Loyola Marymount University

LMU offers 55 undergraduate majors and 58 minors, with standout programs in film production (thanks to its LA proximity), business, and engineering. Students can double- or even triple-major, supported by a 14:1 student-faculty ratio and small class sizes. The Jesuit emphasis on critical thinking permeates the curriculum, with Reddit users praising the 'caring professors' and 'great class sizes.' Graduate options include 46 master’s programs and four doctorates, with interdisciplinary opportunities encouraged. The university’s STEM offerings are growing, leveraging its tech-adjacent location.

Life at LMU revolves around its picturesque campus (think palm trees and ocean views) and 200+ student clubs, from surfing to social justice groups. Though Greek life lacks houses, fraternities and sororities are 'very active,' per Reddit. The arts scene thrives, with student films and gallery shows, while LA’s entertainment industry provides internships. A Reddit user notes the campus is 'full of very rich kids,' and the NYT reports 65% of students come from the top 20% income bracket. Weekend highlights include beach trips, Lakers games, and exploring LA’s food scene.

LMU boasts an 82% graduation rate, with graduates earning a median early-career salary of $77,000 that jumps to $144,000 by mid-career. The average time to degree is 4.2 years, and 95% of student-athletes graduate (per 2023 data). However, median student debt is $19,500, and only 2.5% of students come from low-income families. Alumni networks are strong in LA’s entertainment, tech, and business sectors, with many landing jobs at studios, startups, or Jesuit-affiliated organizations.

Tuition and fees hit $61,862 annually, though the average financial aid package is $41,796, reducing the net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. to $54,471 for many. 44% of first-years receive need-based aid, with average grants of $38,804. The Net Price Calculator helps estimate costs, but the NYT notes the median family income here is $163,700—suggesting aid skews toward higher earners. Merit scholarships are competitive, with no mention of full-ride options in the sources.

LMU merges Jesuit rigor with LA’s creative energy, offering unparalleled access to internships at Sony, SpaceX, or Skid Row nonprofits. Its film program rivals USC’s but with smaller classes, while the bluff-top campus feels like a resort (minus the frat houses). The downside? Its affluent student body can feel insular, and the price tag demands serious aid or family wealth. For those who fit—or can fund—the mold, LMU delivers strong outcomes in a sun-soaked, industry-connected bubble.