Loyola Acceptance Rate 2026: 48.2% LMU Admit Rate, GPA, SAT, ACT & Admissions Plan
Direct answer: Loyola Marymount University’s latest official Common Data Set shows 22,798 applicants, 10,992 admitted students and 1,536 enrolled students for Fall 2025. That equals an acceptance rate of about 48.2%.
LMU is selective, but it is not a single-digit-reach school. The real question is whether your grades, course rigor, writing, activities, recommendation, major preparation and test-optional choice match what LMU says it reviews.
This guide gives the answer first, then the exact things searchers need: GPA, SAT/ACT ranges, deadlines, required materials, business/STEM preparation, portfolios, international rules, cost, scholarships, video, FAQs and official links.
10,992 admits from 22,798 applicants in the official 2025–26 Common Data Set.
Average high school GPA for enrolled first-year students reporting GPA.
Only for students who submitted SAT scores; LMU is test optional.
Only for ACT submitters; test scores are optional for admission.
Quick navigation for LMU applicants
Loyola Marymount acceptance rate 2026: exact answer and meaning
| Admissions number | Official figure | What applicants should understand |
|---|---|---|
| Applicants | 22,798 | LMU receives a large first-year pool, so weak essays and incomplete materials can still hurt. |
| Admitted | 10,992 | Admission is possible for well-prepared students, but it is still selective. |
| Enrolled | 1,536 | The yield is about 14.0%, so LMU admits more students than it expects to enroll. |
| Acceptance rate | 48.2% | Best category: selective target/reach depending on GPA, major, rigor and application strength. |
| Waitlist context | 6,148 offered waitlist; 208 admitted from waitlist | If waitlisted, continued interest and timing matter, but waitlist admission is not guaranteed. |
LMU GPA, SAT and ACT: what numbers matter?
GPA answer
Average enrolled GPA: 3.98. LMU says there is no minimum GPA, but the enrolled class profile is strong.
SAT answer
1265–1410 SAT Composite middle 50% for submitters. Only 20% submitted SAT scores.
ACT answer
28–33 ACT Composite middle 50% for submitters. Only 7% submitted ACT scores.
Test optional answer
LMU lets students choose whether ACT/SAT helps. Non-submitters are reviewed with normal application materials.
| Profile item | LMU data / policy | Applicant action |
|---|---|---|
| Average GPA | 3.98 for enrolled first-year students reporting GPA. | Aim for strong grades, especially junior year and senior first term. |
| GPA of 4.0 | 50.46% of enrolled students had a 4.0 GPA. | If below 4.0, show rigor, upward trend, activities and writing strength. |
| GPA 3.75–3.99 | 28.52% of enrolled students were in this range. | This is still a strong LMU range when paired with rigorous classes. |
| GPA 3.50–3.74 | 15.63% of enrolled students were in this range. | Application quality matters more: essay, recommendation, major fit and activities. |
| Test scores | SAT/ACT considered if submitted, not required. | Submit if your score helps; do not submit just to fill space. |
| Class rank | 28% top tenth; 67% top quarter among those reporting rank. | If your rank is not strong or not reported, let GPA/rigor and recommendation speak. |
LMU deadlines: ED, EA, ED II and Regular Decision
| Plan | Deadline | Binding? | Use this if… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision | November 1 | Yes | LMU is your clear first choice and your family is ready for the financial commitment. |
| Early Action | November 1 | No | You want an earlier answer but still want to compare colleges and aid. |
| Early Decision II | January 8 | Yes | You became certain LMU is first choice after fall, and your application is stronger by January. |
| Regular Decision | January 15 | No | You need time to polish essays, compare options or finish portfolio materials. |
| Spring admission | October 15 | No | You want January entry instead of fall entry. |
LMU application requirements: what you actually need
| Requirement | LMU detail | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Follow the instructions on the application you choose. | Check program and college selection carefully before submitting. |
| Fee | $75; fee waiver available through application instructions. | Request waiver before submitting if cost is a barrier. |
| Recommendation | One recommendation is required; teacher plus counselor/principal is recommended. | Choose someone who can explain readiness, character and classroom habits. |
| Transcript | Applicants include grades/unofficial transcripts; enrolled students submit final official transcript. | Senior grades matter. Admission can be affected if final work drops. |
| ACT/SAT | Optional. | If you choose test optional, no extra materials are required beyond normal requirements. |
Major-specific preparation: business, STEM, film and arts
| Student type | LMU preparation detail | How to strengthen the application |
|---|---|---|
| General first-year applicant | Recommended: 4 years English, 3 foreign language, 3 math, 2 lab science, 3 social sciences, 1 academic elective. | Do not apply with weak core-course preparation if your school offered stronger options. |
| Business applicant | Business students should complete algebra, geometry and intermediate algebra/trigonometry; calculus readiness is expected. | Show quantitative confidence, leadership, teamwork, entrepreneurship or service impact. |
| Engineering / science / CS / math | Recommended: 4 years math and one year each of biology, chemistry and physics; calculus readiness expected. | Highlight lab work, coding, research, robotics, engineering projects or math/science awards. |
| Film / production applicant | Production portfolio may be required for Film and Television pathways. | Prepare story, voice, editing or production evidence early, not the night before deadline. |
| Arts applicant | Animation, Theatre Arts, Dance, Music, Studio Arts and BFA Art and Design can involve portfolio/audition guidance. | Check the exact program page and prepare polished creative samples. |
Loyola Marymount admissions video guide
Use this video as a quick support resource, then return to the checklist below to make your LMU application stronger.
