Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University Maryland is a private Jesuit university in Baltimore, Maryland, with approximately 4,000 undergraduate students. Founded in 1852, Loyola emphasizes cura personalis—the Jesuit principle of caring for the whole person—which shapes its approach to academics, advising and student life. Although rooted in the Jesuit tradition, the university welcomes students of all backgrounds, and about 60% of students identify as Catholic. Daily Mass is available but entirely optional, and students often describe Loyola as embracing its Jesuit identity without feeling overly religious.
Loyola offers majors through three schools: the College of Arts & Sciences, the Sellinger School of Business & Management and the School of Education. All classes are taught by faculty rather than graduate assistants, reinforcing the university's student-first philosophy. Students may apply as undecided, giving them time to explore before selecting a major. New academic offerings include Biohealth and Nursing, with nursing serving as Loyola's only direct-admit program. The university also offers specialized opportunities such as the Honors Program, Sellinger Scholars for business students and a 3+1 accounting pathway that prepares students to earn their CPA more efficiently.
Every first-year student participates in Messina, Loyola's signature first-year experience. Students are placed in a cohort that takes linked courses together during their first year, fulfilling general education requirements while building friendships and connections with faculty. One of the Messina professors also serves as the student's academic advisor. Each student is additionally paired with an upper-class mentor, known as an Evergreen, and an administrator mentor to help ease the transition to college. Messina also introduces students to the Career Center immediately, reflecting Loyola's philosophy that career development begins on day one. The Career Center follows a four-stage model—Discovery, Exploration, Preparation and Pursuit—to help students prepare for internships, graduate school and careers.
Loyola is known for its proactive approach to student success. The Student Success Center, Thrive Center, accessibility services and success coaches provide support throughout students' college careers. Faculty submit early alerts when students are struggling academically, allowing advisors to intervene well before the end of the semester. The Thrive Center supports first-generation students, transfer students, commuter students, students of color and a sizable LGBTQ+ population while helping families navigate the college experience. First-generation students can even participate in a pre-orientation program before classes begin.
Admission is test-optional, and applicants apply through the Common Application. Loyola offers an optional supplemental essay where students can expand on an activity or experience that is meaningful to them. The average admitted student has approximately a 3.7 weighted GPA. Nursing applicants must apply by the November 15 priority deadline. Merit scholarships typically range from $33,000 to $41,000 per year and are renewable for four years. The university is committed to affordability, offering need-based aid to DACA and international students, requiring only the FAFSA for financial aid consideration, guaranteeing that outside scholarships are always additive and providing family grants for siblings enrolled simultaneously. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch or are first-generation can apply without paying an application fee, and financial aid decisions are typically released within 24 hours of admission decisions. Financial aid counselors offer virtual appointments with admitted students throughout the spring.
About two-thirds of Loyola students come from outside Maryland, representing 45 states and more than 50 countries. Roughly 77% of undergraduates live on campus all four years, contributing to a close-knit residential community. Around 60% of students study abroad, one of the largest participation rates in the US. Loyola also partners with twelve colleges and universities throughout Baltimore, allowing students to cross-register for courses that expand their academic options.
The Greyhounds compete in NCAA Division I athletics, and approximately one in eight students participates on a varsity team. Club sports are even more popular, and students can choose from more than 100 student organizations. Loyola is also working to build new campus traditions, including a new pep band and plans for a new fight song, adding to the school's strong sense of community and spirit. The university's Evergreen campus is consistently recognized as one of the safest in Maryland.
Who would thrive at Loyola Maryland:
Loyola is an excellent fit for students who want a close-knit campus with strong personal support, small classes and meaningful relationships with professors and mentors. It appeals to students who value service, community and personal growth, whether or not they come from a religious background. Students who enjoy a residential campus, are interested in studying abroad and appreciate a university that combines academic rigor with individualized attention will find Loyola to be a welcoming place to call home.
Fun Facts:
There are four distinct universities called “Loyola” across the United States, but they all share similar Jesuit roots.
The Greyhound has been Loyola's mascot for nearly a century. He’s named “Iggy” for Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
The Loyola Men’s lacrosse team’s biggest rival is Johns Hopkins, located just one mile away. Their annual matchup is called “The Battle of Charles Street”.
The university uses a "traffic light" system to help faculty communicate how artificial intelligence tools may be used in each course.
Tom Clancy, the best-selling author of the Jack Ryan series of thriller novels graduated from Loyola Maryland in 1969.
Each spring, an on-campus festival called Loyolapalooza includes a battle of the bands, a carnival and a concert.
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