
New Orleans, LAprivate nonprofitwww.loyno.edu/
Loyola University New Orleans is a Jesuit institution where the rhythms of the Crescent City infuse campus life with creativity and energy. With a 93% acceptance rate and a focus on small class sizes, it attracts students drawn to its strong visual and performing arts programs, vibrant student organizations, and the cultural dynamism of New Orleans. While graduation rates hover around 59%, recent federal grants aim to boost outcomes for first-generation and low-income students.
Loyola University New Orleans maintains a highly accessible admissions process, with a 93% acceptance rate—making it one of the more inclusive Jesuit institutions. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1030–1230 on the SAT (with Math scores ranging from 510–590) or 20–26 on the ACT. Notably, 21% of admitted students boast a GPA of 4.0 or higher. Applications are due by April 15, and the university emphasizes a Holistic admissionsA review that weighs the whole applicant — grades, essays, activities, and context — rather than relying on test scores and GPA alone. process that goes beyond test scores.
Loyola’s academic strengths lie in its visual and performing arts programs and business disciplines, which are among its most popular majors. The College of Arts and Sciences offers an undergraduate curriculum with small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, a hallmark of Jesuit education. Students frequently praise the passion of professors and the intimate learning environment. The university’s location in New Orleans—a city dubbed one of the most creative in the U.S.—infuses its programs with a distinctive cultural and artistic energy.
Campus life at Loyola pulses with the eclectic vibe of New Orleans. Students can join 115+ organizations, including 14 Greek groups, and activities range from mixed martial arts clubs to cultural societies. The Department of Student Life and Ministry orchestrates daily events, from film screenings to leadership workshops, ensuring there’s always something happening. The university’s urban setting means students often venture into the city for jazz festivals, Mardi Gras, and community service opportunities.
Loyola’s six-year graduation rate sits at 59%, slightly below the national average for private universities. Graduates earn a median salary of $28,735 one year post-graduation, rising to $52,927 in later years. The university recently secured a $1.3 million federal grant to improve retention and graduation rates among First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. and low-income students, signaling a push to bolster outcomes.
Tuition and fees total $49,524, but 72.56% of students receive financial aid, bringing the average Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. down to $26,150. Merit scholarships for international students range up to $15,000, while domestic applicants can use the university’s net price calculator to estimate personalized aid packages. Loyola emphasizes affordability through grants and scholarships, though the sticker price reflects its private institution status.
Loyola’s fusion of Jesuit rigor and New Orleans’ creative spirit makes it unique. Unlike more insular campuses, it embraces the city as a classroom—whether through jazz studies, service learning in post-Katrina communities, or internships at French Quarter galleries. While its graduation rates lag, its arts programs and tight-knit community attract students seeking a vibrant, socially engaged education. Recent investments in student success initiatives hint at a university striving to marry its cultural dynamism with stronger academic outcomes.