Why are in-state and out-of-state costs the same?
Loyola University Maryland is a private university, so it charges a single undergraduate tuition rate regardless of residency. In other words, there aren’t “nonresident tuition” waivers or reciprocity programs to chase — the real savings usually come from institutional scholarships and need-based grants.

What does “direct/billed” cost mean?
Direct (billed) costs are what you typically pay to Loyola directly: tuition/fees plus housing/meals if your student lives on campus. The total Cost of Attendance used for financial aid also includes indirect costs like books, transportation, and personal expenses.

How accurate is the ~$31,000 net price figure?
It’s a verified federal average across many income levels. Your actual net price can be very different depending on your family’s finances and Loyola’s institutional aid. The best next step is using Loyola’s Net Price Calculator and comparing that result to your Student Aid Index (SAI).

If Loyola requires the CSS Profile, do we still need the FAFSA?
Yes. File the FAFSA for federal aid eligibility (and Maryland aid if applicable). Loyola’s CSS Profile requirement is typically about being fully considered for the school’s own need-based institutional aid.

Do merit scholarships reduce the billed cost automatically?
Often, yes. Loyola awards some merit scholarships based on your admission application (no separate application), and those awards typically reduce the tuition portion of the bill. Competitive “flagship” scholarships like the Knott awards are much more selective and may require additional steps or review.

What’s the smartest “money move” for Loyola families?
Apply by the Early Action deadline (Nov 15) when possible, file the FAFSA early, and complete the CSS Profile if you want full consideration for institutional aid. Then compare your Loyola offer to at least one peer private school — merit + institutional grants can vary a lot.

Do I need a separate scholarship application?
No. Loyola’s Presidential, Dean’s, Loyola, and Transfer Scholarships are awarded automatically when you apply for undergraduate admission.

Is test-optional really test-optional for scholarships?
Yes. Students are considered with or without scores. However, strong ACT or SAT scores (superscored) can improve placement within Loyola’s merit ranges.

Does applying Early Action help?
Yes. While Loyola does not publish a separate merit deadline, applying by Nov 15 (Early Action) improves scholarship consideration and availability.

Are these scholarships need-based?
No. These awards are primarily merit-based. Financial need may matter more for competitive flagship scholarships (like Knott) or institutional grants.

Do merit scholarships stack with need-based aid?
Often, yes. Loyola typically applies merit first, then layers institutional, federal, and state aid as applicable. Always review the full aid package carefully.

How competitive are the Knott Scholarships?
Extremely competitive. These awards are reserved for a very small subset of Loyola’s strongest applicants, typically drawn from the top academic tier of the admitted pool.

Is there a separate scholarship application?
Yes. Knott Scholarships are administered through the Knott Foundation, not through a Loyola-specific scholarship application. Selection involves additional review beyond standard admission.

Do Knott Scholarships stack with Loyola merit awards?
Usually not dollar-for-dollar. Knott awards typically replace or are adjusted against Loyola’s standard merit scholarships so total institutional and Knott funding does not exceed tuition or the Cost of Attendance.

Is financial need required?
For the Marion Burk Knott Scholarship, financial need is an additional consideration but not the sole factor. Academic strength, leadership, and service remain central.

Does applying Early Action matter?
Yes. Students targeting Loyola’s most competitive scholarships are strongly encouraged to apply by Nov 15 (Early Action) and to track the Knott Foundation’s own deadlines closely.

Are these awards guaranteed for four years?
They are renewable for up to four years, provided students meet Loyola’s academic progress requirements and any Knott-specific renewal criteria.

Why don’t these scholarships show up right away?
Many are funded by donors or special programs and are awarded after enrollment, or only to students who meet specific financial or academic criteria that can’t be finalized at admission.

Do I need to apply separately for all of these?
No. Some programs require applications, but many endowed and matching scholarships are awarded internally by Loyola’s Financial Aid Office.

Can these stack with merit scholarships?
Often yes, but total aid is usually capped at tuition or the Cost of Attendance. Loyola may adjust awards so funding doesn’t exceed billed costs.

What’s the biggest mistake families make?
Assuming the first-year aid offer is “final.” At Loyola, aid opportunities can change each year — especially for students who stay engaged and keep filing required forms.

How do I maximize access to these scholarships?
File the FAFSA and CSS Profile on time every year, maintain good academic standing, and communicate proactively with Financial Aid if circumstances change.

Does being in the Honors Program automatically mean more scholarship money?
No. Loyola’s Honors Program is academically focused. Some honors-adjacent programs include funding, but there is no universal honors tuition scholarship.

How do students get into the Honors Program?
Students are typically invited or reviewed based on their application and academic profile. Some programs require separate applications.

Is Honors worth it if there’s no guaranteed money?
For many students, yes. Benefits include smaller classes, closer faculty relationships, priority advising, and preparation for graduate or professional school.

Can Honors students still receive merit or need-based aid?
Yes. Honors status is independent of Loyola’s automatic merit scholarships and need-based institutional aid.

What’s the biggest misconception about Honors at Loyola?
That it works like an “Honors College with a built-in scholarship.” At Loyola, honors is primarily about academic experience, not automatic cost reduction.