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Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Ad majorem Dei gloriam(For the greater glory of God)

1870
Founded
Private research university
Type
11,576
Total Students
12,487
Undergrad
4,910
Graduate
$1.2B
Endowment
(2025)
$52K
Tuition (In-State)
$52K
Tuition (Out-State)
$35K
Avg Net Price
81%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Graduation Rate
6-year
84%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: Mark Reed

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

1870
Established as St. Ignatius College by Arnold Damen, S.J.
1908
School of Law established
1909
Renamed Loyola University; Stritch School of Medicine established
1914
Downtown campus founded, predecessor to School of Social Work enrolled first female students
1962
Opened a campus in Rome, Italy
1963
Won the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship
1969
School of Education established; medical programs consolidated at Loyola University Medical Center
1970
Legally separated from the Jesuits, transitioning to lay control
2015
Arrupe College established to expand access to a Loyola education
🏛️
156 Years
of Excellence

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

Leadership

President
Douglas W. Woods
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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