International applicants: transcript, English proof and timing
Transcript rule
Send official transcripts from every secondary school attended. If needed, provide an English translation.
English proof
LMU may require TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or Duolingo. Current minimums listed include TOEFL 4.5/79, IELTS 6.5, PTE 53 and Duolingo 110.
Testing
LMU does not require international students to submit SAT/ACT, but scores can be used if helpful or for English-proof context.
Visa planning
After admission, students who need a visa receive I-20 request instructions and should prepare passport and financial support documents.
LMU cost, aid and scholarships: what applicants should know
| 2026–2027 cost item | On-campus estimate | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & fees | $68,939 | This is the main billed academic charge. |
| Average housing & food | $23,602 | Most first-year cost planning should include living expenses. |
| Books & supplies | $1,305 | Usually not the largest cost, but still part of the aid budget. |
| Personal & miscellaneous | $3,969 | Not always billed directly, but students need a real budget. |
| Parking & transportation | $1,386 | Los Angeles travel and transportation should not be ignored. |
| Estimated total cost | $99,289 | Use net price, not sticker price, when comparing colleges. |
LMU application checklist before you submit
Common LMU application mistakes
- Only focusing on the 48.2% rate: the number is useful, but fit and preparation matter.
- Submitting scores automatically: test optional means submit only if scores improve the file.
- Ignoring calculus readiness: business, STEM, engineering and CS applicants should show math preparation.
- Waiting on portfolio materials: creative programs need early planning.
- Writing a generic California essay: connect LMU to your major, service, Los Angeles and campus opportunities.
- Choosing a weak recommender: one strong letter beats a title from someone who barely knows you.
- Forgetting FAFSA/CADAA timing: aid deadlines vary by plan, especially ED/EA/RD.
- Not checking final transcript risk: admission can be affected if final work drops.
Official LMU links and sources
The main facts are already summarized above. Use these official pages before submitting, paying or making a final admissions decision.
Official acceptance-rate, SAT/ACT, GPA, admission policy and enrolled-student data.
Official deadlines, preparation, evaluation factors, requirements and portfolio links.
Official application plans, FAFSA/CADAA deadlines, notifications and deposit dates.
Official ACT/SAT policy, self-reported scores, non-submitters and scholarship impact.
Official transcript, English proficiency, SAT/ACT optional and visa-related guidance.
Official tuition, fees, housing, books, transportation and total estimated cost.
FAQs about Loyola acceptance rate 2026
What is the Loyola acceptance rate for 2026?
Loyola Marymount University’s latest official Common Data Set shows 22,798 applicants and 10,992 admits for Fall 2025, which equals about a 48.2% acceptance rate.
Is Loyola Marymount hard to get into?
LMU is selective. It is not a single-digit school, but applicants need strong academics, good writing, meaningful activities and appropriate preparation for the intended major.
What GPA do you need for LMU?
LMU says there is no minimum GPA, but enrolled first-year students had an average high school GPA of 3.98 in the 2025–26 Common Data Set.
What SAT score is good for Loyola Marymount?
For students who submitted scores, the middle 50% SAT Composite was 1265–1410. Because LMU is test optional, submit SAT only if it helps.
What ACT score is good for LMU?
The middle 50% ACT Composite for submitters was 28–33. Strong ACT scores can help, but LMU does not require ACT for admission.
Is LMU test optional?
Yes. LMU is test optional. Students can choose whether ACT or SAT scores support the application.
What are the LMU first-year deadlines?
Fall first-year deadlines are November 1 for Early Decision and Early Action, January 8 for Early Decision II and January 15 for Regular Decision.
Does LMU require a recommendation letter?
Yes. One letter of recommendation is required, and LMU recommends a teacher and counselor or principal letter when possible.
Does LMU require portfolios or auditions?
Some creative programs require or recommend portfolio or audition materials, including Animation, Production, Theatre Arts, Dance, Music, Studio Arts and BFA Art and Design.
How can I make my LMU application stronger?
Show strong grades, rigorous courses, service or leadership, a clear reason for LMU, thoughtful writing, a good recommendation and major-specific preparation.