — https://www.luc.edu/reslife/currentstudents/ratesandmealplans/
Illinois MAP Grant — https://www.isac.org/students/during-college/types-of-financial-aid/grants/monetary-award-program/
College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?146719-Loyola-University-Chicago=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | $28,000–$31,000/yr | Top academics; GPA and rigor considered; test-optional allowed | No | Yes — 2.0 GPA & full-time, up to 8 semesters | Est. 3.9+ GPA, SAT 1350+/ACT 31+; strongest profiles | Dec 1 (priority), Feb 1 (final) |
| Damen & Trustee Scholarships | $24,000–$27,000/yr | Strong GPA; honors/AP/IB valued; test-optional accepted | No | Yes — same policy as above | Est. 3.75–3.9 GPA, SAT ~1300–1350 / ACT ~29–31 | Dec 1 (priority), Feb 1 (final) |
| Loyola, Dean & Regent’s Scholarships | $14,000–$23,000/yr | Solid GPA and college prep curriculum; test-optional allowed | No | Yes — same policy as above | Est. 3.4–3.75 GPA, SAT ~1200–1290 / ACT ~27–28 | Dec 1 (priority), Feb 1 (final) |
Award ranges depend on GPA, test scores (if submitted), and academic rigor. Estimates (*) are based on Loyola’s admitted-student profile since exact cutoffs aren’t published. All awards are tuition-only.
Do I need a separate application?
No. If you apply for admission by the priority dates (Dec 1 recommended, admitted by Feb 1), you’re automatically considered.
Is Loyola test-optional, and do they superscore?
Yes, Loyola is test-optional. If you choose to submit scores, they will superscore both the SAT and ACT, taking your highest section scores from all dates.
Can I stack these scholarships with other aid?
You may combine these merit awards with need-based state/federal grants (MAP, Pell) or outside private scholarships, but you cannot exceed tuition with combined Loyola tuition-only funds.
How long do these scholarships last?
Scholarships renew for up to 8 semesters (4 years), as long as you maintain a 2.0 GPA and 12+ credit full-time enrollment each semester.
https://www.luc.edu/finaid/scholarships/
https://www.luc.edu/undergrad/financialaid/merit/
https://www.luc.edu/undergrad/financialaid/deadlines/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These awards require extra steps (application, nomination, or interview) and have limited slots. They are separate from automatic merit and do not include Honors-specific or departmental scholarships (those appear in their own sections).
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ignatian Scholarship | Full tuition + mandatory fees + housing & meal plan allowance | Invite-only; finalists chosen from admitted students with the strongest academics and leadership | Yes — by invitation (interview required) | Yes — per scholarship renewal policy | Students in the top 5–10% of admitted pool: weighted GPA 3.9+, ACT 31+/SAT 1350+; leadership and service | Mar 21 (invite/interview); admitted by Feb 1 |
| Jesuit / BVM / Sisters of Christian Charity High School Scholarships | Half tuition | Graduates of eligible Jesuit, BVM, or SCC high schools; principal nomination; minimum 3.0 GPA | Yes — school nomination | Yes — maintains renewal standards | Nominees usually 3.5+ GPA, service, leadership roles | Mar 15 (nomination); admitted by Feb 1 |
| Gannon Scholars (Women & Leadership) | $8,000/yr (renewable) | Women committed to leadership/service; program application and interview | Yes — program application + interview | Yes — continued participation & good standing | Students often 3.6+ GPA and leadership track record | Feb 1 (application), interviews early March |
| Cristo Rey Scholars Program | Cohort award (varies by year/program) | Graduates of Cristo Rey Network high schools; selection via application and interview | Yes — program application | Yes — participation & academic standing | Finalists usually 3.5+ GPA, strong Cristo Rey work-study | Mar 3 (application), Feb 1 (admit), interviews late March |
Notes: Competitive awards require early action, nominations, or interviews. Selection emphasizes academics and service/leadership fit. GPA/test bands are estimates based on admitted-student profiles and program history.
Are these stackable with automatic merit?
Full-tuition awards (like Ignatian) replace lesser merit awards. Other competitive awards may reduce or combine with automatic scholarships depending on tuition caps.
Do I need to visit campus for an interview?
For Ignatian and some cohort programs, finalists are invited for in-person or virtual interviews in spring.
When should I apply?
Apply for admission by December 1 for priority merit consideration. Most program applications close February–March.
https://www.luc.edu/finaid/scholarships/
https://www.luc.edu/undergrad/financialaid/competitive/
https://luc.academicworks.com/
https://www.luc.edu/gannon/
https://www.luc.edu/scholarships/cristorey/
🎖️ Honors College
Loyola’s Honors Program gives motivated students the chance to take small, discussion-based classes and work closely with faculty, while still finishing their degree on time. It’s a self-apply program, not automatic, and spots are limited—so applying early and putting effort into your essays matters.
Weighted GPA around 3.8+ (unweighted 3.6+), strong AP/IB/honors coursework, and involvement in leadership or service. Test scores (if submitted) often fall in ACT 29+/SAT 1350+ range. (Estimates based on Loyola’s admitted student profile—exact cutoffs not published.)
- Priority class registration
- Small seminar-style courses with faculty mentors
- Thesis or capstone project with close faculty guidance
- Honors housing options and dedicated community events
- Enhanced preparation for grad school or professional programs
| Award | Who It’s For | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Graduating Senior Award | Honors seniors | Outstanding academic success throughout the program |
| Honors Program Social Justice Award | Honors students of any year | Significant promotion of equality and social justice |
| Student Leadership Award | Honors students of any year | Exemplary leadership and engagement within the Honors community |
Is admission automatic?
No—you must apply separately with essays and short answers through the Honors Program portal.
Does it add time to your degree?
No. The Honors curriculum is designed to integrate with your regular degree plan, not extend it.
Are there scholarships tied directly to Honors?
The Honors Program does not offer extra money to incoming freshmen. Current Honors students can earn awards like the Senior Award, Social Justice Award, and Leadership Award for their contributions and achievements.
When should I apply?
As early as possible—ideally by December 1—to maximize your chances of being considered. Application deadlines for Interdisciplinary Honors are usually March 15.
https://www.luc.edu/honors/
https://www.luc.edu/honors/programdescription/
https://www.luc.edu/honors/awards/
https://www.luc.edu/undergrad/financialaid/merit/
https://www.luc.edu/undergrad/financialaid/deadlines/
⭐ College Specialty
Loyola University Chicago isn’t just about its location in the heart of the city—it’s also nationally recognized for its leadership in health, business, and sustainability. For families weighing return on investment, Loyola stands out as a private Jesuit institution with deep ties to Chicago’s professional networks and a reputation for preparing graduates in high-demand fields.
- Environmental Sustainability (School of Environmental Sustainability): First stand-alone school of its kind in the U.S., featuring field study at the Loyola Retreat & Ecology Campus.
- Quinlan School of Business: Chicago-based AACSB-accredited business school offering nationally recognized accounting and finance programs.
- Law (Loyola University Chicago School of Law): Ranked in the top 30 nationally for health law and trial advocacy (U.S. News 2024).
- Medicine & Health Professions: The Stritch School of Medicine and graduate health programs feed into Chicago’s extensive hospital systems, creating pipelines for pre-med and allied health students.
📎 Official Links
- Loyola University Chicago Homepage
- Loyola University Chicago Honors Program
- Scholarships & Financial Aid