Loyola Marymount University Scholarships (2025–2026)

What This Page Covers:

Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

Paying for a private Jesuit education in Los Angeles can feel overwhelming, but LMU offers real options to help families bring the price down. On this page, we’ll walk through Loyola Marymount’s tuition and aid, the scholarships your student will automatically be considered for, and where to look for hidden programs. Be sure to also check California’s state aid guide alongside our full College Scholarships Hub to see how everything fits together.

💰 Cost of Attendance at Loyola Marymount University

Expense	Cost (2025–2026)
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits)	$67,100
Housing & Meals (typical plan)	$21,898
Books & Supplies	$938
Transportation	$1,107
Personal Expenses	$2,871
Total (before aid)	$93,914

Average Net Price: $45,723 (latest federal data). This is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships—loans not included.

Regional Discounts? LMU is a private university, so there’s no in-state discount and no WUE/Flagship Match. But eligible veterans and dependents may qualify for Yellow Ribbon, which fills tuition gaps left after the GI Bill®. For example, a dependent with 100% GI Bill coverage can see LMU’s $67,100 tuition reduced to $0 after VA + LMU Yellow Ribbon 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.

✅ 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?
Presidential Scholarship	Not publicly posted; LMU notes awards can range up to $30,000/yr	Top academics; strongest rigor; test-optional considered	No	Yes — 3.0 GPA; full-time	A/A- average in the most rigorous program; if scores submitted, ACT 33+/SAT 1450+*
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*
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*
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*
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*

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 per year. Exact amounts are not published in advance and are disclosed in award letters. International admissions lists a similar scale ($2,000–$30,000/yr). Your student’s award depends on GPA, rigor, and overall application strength.

📌 Some scholarships and need-based aid may also require the CSS Profile. See our CSS Profile Guide for step-by-step help.

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.

🏆 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?
Trustee Scholarship	Not publicly posted	First-year admits with exceptional academic performance and rigor; leadership and service strongly considered	Not publicly stated	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+*
Trustee Room & Board Scholarship	Not publicly posted	Select first-year admits; typically paired with high academic achievement and campus engagement potential	Not publicly stated	Yes — continued full-time status; minimum GPA may apply	Similar profile as Trustee recipients; community fit and leadership trajectory matter*
Presidential Scholarship (selective cohort)	Not publicly posted	Top academics and rigor; holistic review; test-optional considered	No separate app indicated	Yes — typically 3.0 GPA; full-time	A/A- with highest rigor, significant leadership/service; if scores submitted: ~ACT 33+/SAT 1450+*

Typical LMU flagship scholarships are among the most generous: Presidential awards are often in the $20,000–$30,000 per year 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 by year.

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.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Beyond the well-known automatic and flagship scholarships, LMU offers additional opportunities tied to service, identity, military programs, and study abroad. These don’t always appear on the main admissions pages, but they can make a big difference for families who qualify.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Yellow Ribbon Program	Covers 100% of remaining tuition/fees after GI Bill cap	Veterans or dependents with 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility	Yes — submit VA Certificate of Eligibility	Yes — as long as entitlement remains	Veterans or dependents; reduces LMU’s $67k+ tuition bill to $0
Army & Air Force ROTC	Up to full tuition, plus monthly stipend and book allowance	Students accepted into ROTC programs (cross-town partnerships)	Yes — apply through ROTC national process	Yes — contingent on service and academics	Strong academics, leadership, physical fitness; covers tuition in exchange for service commitment
Study Abroad Tuition Exchange	LMU tuition paid; host university tuition waived	Students approved for LMU exchange (not direct-enroll) programs	Yes — through LMU Study Abroad Office	Applies per term abroad	Students who choose exchange programs; allows LMU aid to continue while abroad
Departmental Scholarships	Ranges from $1,000 to several thousand dollars per year	Students declared in specific majors (e.g., History, English, Liberal Arts)	Yes — apply via department or college	Varies by department	Students in designated majors with academic excellence or leadership/service in the field
Leadership Scholarships	Varies; often several thousand dollars for study abroad or internships	Students demonstrating financial need and strong leadership (e.g., William F. Fitzgerald Scholarship)	Yes — through Institute for Leadership Studies	Varies by program	Students with leadership experience who pursue study abroad or internships with demonstrated need
Paul Salamunovich Award for Choral Excellence	One-time recognition; amount varies	Outstanding graduating senior in the University Chorus	No — recipients are selected by the choral program	No — capstone award, not renewable	Graduating seniors who have shown sustained excellence and leadership in the University Chorus, combined with a strong GPA and financial need

