Loyola Marymount University logo

Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, CA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Ad majorem Dei gloriam (Latin) Tua Luce Dirige (Latin)(For the greater glory of God Direct us by thy light)

1865
Founded
Private research university
Type
7,171
Total Students
7,094
Undergrad
2,906
Graduate
$723M
Endowment
(2024)
$59K
Tuition (In-State)
$59K
Tuition (Out-State)
$46K
Avg Net Price
40%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Graduation Rate
6-year
88%
Retention Rate
$78K
Median Earnings
10 yrs after entry
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: Thomas Poon

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Loyola Marymount University

LMU: L.A.'s premier Jesuit and Marymount research university, famed for film, law & impact.

Loyola Marymount University (LMU) stands as a vibrant beacon of Jesuit and Marymount education in the heart of Los Angeles, California. As the largest Catholic university on the West Coast, LMU serves over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students, fostering a dynamic academic environment classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity." Rooted in its dual mottos, "Ad majorem Dei gloriam" (For the greater glory of God) and "Tua Luce Dirige" (Direct us by thy light), LMU is dedicated to a holistic education that challenges students intellectually, spiritually, and socially.

LMU's rich history began in 1865 as St. Vincent's College, becoming the first institution of higher learning in Southern California. Founded by the Vincentians, it evolved through several names and locations, eventually assigned to the Jesuits in 1911 and merging with Marymount College in 1973 to form the university known today. This journey reflects a legacy of pioneering education and a strong commitment to social justice, exemplified by events such as a 1950 football game forfeiture in protest of racial discrimination and President Whelan's criticism of Japanese internment during WWII.

Academically, LMU offers an expansive curriculum with 55 undergraduate majors, 58 minors, and a robust selection of 47 master's and various doctoral programs, including the J.D. and Ed.D. Its diverse colleges and schools, such as the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, the College of Business Administration, and the Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering, provide a broad array of opportunities. The School of Film and Television consistently ranks among the top 5 film programs nationally, renowned for its industry connections, advanced facilities, and policy allowing students to retain intellectual property rights for their creations. Loyola Law School, with its distinct Frank Gehry-designed campus, is recognized for its commitment to public service, evidenced by its pro bono graduation requirement.

Beyond academics, LMU students thrive in an urban Los Angeles campus, engaging in NCAA Division I sports as the Lions. The university's impact is far-reaching, boasting an impressive network of alumni who have achieved national and international recognition as Fortune 500 CEOs, U.S. governors, members of Congress, Olympic medalists, and winners of prestigious awards including Academy Awards, Emmys, Golden Globes, Grammys, a Pulitzer Prize, and even a Nobel Prize. LMU prepares its graduates not just for successful careers, but for lives of purpose and leadership, guided by its enduring values.

Key Highlights

  • Largest Catholic university on the West Coast, enrolling over 10,000 students.
  • Founded in 1865, it was the first institution of higher learning in Southern California.
  • The School of Film and Television is ranked among the top 5 film programs in the U.S. by The Hollywood Reporter and College Factual.
  • Loyola Law School, on its Frank Gehry-designed campus, was the first California law school with a pro bono graduation requirement (40 hours).
  • Alumni include CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, Olympic gold medalists, and winners of Academy, Emmy, Golden Globe, Grammy, Pulitzer, and Nobel Prizes.
  • Classified as an "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" institution.
  • NCAA Division I athletics, with teams known as the Lions, competing in 20 sports.

Timeline

1865
Founded as St. Vincent's College by the Vincentians, becoming the first institution of higher learning in Southern California.
1869
St. Vincent's College was accredited by the state of California.
1911
The Vincentians left educational ministry, and the Jesuits were appointed to run the college, which was renamed Los Angeles College.
1920
Graduate instruction began with the foundation of a separate law school, which was the second in Los Angeles to admit Jewish students.
1930
The undergraduate division relocated to the present Westchester campus, becoming Loyola University of Los Angeles.
1950
The football team forfeited an away game against Texas Western in protest of rules preventing African-American players from competing.
1973
Loyola University of Los Angeles merged with Marymount College to form Loyola Marymount University.
2003
The School of Film and Television was established, consolidating existing programs.
2018
A 35,000 square foot facility for graduate film students was opened on the Playa Vista campus.
🏛️
161 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within Loyola Marymount University

📚

School of Education

Offers four undergraduate and nine graduate programs of study, including a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.).

🏫

School of Film and Television

Consistently ranked among the top 5 film programs nationally, known for its competitive admission, advanced facilities, and industry-leading alumni. Students retain intellectual property rights to their films.

⚖️

Loyola Law School

Located on a separate Frank Gehry-designed campus, it was the first California law school with a pro bono graduation requirement (40 hours) and is highly ranked nationally.

Leadership

President
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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