Loyola Chicago Acceptance Rate 2026: 77.4%, GPA, SAT, ACT & Admissions Guide
Direct answer: Loyola University Chicago’s latest Common Data Set shows 20,089 first-year applicants, 15,546 admitted students, and 1,382 enrolled students. That makes the Loyola Chicago acceptance rate about 77.4%.
Loyola Chicago is not an Ivy-style reach for most students, but it is not automatic either. The strongest applicants show solid grades, college-prep courses, a complete transcript, a direct recommendation letter, and a smart test-optional decision.
This guide gives the number first, then answers what students actually search next: GPA, SAT/ACT, deadlines, application fee, merit scholarships, nursing/business/program fit, international rules, transfer odds, video help, and what to do before submitting.
Calculated from 15,546 admits out of 20,089 Fall 2025 first-year applicants.
Mean weighted cumulative high school GPA for admitted Fall 2025 first-year students.
Middle 50% SAT range for admitted Fall 2025 students who submitted scores.
Middle 50% ACT range for admitted Fall 2025 students who submitted scores.
Quick navigation for Loyola Chicago applicants
Loyola Chicago acceptance rate 2026: clear answer first
| Search question | Official-data answer | What it means for applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Loyola Chicago acceptance rate 2026 | 77.4% using latest CDS first-year data. | Moderately selective. Strong students have realistic chances, but weak/incomplete files can still lose admission or scholarship strength. |
| Applicants | 20,089 first-year applicants. | You still compete in a large pool. Apply early and cleanly. |
| Admitted | 15,546 admitted first-year students. | Loyola admits many qualified students, but admission is not the same as best scholarship outcome. |
| Enrolled | 1,382 enrolled first-year students. | Yield is about 8.9%, so admitted students must still deposit and complete next steps. |
| Waitlist | CDS reports 0 waitlisted students for Fall 2025. | Do not plan around waitlist rescue. Submit the strongest file up front. |
Loyola Chicago GPA, SAT and ACT: what is competitive?
GPA answer
3.82 mean weighted GPA for admitted Fall 2025 students. CDS reports 3.74 average GPA for enrolled first-year students.
SAT answer
Admitted profile: 1200–1370. CDS enrolled score-submitters: 1220–1390.
ACT answer
Admitted profile: 27–32. CDS enrolled score-submitters: 26–31.
Test optional answer
Loyola is test optional, superscores, allows self-reported scores, and asks accepted score-submitters to send official scores by May 1.
| Your situation | Best move | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| GPA 3.7+ | Apply before the priority deadline and focus on scholarship strength. | Your academic profile is near Loyola’s current admitted/enrolled range. |
| GPA 3.3–3.6 | Show rigor, upward trend, recommendation strength, and optional essay/resume value. | This can still be competitive, but the file needs context. |
| GPA below 3.3 | Use the essay/resume to explain growth, fit, responsibilities, work, service, or setbacks. | Admission is possible, but scholarship and program fit may be more sensitive. |
| SAT 1200+ | Consider submitting if it matches or beats the admitted profile. | Scores can reinforce academic readiness. |
| ACT 27+ | Consider submitting if the score supports your file. | Especially useful if your GPA needs another academic signal. |
| Scores below range | Use test optional if your grades and coursework tell a better story. | Loyola lets students decide whether scores help. |
Loyola Chicago deadlines: fall and spring admission
| Term | Application opens | Priority deadline | Deposit deadline | Applicant action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall start | August 1 | December 1 | May 1 | Apply by Dec. 1 for the cleanest admissions and scholarship timeline. |
| Spring start | August 1 | November 1 | January 1 | Use this path if you want to begin in spring rather than fall. |
| After priority deadline | Rolling if space remains | Not guaranteed | Space-dependent | Loyola may admit after priority deadlines if space is available, but do not rely on late timing. |
Loyola Chicago application materials: what you actually need
| Material | Loyola rule | Do this correctly |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Common Application or Loyola online application. | Use one application path. Do not duplicate submissions. |
| Application fee | No application fee. | Do not let fee worry delay your application. |
| Transcript | Official high school transcript is required. | Electronic transcript can come from your school through Parchment, Naviance, National Clearinghouse, SCOIR, or school email. |
| Paper transcript | Can be mailed to Undergraduate Admission Office, 1032 W. Sheridan Road, Sullivan Center, Room 150, Chicago, IL 60660. | Use this only if your school cannot send electronically. |
| Recommendation | Teacher or counselor letter. Must come directly from the teacher or counselor. | Ask someone who can speak to your classroom performance and readiness. |
| Essay/resume | Optional, but available. | Use it if it adds context, explains your fit, or strengthens scholarship review. |
Program fit: nursing, business, engineering, pre-health and Rome Start
The overall 77.4% acceptance rate is useful, but your intended program can still change how competitive your file feels. A nursing, business, engineering, pre-health, computer science or Rome Start applicant should not write the same application.
| Applicant path | What matters | Best application signal |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing / health interests | Science readiness, service mindset, strong grades, professionalism. | Show biology/chemistry rigor, patient-care exposure, volunteering, or health-related motivation. |
| Quinlan business | Math confidence, leadership, teamwork, interest in Chicago opportunities. | Use work, clubs, entrepreneurship, family business, DECA/FBLA, finance, marketing or analytics examples. |
| Engineering / STEM | Math and science preparation. | Show coding, robotics, lab work, projects, competitions, or problem-solving evidence. |
| Pre-med / pre-health | Academic discipline and service orientation. | Connect Loyola’s Jesuit mission with health equity, research, service, or patient-centered goals. |
| Rome Start | Academic maturity and global readiness. | Explain why starting Loyola through Rome fits your learning style and goals. |
| Undecided | Curiosity and readiness to explore. | Show interests, strengths, and how Loyola’s majors/advising can help you choose. |
Loyola Chicago admissions video guide
Watch the video, then use the checklist below to turn general scholarship/admissions advice into application actions.
