Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Baltimore, Maryland
76.3% Acceptance Rate
Loyola University Maryland — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
76.3%Acceptance Rate
3.65Avg GPA
1292Avg SAT
30Avg ACT
$71,606Annual Cost
$82,652Grad Salary
17.7%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
76.3%
Avg GPA
3.65
Avg SAT
1292
Avg ACT
30
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1180–1350
ACT Middle 50%
27–32
Need-Based Aid
17.7% receive Pell
Loyola University Maryland is a private, Catholic, Jesuit university known for its commitment to academic excellence, community service, and the development of the whole person. With a strong focus on the liberal arts and professional preparation, the university fosters an environment that encourages critical thinking, leadership, and social responsibility. Its emphasis on preparing students for lives of meaning and impact makes it a premier choice for a values-centered education.
Loyola University Maryland Acceptance Rate
Loyola University Maryland maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 76.3%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 76.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.65 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.45 – 3.64
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.20
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Loyola University Maryland Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for Loyola University Maryland is November 15 for Early Action applicants, with additional plans listed below. Admission decisions are typically released by December 20.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 122 days left — Early Action
Early Action
November 15
Decision by: December 20
Regular Decision
February 1
Decision by: March 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (November 15, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Loyola University Maryland GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Loyola University Maryland is 3.65. Loyola University Maryland is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.85-4.05 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.35 and 3.65, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Loyola University Maryland GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Loyola University Maryland utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.65, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.65 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.45 – 3.64
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.25 – 3.44
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.24
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Direct-entry BSN admission is exclusively available to first-year fall applicants applying by November 15 through Early Decision I or Early Action; current Loyola students cannot transfer into Nursing after enrolling under a different major.
- Nursing Wait List applicants choose between remaining active on the Nursing-specific waitlist or switching majors and being deferred to Regular Decision - the latter choice, if enrollment follows, permanently forecloses future transfer into Nursing.
- Clinical rotations begin in sophomore year (earlier than many peer direct-entry BSN programs) with nearly 900 total clinical hours by graduation.
- All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships with no separate application required, regardless of whether they submit standardized test scores under Loyola's test-optional policy; test-optional applicants remain fully eligible for the Honors Program as well.
- The Rigor Metric: At Loyola University Maryland, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Loyola University Maryland
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Loyola University Maryland's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Loyola University Maryland Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Loyola University Maryland Without SAT or ACT?
Loyola University Maryland considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Loyola University Maryland Average SAT Score: 1292
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Loyola University Maryland is 1292 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1292 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do well to score 1292 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1350 SAT or 32 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Loyola University Maryland allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1180, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Loyola University Maryland. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 615 | 570 | 660 |
| SAT Reading | 650 | 610 | 690 |
| SAT Composite | 1292 | 1180 | 1350 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1180 then you are below most of the admitted students at Loyola University Maryland and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1350 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into Loyola University Maryland with a 1350 SAT?
With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Loyola University Maryland are good but the admission staff at Loyola University Maryland tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Loyola University Maryland ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Loyola University Maryland is 30.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 30 — Very Competitive
This score makes Loyola University Maryland very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 30 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 27 | 24 | 29 |
| ACT English | 31 | 27 | 34 |
| ACT Composite | 30 | 27 | 32 |
Can I get into Loyola University Maryland with a 32 ACT?
A 32 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Loyola University Maryland — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Loyola University Maryland use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Loyola University Maryland — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Loyola University Maryland uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 32 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Loyola University Maryland
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Loyola University Maryland is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Apply to the Direct-Entry BSN by November 15 Through Early Decision I or Early Action Specifically - There Is No Later Entry Point Into Nursing at Loyola, Ever, Under Any Circumstance
Loyola's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is structured as a strict direct-entry program: admission is exclusive to first-year applicants applying for the fall semester who apply by November 15 through either binding Early Decision I or non-binding Early Action, and - critically - Loyola's own FAQ confirms that a student who enrolls at Loyola in any other major cannot later transfer into the Nursing program as a current student. This is a fundamentally different structure than most universities, where switching into nursing as a sophomore after building a strong GPA is at least theoretically possible. If nursing is even a serious possibility for you, you must apply to it directly, in your first application, by the November 15 deadline - there is no "prove yourself for a year and then switch in" pathway at Loyola specifically, unlike many peer institutions.