Disclaimer: LMU does not publish consistent dollar ranges for departmental or leadership awards. Amounts above are based on examples from LMU materials and may change year to year. Always confirm with the department or program office.

First To Go Scholars Program — academic, financial, and personal support for first-generation students
Ignacio Student Support Services — mentoring and financial guidance for first-generation students
Need-Based Grants — awarded based on FAFSA and CSS Profile
Club and Organization Scholarships — offered by groups like marching band, Greek life, or student associations (dollar amounts vary)

Hidden Gem FAQs

How does Yellow Ribbon work?
LMU contributes the same amount as the VA to cover any remaining tuition after the GI Bill annual cap. This often reduces tuition bills to zero for eligible families.

Do ROTC scholarships cover everything?
They can cover full tuition, plus provide stipends and allowances. Housing and meals may still need to be budgeted unless additional awards apply.

Can I use LMU scholarships with ROTC or Yellow Ribbon?
Sometimes. ROTC and VA benefits generally stack up to the full cost of attendance, but tuition exchange or full-tuition scholarships usually cannot be combined. Always confirm with LMU Financial Aid.

How does study abroad tuition exchange save money?
Instead of paying the host university, you continue paying LMU tuition (so your LMU aid still applies). This can be a major savings compared to direct enrollment costs abroad.

⭐ 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.

🎬 Film & Television Production: LMU’s School of Film and Television is consistently ranked among the Top 10–15 film schools in the nation by industry outlets such as The Hollywood Reporter. Its Los Angeles location gives students direct access to internships and jobs in the entertainment industry.

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.

🎖️ 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.

What a Typical LMU Honors Student Looks Like:
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.

Perks That Matter:
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?
University Honors Scholarship	Competitive; amount varies from limited annual fund	Incoming freshmen admitted to the University Honors Program	No — all admitted Honors students are considered	Not renewable; one-time award	Awarded on a first-come, first-admitted basis from a finite fund. Admission to Honors alone does not guarantee this scholarship.

Honors Program Research Grants: Includes Summer Research Fellowships (funding for summer research with a faculty mentor) and Ambassadorial Awards (funding for Honors students presenting research at external conferences).
Edgar D. Cahn Scholarship: A competitive award for Honors students with high financial need; amount varies year to year.

Honors FAQs

Is admission automatic?
No. Students must apply separately to the University Honors Program, typically soon after applying to LMU.

Does Honors add time to my degree?
No. Honors requirements are designed to be completed within a standard four-year plan alongside your major.

What are the deadlines?
The Honors Program application deadline generally aligns with LMU’s first-year admission deadlines (early action/regular decision). Exact dates are posted annually on the Honors site.

Does Honors come with extra scholarship money?
Sometimes. The University Honors Scholarship provides limited funding for incoming students, while continuing students may apply for research grants or named scholarships such as the Edgar D. Cahn Scholarship.

📎 Official Links

Final Thoughts

Choosing Loyola Marymount University can feel like a big leap, but the scholarships, hidden gems, and special programs here show that families don’t have to face the price tag alone. From automatic merit to flagship awards and niche opportunities like Yellow Ribbon or study abroad exchanges, LMU provides multiple ways to cut costs. The Honors Program adds another layer of value for students ready to push themselves academically. With the right planning, LMU can be both an academic and financial fit for many families.

✅ Last updated: September 22, 2025