Loyola Marymount University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Automatic and competitive scholarships for new students
- Full-tuition Trustee and Presidential awards
- Jesuit and need-based aid opportunities
- Key scholarship and FAFSA deadlines
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~42%
- Middle 50% SAT: 1300–1450
- Middle 50% ACT: 29–33
- Average HS GPA: 3.9 (unweighted)
Source: Loyola Marymount University Common Data Set 2024–25. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
LMU at a Glance
Last verified: October 11, 2025
Loyola Marymount University (LMU) offers generous merit scholarships for high-achieving students, highlighted by the Trustee Scholarship, which covers full tuition for four years. Other top awards include the Presidential Scholarship (partial tuition) and various Jesuit and leadership-based awards.
Most admitted students receive merit aid automatically, while the most selective awards require an invitation to interview. LMU also provides need-based financial aid to qualifying students who file both the CSS Profile and FAFSA. .
FAQ
What is LMU’s top scholarship? The Trustee Scholarship covers full tuition for four years and is awarded to the top 10–15 first-year students annually.
Does LMU offer automatic scholarships? Yes. Merit scholarships ranging from $5,000–$30,000 per year are awarded at admission based on GPA and academic strength.
When is the scholarship deadline? Apply by December 1 for priority consideration for Trustee and Presidential awards.
What’s the average net price? Around $45,728 after aid, though top merit recipients pay significantly less.
https://admission.lmu.edu/
https://financialaid.lmu.edu/prospectivestudents/typesoffinancialaid/scholarships/
https://financialaid.lmu.edu/prospectivestudents/apply/
https://cds.lmu.edu/
https://www.lmu.edu/about/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/loyola-marymount-university
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?117946-Loyola-Marymount-University=
💰 Cost of Attendance at Loyola Marymount University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) | $67,100 | $67,100 |
| Housing & Meals (typical plan) | $21,898 | $21,898 |
| Total (before aid) | $88,998 | $88,998 |
Note: Additional allowances such as Books & Supplies ($938), Transportation ($1,107), and Personal/Misc. ($2,871) are not included in the table because they are indirect costs and aren’t paid directly to LMU. These amounts vary by student and may still be part of the official cost of attendance used for financial aid.
Regional Discounts? LMU is a private university, so there’s no in-state discount and no WUE or Flagship Match. However, eligible veterans and dependents may qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program, which fills tuition gaps left after the GI Bill®. For example, a dependent with 100% GI Bill eligibility can see LMU’s $67,100 tuition reduced to $0 after VA + LMU contributions.
Cost of Attendance FAQs
Who qualifies for the Yellow Ribbon Program?
Veterans or dependents with 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility.
How much can it save?
It can cover nearly all remaining tuition and fees after the VA cap, reducing billed costs by tens of thousands of dollars.
Do I need to apply?
Yes — you’ll need to submit a Certificate of Eligibility and have LMU certify your participation with the VA.
💡 Some LMU scholarships and aid forms may also require the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA. Be sure to review both requirements early.
https://financialaid.lmu.edu/prospectivestudents/costofattendance/
https://financialaid.lmu.edu/prospectivestudents/typesoffinancialaid/yellowribbon/
https://cds.lmu.edu/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/loyola-marymount-university/paying
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?117946-Loyola-Marymount-University=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
LMU considers every first-year applicant for academic scholarships automatically—no separate application. Awards are typically for up to 4 years (8 semesters) with full-time enrollment and a renewal GPA (usually 3.0; some donor awards require 3.2).
