First-Year Applicants

Each year, our goal as a university is to enroll a class of talented, motivated, diverse students from around the country and globe. We admit students whom we believe will make unique contributions to Loyola’s academic and campus community—and who seem best suited to take advantage of everything Loyola has to offer. And while we consider several factors in the admission decision, the most important is academic merit, as demonstrated by performance in high school. We also consider demonstrated character strengths, leadership ability, and potential as evidenced in essays, recommendations, and extracurricular involvement.

Application Plans & Timelines

We offer several decision plans to give you the flexibility to apply to Loyola when you’re ready. No matter which plan you chose, you’ll receive the same financial aid package and consideration for merit scholarships. Learn the difference between Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, and Spring admission so you can decide which is right for you.

Admission into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is strictly limited to first-year applicants who are directly accepted into this specific program. Students applying to the Nursing (BSN) program should apply by November 15 through either our binding Early Decision I or non-binding Early Action admission plans. Applications received after this deadline will only be considered if space remains available in the program.

Early Decision I is the ideal option for academically strong students who view Loyola as their top college choice. Applying Early Decision enables students to learn of their admission status months before other applicants. Early Decision is binding, meaning that students who apply and are accepted to Loyola are expected to enroll. Students accepted via Early Decision I must withdraw all other applications and submit their enrollment deposit to Loyola by January 15.

Timeline

Early Action is non-binding at Loyola and enables students with strong interest in attending to learn of their admission status months before the Regular Decision round. Students accepted through Early Action have until May 1, the National Candidates’ Reply Date, to make their enrollment decision.

Timeline

Early Decision II is the ideal option for academically strong students who view Loyola as their top college choice. Early Decision is binding, meaning that students who apply and are accepted to Loyola are expected to enroll. Students accepted via Early Decision II must withdraw all other applications and submit their enrollment deposit to Loyola by March 15.

Timeline

The Regular Decision deadline is January 15. Students will be notified of their admission decision in writing no later than Mid-March. Students accepted through Regular Decision have until May 1, the National Candidates' Reply Date, to make their enrollment decision.

Timeline

Loyola offers a spring semester entry term for first-year students who have not completed any college coursework after high school graduation. Students who apply for spring admission will be notified of their admission on a rolling basis.

Timeline

Which decision plan is right for me?

You should apply "Early Decision I" if.

• Loyola is your number one choice, and you have a strong academic record at the start of your senior year.
• You’re ready to submit your application by the Nov. 15 deadline.
• You’re ready to commit to Loyola if accepted.

You should apply "Early Decision II" if.

• You need more time to determine if Loyola is your top choice and if accepted, you will enroll.
• You want more time to prepare your application, take standardized tests, or want to submit first-semester grades.
• You’ll be ready to submit your application by the Jan. 15 deadline.

You should apply "Early Action" if.

• You have strong interest in attending Loyola but don’t want to apply under binding Early Decision.
• You want the flexibility to compare admission and financial aid offers from other colleges.
• You’re ready to submit your application by the Nov. 15 deadline.

You Should Apply "Regular Decision" If.

• You want more time to prepare your application, take standardized tests, or want to submit first-semester grades.
• You want the flexibility to compare admission and financial aid offers from other colleges.
• You’ll be ready to submit your application by the Jan. 15 deadline.

Application Requirements & Review Process

The following application materials are required for all first-year students.

• Common Application
• Application fee ($60) or Fee Waiver*
• Personal Statement / Common Application Essay
• Official high school transcript
• High school counselor recommendation
• Optional: SAT or ACT scores
  • Loyola SAT code: 5370
  • Loyola ACT code: 1708

  Loyola accepts both official and self-reported test scores. Additional information and instructions for submitting your scores can be found in our Standardized Testing Policy on our Admission Policies page.

  *Loyola offers several application fee waivers for students. To learn more, please see our Application Fee Waiver Policy on our Admission Policies page.

  Loyola's Application Review Process

  The admission evaluation at Loyola combines an analysis of academic information submitted along with a review of recommendations, the record of extracurricular involvement and evidence of special talent, leadership, and service. The admission committee does not use a formula or have strict cutoffs. Instead, the admission office’s goal is to conduct a balanced and individual review, taking a number of factors into account. Please see below for the factors considered during review.

  Please see this additional information regarding the admission process for students applying to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

  Secondary School Course Recommendations

  Preparation in secondary school for admission to Loyola University Maryland should normally total 16 units including the following:

  Course	Units
  Classical or Modern World Language	3-4 units
  English	4 units
  History	2-3 units
  Mathematics	3-4 units
  Science	3-4 units

  Academic subjects are preferred to commercial, industrial, or technical subjects.

  Grades

  Grades are the best single indicator of a student’s potential for academic success in college and, as such, we weigh high school grades most heavily in our evaluation of applications for admission. The most competitive candidates have achieved at least a B+/A- average (weighted) in a challenging curriculum in grades 9 through 12. Students are encouraged to take the most rigorous coursework (advanced subjects, honors courses, AP courses, IB courses, college-level courses) available at their school.

  Loyola’s admission committee evaluates all grades earned, beginning with the 9th grade work. Since the most recent grades reflect a student’s current level of performance, we give extra weight to achievement in the junior and senior year grades available at the time the application is received and reviewed.

  Students accepted to the Class of 2027 had a 3.69 (weighted) average GPA.

  Standardized Tests

  The office of undergraduate admission considers standardized test scores as one of many criteria in a holistic admission review process. Submission of SAT and/or ACT scores are not required for students applying for full-time undergraduate admission. Test scores are also not required for consideration for admission to the Honors Program or for merit-based scholarships.

  Alternatively, if you believe your scores are a particularly strong component of your profile as an applicant, and representative of your academic achievements, then you are welcome to submit them for inclusion in your application file. Our evaluation process will utilize any scores that are submitted in evaluating eligibility for both admission and merit-based scholarship.

  For additional information on Loyola's standardized testing and test-optional admission policies, please visit our Admission Policies page.

  Recommendations

  Loyola requires one school counselor recommendation. If there are special circumstances (for example, a period of illness, personal difficulties, etc.) that an applicant wishes to bring to the attention of the admission committee, an additional letter from a counselor, teacher, or other party can be submitted.

  Extracurricular Activities

  When reviewing applications, we consider the candidate’s academic profile, as well as their extracurricular activities, work experience, service and community engagement, leadership roles, and family responsibilities.

  Use of Criminal and Disciplinary History Information

  Loyola University Maryland reviews all candidates for admission holistically. As a Jesuit institution, we are committed to treating those with a criminal or disciplinary history with dignity and respect. Therefore, past disciplinary or criminal history does not disqualify an applicant from consideration for admission at Loyola. Applicants must disclose information honestly and completely in response to the questions in the Common Application’s disciplinary history section. We encourage students to use the additional information section to provide the admission committee with details or context to best understand your experiences.

  Merit Scholarships

  All students are eligible to receive merit-based scholarships, and when you submit your application for admission, you’ll be automatically considered for each award we offer—no separate application is required. You’ll be notified of your merit scholarship award at the time of admission.

  Merit Scholarship Range: $30,000-$40,000

  Need-Based Financial Aid & Affordability

  We know that while you’re considering your options for college, both you and your family are seeking affordability and value. A Loyola education is more affordable than you think. Our generous financial aid packages can help fill the financial gap between the total cost of attendance and what your family can contribute.