Loyola University Chicago is a private, Jesuit, visit homepage Catholic university located in one of America’s most vibrant cities. Founded in 1870 by the Society of Jesus, it has grown into one of the largest Jesuit universities in the United States and a Carnegie R1 research institution . With a distinctive mission rooted in service, justice, and the “care for the whole person,” Loyola offers students an education that extends far beyond the classroom.
Academic Excellence and National Recognition
Loyola enrolls approximately 17,384 students, including 12,538 undergraduates, across its campuses in Chicago . The university offers more than 280 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its schools and colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the Quinlan School of Business, the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, and the School of Communication .
In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, Loyola is ranked No. 132 among National Universities and No. 51 for Best Undergraduate Teaching, reflecting its strong commitment to faculty engagement and high-impact learning . The university also advanced to No. 74 in Best Value Schools, affirming its strength in delivering quality education at a competitive cost .
Programs Ranked Among the Nation’s Best
Several of Loyola’s undergraduate programs have earned significant national recognition in the 2026 rankings :
Nursing — Ranked No. 13 in the nation, placing it in the top 2% nationally and among the top 4 private universities. The Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing is recognized for its rigorous curriculum and clinical partnerships.
Quinlan School of Business — Ranked No. 77 nationally and the top undergraduate business school in Chicago for 12 consecutive years. Its specialty programs are among the best in the country:
- International Business — No. 10 nationally
- Business Analytics — No. 16 nationally
- Marketing — No. 22 nationally
- Accounting — No. 25 nationally
Engineering (no doctorate) — Ranked No. 38 nationally and the top program of its kind in Chicago.
The Quinlan School’s part-time MBA program also ranks No. 44 nationally .
A Jesuit Mission That Serves Humanity
What distinguishes Loyola from other universities is its Jesuit, Catholic identity. The university’s mission challenges students to consider not only what they know, but how their knowledge serves others . This ethos is expressed through the concept of Cura Personalis—care for the whole person—and a commitment to educating “people for others.”
That mission translates into action. Each year, Loyola students contribute more than 240,000 hours of service, collaborating with 850+ community partners to address food insecurity, education and housing access, and environmental sustainability throughout Chicago . The university’s research enterprise is equally purpose-driven, with 400+ active clinical trials at its Health Sciences Campus advancing treatments for cancer, cardiovascular disease, and infectious illness .
Loyola’s commitment to global engagement is reflected in initiatives such as the Holistic Immigration Hub, a $6 million investment addressing displacement, migration, and human rights through interdisciplinary scholarship. go Students can also study at Loyola’s John Felice Rome Center, continuing a tradition of global learning that spans generations .
A Distinctive Campus Experience
Loyola’s location in Chicago is central to its identity. The university operates three campuses across the Chicagoland area :
Lake Shore Campus — The traditional undergraduate campus, located by Lake Michigan in the Rogers Park neighborhood, featuring stunning lake views and wide green spaces .
Water Tower Campus — Adjacent to the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago, home to professional schools including the School of Social Work and the Institute of Racial Justice .
Health Sciences Campus — Located in suburban Maywood, home to the Stritch School of Medicine and biomedical research facilities .
With 200+ student organizations and a vibrant campus community, students find ample opportunities to get involved and build connections . The university’s 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures that students receive personal attention from professors, with 38% of classes having fewer than 20 students .
Admissions and Cost
Loyola is a test-optional institution that accepts the Common Application . The acceptance rate is approximately 82%, though admitted students present strong academic profiles with average SAT scores ranging from 1170 to 1360 and ACT scores from 27 to 32 . One in three students studies abroad, and 100% of students engage in hands-on learning experiences .
For the 2026-27 academic year, full-time undergraduate tuition is $56,930**, with room and board averaging **$18,572 and fees estimated at $1,580**, bringing direct expenses to approximately **$77,082 . However, 60% of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, with the average need-based aid package totaling $46,999 . Loyola’s merit scholarships and need-based aid work together to make a Loyola education accessible to students from a wide range of backgrounds .
Outcomes and Alumni
Loyola graduates are well-prepared for meaningful careers. The four-year graduation rate is 67%, and six years after graduation, the median salary is $58,411** . Graduates in health professions earn a median starting salary of **$79,385, while business graduates earn $72,266 .
The university’s alumni network includes leaders across sectors. Notable graduates include Dr. Marsha Linehan, developer of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a treatment used worldwide for borderline personality disorder and suicidal behaviors ; Dr. Reuben Jonathan Miller, a MacArthur Fellow and author of Halfway Home; and Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr. , a Presidential Medal recipient and president of the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute . In business, Giancarlo Turano (BBA ’75) transformed his family’s bakery into a national supplier serving 70 of the top 100 U.S. foodservice chains .
A University Rooted in Purpose
Loyola University Chicago offers an education that is both intellectually rigorous and morally grounded. Its location in one of the world’s great cities provides unparalleled opportunities for internship, research, and community engagement, while its Jesuit mission ensures that students are challenged to think deeply about how their work serves others. For students seeking an education that integrates academic excellence with a commitment to justice and service, this article Loyola stands as a compelling choice.