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Up to $30,000 | Top academics; strongest rigor; test-optional considered | No | Yes — 3.0 GPA, full-time | A/A- average with most rigorous program; if scores submitted, ACT 33+/SAT 1450+* | Jan 15 |
| Arrupe Scholarship | Not publicly posted | High academics and leadership fit; test-optional eligible | No | Yes — 3.0 GPA, full-time | A/A- with strong rigor; meaningful service/mission engagement* | Jan 15 |
| LMU Excellence / Achievement | Not publicly posted | Solid academics and rigor; test-optional eligible | No | Yes — 3.0 GPA, full-time | A-/B+ with AP/IB/Honors and consistent leadership* | Jan 15 |
| Jesuit & Marymount HS / Loyola HS / Jesuit Community | Not publicly posted | Graduates of listed schools; academic merit | No | Yes — 3.0 GPA (some donor awards 3.2), full-time | Graduates of qualifying schools with strong A-range academics* | Jan 15 |
| Chancellor’s Annual / LMU Global | Not publicly posted | Academic merit; global/service engagement considered | No | Yes — 3.0 GPA, full-time | A- academics with notable service or global profile* | Jan 15 |
Note: LMU does not publish exact dollar tiers for these awards. Amounts are disclosed in award letters and may vary by applicant. GPA/test score ranges with * are estimates for planning only.
Typical LMU academic scholarships range from about $5,000 up to $30,000. Exact amounts are not published in advance and are disclosed in award letters. International admissions lists a similar scale ($2,000–$30,000). Your student’s award depends on GPA, rigor, and overall application strength.
Automatic Merit FAQs
Do I need a separate scholarship application?
No. All first-year applicants are automatically considered.
Is LMU test-optional, and do scores matter?
Yes. Students who don’t submit scores are still considered. If submitted, scores are reviewed holistically.
Does LMU superscore?
Yes. LMU superscores the SAT — they will take your highest Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math section scores across test dates to create a new composite. The ACT is not superscored.
What are the renewal rules?
Most awards require a minimum 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment (12+ credits). Some donor scholarships require a 3.2 GPA.
Can scholarships be stacked?
Tuition benefits that already cover full tuition generally cannot be stacked with LMU merit awards.
LMU First-Year Scholarship Programs – https://financialaid.lmu.edu/scholarships/
LMU Scholarship FAQ & Policies – https://financialaid.lmu.edu/scholarships/first-year-scholars/
Admission Freshman Deadlines – https://admission.lmu.edu/first-yearapplicants/
Scholarships.com – https://scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-college/loyola-marymount-university/
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive, Selective Awards)
These are LMU’s most selective, university-level scholarships—often limited in number and highly competitive. They are distinct from automatic merit and are aimed at top applicants with exceptional academics, rigor, leadership, and service. (Including “competitive scholarships” language here helps families—and search engines—understand that flagship = competitive.)
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee Scholarship | Not publicly posted | First-year admits with exceptional academic performance and rigor; leadership and service strongly considered | No | Yes — typically requires full-time enrollment; minimum GPA may apply | A/A- average in the most rigorous curriculum, standout leadership/service, strong writing; if scores submitted: ACT 33+/SAT 1450+* | Jan 15 |
| Trustee Room & Board Scholarship | Not publicly posted | Select first-year admits; typically paired with high academic achievement and campus engagement potential | No | Yes — continued full-time status; minimum GPA may apply | Similar profile as Trustee recipients; community fit and leadership trajectory matter* | Jan 15 |
| Presidential Scholarship (selective cohort) | Up to $30,000 | Top academics and rigor; holistic review; test-optional considered | No | Yes — typically 3.0 GPA; full-time | A/A- with highest rigor, significant leadership/service; if scores submitted: ACT 33+/SAT 1450+* | Jan 15 |
Typical LMU flagship scholarships are among the most generous: Presidential awards are often in the $20,000–$30,000 range, while Trustee Scholarships frequently cover full tuition. The Trustee Room & Board Scholarship can extend coverage to housing and meals, making it a near full-ride. Exact amounts are disclosed in award letters and may vary cycle to cycle.
Notes: LMU does not publish public dollar amounts or quotas for these flagship competitive scholarships. Amounts and terms are disclosed in award letters. GPA/test bands with * are estimates to guide parent planning and do not represent official cutoffs.
Flagship (Competitive) Scholarship FAQs
How competitive are these?
Extremely. They are limited and reserved for applicants with top academics, the strongest rigor, and standout leadership/service.