Scholarships and aid: what applicants should know before applying
Automatic merit review
Loyola says applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships when they apply for admission.
Merit range
Initial merit scholarships are listed as $20,000 to $34,000 per year on Loyola’s scholarship page.
Special scholarships
After admission, eligible students may be invited to apply for additional special scholarships through the student portal.
FAFSA code
Loyola’s FAFSA school code is 001710. Submit early because some awards can be first-come, first-served.
| Aid question | Helpful answer | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Do I need a separate application for initial merit? | No separate initial merit application is listed for automatic consideration. | Submit a strong admission application before priority timing. |
| When will I know merit? | Loyola says initial merit information is shared in the acceptance letter. | Check admission letter and student portal carefully. |
| Can special scholarships require extra work? | Yes, some additional scholarships require separate applications. | Watch the student portal and email after admission. |
| What does COA mean? | Cost of Attendance includes direct and indirect expenses used for aid planning. | Compare total cost, not tuition alone. |
International students: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo and test optional
| International item | Loyola detail | Action step |
|---|---|---|
| English proficiency | TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo may be required. | Check your requirement before applying, not after admission. |
| TOEFL | Minimum listed: 79 for tests before Jan. 1, 2026; 4.5 for tests after Jan. 1, 2026. | Use the score rule that applies to your test date. |
| IELTS | Minimum listed: 6.5. | Send official proof if required. |
| PTE | Minimum listed: 53. | Confirm score reporting timeline early. |
| Duolingo | Minimum listed: 110. | Make sure scores arrive before review delays. |
| SAT/ACT | Optional for international applicants too. | Submit only if scores strengthen the file. |
Transfer applicants: quick acceptance-rate context
Transfer students often search the same acceptance-rate page because they want to know if Loyola is realistic after starting college elsewhere.
| Transfer data point | Latest CDS value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer applicants | 3,175 | Loyola receives a meaningful transfer pool. |
| Transfer admits | 1,541 | Transfer acceptance rate is about 48.5%. |
| Transfer enrolled | 393 | Admitted transfers still must complete deposit, credit and advising steps. |
| Engineering transfer note | Engineering majors require prerequisite coursework including science and math. | Do not apply as engineering transfer without checking prerequisites. |
Loyola Chicago application checklist: scan before you submit
Common mistakes that hurt Loyola Chicago applicants
- Only checking the acceptance rate: 77.4% tells access, not scholarship strength.
- Missing the December 1 priority deadline: Later review may depend on space.
- Submitting weak scores: Test optional lets you protect the application from low scores.
- Forgetting official scores after admission: If accepted with submitted scores, official score reports are due by May 1.
- Using a generic essay: Optional essays should add useful context, not repeat the application.
- Choosing a vague major path: Nursing, business, engineering and pre-health applicants should show relevant readiness.
- Asking the wrong recommender: Choose someone who can speak directly about your success at Loyola.
- Ignoring student portal tasks: Missing portal steps can affect scholarships, aid, events and deposit timing.
- Waiting on FAFSA: FAFSA can affect aid timing and some awards are first-come, first-served.
- International document delays: English scores, transcripts and financial paperwork can take longer than expected.
Official Loyola Chicago links and sources
The key official details are summarized above. Use these final links to verify current rules before submitting, paying, or making an enrollment decision.
Official source for applicants, admits, enrolled students, GPA, SAT, ACT, transfer and admission-policy data.
Application process, transcript routes, recommendation letter, test optional policy and deadlines.
Admitted Fall 2025 GPA, SAT, ACT, class facts, aid and outcomes snapshot.
Merit scholarship ranges, FAFSA code, net price calculator and award-letter guidance.
English proficiency, international deadlines, test optional details and student portal steps.
Main admissions entry page for first-year, transfer, international and other applicant types.
FAQs about Loyola Chicago acceptance rate 2026
What is Loyola Chicago acceptance rate for 2026?
Loyola Chicago’s latest Common Data Set shows 20,089 first-year applicants and 15,546 admits, which equals an acceptance rate of about 77.4%.
Is Loyola Chicago hard to get into?
Loyola Chicago is moderately selective. Many prepared students are admitted, but applicants still need a complete application, strong academic record, transcript, recommendation and good timing.
What GPA do you need for Loyola Chicago?
Loyola reports a 3.82 mean weighted GPA for admitted Fall 2025 first-year students and the CDS reports a 3.74 average GPA for enrolled first-year students.
What SAT score is good for Loyola Chicago?
A good SAT score is around or above Loyola’s admitted range of 1200–1370. The CDS enrolled score range is 1220–1390.
What ACT score is good for Loyola Chicago?
A good ACT score is around or above Loyola’s admitted range of 27–32. The CDS enrolled score range is 26–31.
Is Loyola Chicago test optional?
Yes. Loyola is test optional, superscores submitted results, allows self-reported scores, and requires official scores by May 1 for admitted students who included scores.
Does Loyola Chicago have an application fee?
No. Loyola’s first-year application page says applicants may use the Common Application or Loyola’s online application and there is no application fee.
What is Loyola Chicago’s priority deadline?
For fall first-year admission, the application opens August 1, the priority application deadline is December 1, and the enrollment deposit deadline is May 1.
Does Loyola Chicago give merit scholarships?
Yes. Loyola says applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships when they apply, with initial merit scholarships listed from $20,000 to $34,000 per year.
How can I improve my Loyola Chicago application?
Apply before December 1, send your official transcript correctly, ask a strong teacher or counselor for a direct recommendation, submit scores only if helpful, and use the optional essay or resume if it adds meaningful context.