Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL
Quick Facts
“Ad majorem Dei gloriam”(For the greater glory of God)
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Loyola University Chicago
Loyola Chicago: Igniting Minds, Serving Humanity in the Heart of a Global City.
Loyola University Chicago stands as a vibrant private Jesuit research university deeply embedded in the spirit of the Windy City. Founded in 1870 as St. Ignatius College, Loyola has grown into one of the largest Catholic universities in the United States, guided by its enduring motto, "Ad majorem Dei gloriam" (For the greater glory of God). It's recognized as an "R1: Doctoral University," reflecting its commitment to very high research spending and robust doctorate production across a wide array of disciplines.
From its initial focus on meeting the needs of a rapidly expanding Chicago, Loyola has historically championed academic excellence and community engagement. Over the decades, it strategically expanded its offerings, establishing key professional schools in law (1908), medicine (1909), business (1922), and nursing (1935). This dedication to practical education, combined with a strong liberal arts foundation, ensures graduates are well-prepared for impactful careers and ethical leadership.
Today, Loyola offers an impressive portfolio of more than 80 undergraduate and 140 graduate/professional programs through its thirteen colleges and schools. Beyond its academic rigor, the university provides a rich student experience with five campuses across the Chicago metropolitan area, including the flagship Lake Shore Campus nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, and an international campus in Rome. The university's athletic teams, the Ramblers, compete in NCAA Division I, boasting a proud history that includes the 1963 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship.
Loyola's commitment to access and innovation is exemplified by initiatives like Arrupe College, established in 2015 to provide a unique two-year pathway to a Loyola education for low-income students. With a substantial endowment and visionary leadership, Loyola continues to evolve, fostering a dynamic learning environment where students are inspired to pursue knowledge, serve others, and make a meaningful difference in the world.
Key Highlights
- ✦One of the largest Catholic universities in the United States, founded in 1870 by the Society of Jesus.
- ✦Classified as an "R1: Doctoral University" for its very high research activity.
- ✦Offers over 80 undergraduate and 140 graduate/professional programs across 13 colleges and schools.
- ✦Operates five campuses across Chicago and an international campus in Rome, Italy.
- ✦Athletic teams, the Ramblers, are NCAA Division I and won the 1963 Men's Basketball Championship.
- ✦Boasts an endowment of $1.2 billion and serves a student body of 17,397.
- ✦Established Arrupe College in 2015 to provide access to a Loyola education for low-income students.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
13 notable schools within Loyola University Chicago
College of Arts & Sciences
Quinlan School of Business
Established as a business school in 1922; renamed in 2012 following a $40 million donation
School of Communication
School of Continuing and Professional Studies
School of Education
Established in 1969
The Graduate School
School of Law
Established in 1908
Stritch School of Medicine
Established in 1909; medical programs consolidated at Loyola University Medical Center in 1969
Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
Established in 1935
School of Social Work
Predecessor School of Sociology established in 1914, which enrolled Loyola's first female students
Arrupe College
Established in 2015 as a two-year college designed for low-income students
Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health
School of Environmental Sustainability
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