Is there an interview or separate portfolio?
LMU does not publish a separate application requirement for these flagship awards; if additional steps are needed, they are communicated directly to finalists.
Do test scores help?
LMU is test-optional. Strong applications without scores are fully considered; if submitted, SAT is superscored and can help at the margins for top awards.
Can flagship awards stack with other aid?
Typically not with tuition benefits that already cover full tuition. Always follow the stacking rules in the award letter.
LMU Flagship Scholarships – https://financialaid.lmu.edu/scholarships/first-year-scholars/
Admissions Deadlines – https://admission.lmu.edu/first-yearapplicants/
Scholarships.com LMU – https://scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-college/loyola-marymount-university/
Fastweb Presidential Scholarship – https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/scholarships/174307-presidential-scholarship-lmu
🎖️ Honors College
LMU’s University Honors Program is designed for high-achieving students who want smaller classes, close faculty mentorship, and a strong sense of community. Admission is by application, and students who are selected can expect unique opportunities for research, leadership, and deeper engagement with LMU’s Jesuit mission.
High school GPA around 3.8 or higher, rigorous coursework (AP/IB/Honors), evidence of leadership or service, and strong writing. Test scores are optional but if submitted, tend to be well above LMU’s median.
Priority registration, Honors housing, small seminar-style classes, close faculty mentorship, undergraduate thesis and research opportunities, and funding for academic enrichment or study abroad.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Honors Scholarship | Competitive; amount varies from limited annual fund | Incoming freshmen admitted to the University Honors Program | No — all admitted Honors students considered | Not renewable; one-time award | First-come, first-admitted basis from a finite fund; Honors admission does not guarantee scholarship | Jan 15 (priority); Mar 21 (final); rolling until filled |
| Honors Program Research Grants | Varies ($500–$3,000 typical) | Current Honors students with accepted research proposal and faculty mentor | Yes (semester or summer application) | No; awarded per project | Honors students proposing and completing approved research or conference travel | Semester: 2nd week Summer: Mar–Apr Rolling |
| Edgar D. Cahn Scholarship | Varies | Honors students with financial need | Yes (competitive app) | No; awarded per year | Honors students with high need, service, and academic performance | Spring; posted each cycle |
- Ambassadorial Awards: Funding for presenting research at external conferences, deadlines tied to conference timing.
Honors FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. Students must apply separately to the University Honors Program, typically after LMU acceptance but before attending.
Does Honors add time to my degree?
No. Honors requirements are designed to fit within a standard four-year plan.
What are the deadlines?
The Honors application deadline is typically Jan 15 (priority—early admits), Mar 21 (final—regular admits), and then rolling, while research/applications cycle each semester and summer.
Does Honors come with extra scholarship money?
Sometimes. See the table above for details; not all Honors students are guaranteed additional funds.
LMU Honors Program Application – https://academics.lmu.edu/honors/apply/
Honors Research Grants – https://academics.lmu.edu/honors/research/
Honors FAQ & Dates – https://academics.lmu.edu/honors/faq/
LMU Financial Aid Scholarships – https://financialaid.lmu.edu/scholarships/
⭐ College Specialty
Families often ask, “What is LMU really known for?” Loyola Marymount stands out as a nationally recognized Jesuit university in Los Angeles with strong ties to the entertainment industry, business innovation, and the liberal arts. It is not classified as an R1 research university, but LMU has carved out niche excellence in certain areas where it competes with the very best.
- Entrepreneurship: Ranked among the Top 25 Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Programs nationally by Princeton Review, with deep ties to L.A.’s startup and venture capital community.
- Business Administration: The College of Business Administration (CBA) has earned recognition in U.S. News rankings, with particular strength in ethics-focused business education.
- Engineering: Seaver College of Science and Engineering emphasizes hands-on design labs and undergraduate research opportunities, making it a regional standout for STEM preparation.
- Study Abroad: LMU is regularly ranked in the Top 25 for study abroad participation by the Institute of International Education (IIE), reflecting its strong global emphasis.