Understand the Nursing Wait List's Real Mechanics - You Get a Genuine Choice Between Staying Active or Switching Majors and Moving to Regular Decision, But Once You Enroll Under a Different Major You Cannot Reverse That Choice
If you apply to Nursing by the Early Decision I or Early Action deadline and aren't directly admitted, Loyola places you on a specific Nursing Wait List with two genuine options: remain active on that Nursing Wait List, or select a different major entirely and have your full application deferred into the Regular Decision round for reconsideration under that new major. This is a real, meaningful choice-point - but it's also a one-way door: if you choose the second path, get admitted under the new major during Regular Decision, and choose to enroll, Loyola's own FAQ is explicit that you will not be able to transfer into Nursing later as an enrolled student. Before making this choice, seriously evaluate your actual conviction about nursing specifically versus keeping options open, since switching to a backup major to secure admission forecloses the nursing pathway permanently rather than just delaying it.
Recognize That Loyola's Nursing Program's Nearly 900 Clinical Hours and Sophomore-Year Clinical Start Represent a Genuinely Accelerated Timeline Compared to Programs That Begin Clinical Work in Junior Year
Loyola's own program materials explicitly emphasize that clinical rotations begin in sophomore year (not junior year, which is more standard among BSN programs) and that students accumulate nearly 900 hours of clinical practice by graduation - a meaningfully larger and earlier clinical exposure than many comparable direct-entry BSN programs offer. If you're comparing Loyola's nursing program against other direct-entry BSN options, ask each competing program specifically when clinical rotations begin and what total clinical-hour count they report, since this earlier and more extensive clinical exposure is a genuine structural differentiator Loyola positions as central to its program identity - not just marketing language, but an actual difference in when and how much hands-on patient care experience you'll accumulate relative to peer programs.
Take Advantage of Loyola's Genuinely No-Extra-Step Merit Scholarship Process - Every Applicant Is Automatically Considered With No Separate Forms, Regardless of Test-Optional Status
Loyola explicitly states that every student who applies is automatically considered for merit-based scholarships with no extra forms required, and critically, this applies whether or not you choose to submit standardized test scores - students who apply test-optional remain fully eligible for both merit scholarships and the Honors Program without any disadvantage in either area. This removes a genuine source of anxiety many applicants have about test-optional policies (the fear that omitting scores silently disqualifies you from merit consideration) - you can make your test-submission decision purely based on whether your scores genuinely strengthen your application, without worrying it costs you scholarship eligibility either way.
Expert Insight:
Applicants sometimes assume that being placed on the Nursing Wait List functions like a typical university waitlist, where remaining patient and hoping for movement is the primary strategy - but Loyola's Wait List process involves an active decision point unique to this specific program: you must choose between staying on the Nursing Wait List or switching to a different major and being deferred to Regular Decision, and choosing the latter path (if you subsequently enroll) permanently forecloses any future transfer into Nursing as an enrolled student. A wait-listed nursing applicant who defaults into a "safety" major without fully weighing this permanence may be foreclosing the nursing pathway more decisively than they realize.
Loyola University Maryland Profile
Full Name
Loyola University Maryland
City
Baltimore
State
Maryland
ZIP Code
21210-2699
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Loyola University Maryland Degree Worth It?
Getting into Loyola University Maryland can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Loyola University Maryland offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Loyola University Maryland is $92,100 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.64%.
How much does a degree from Loyola University Maryland Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Loyola University Maryland is $71,606. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Loyola University Maryland is much less than this.
17.7% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 52.7 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Loyola University Maryland and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Loyola University Maryland, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Loyola University Maryland as your choice in the form.
How much does a Loyola University Maryland Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $82,652. An average Loyola University Maryland graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Loyola University Maryland. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | 1277 | 27 |
| Eckerd College | Saint Petersburg, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Daytona Beach, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Florida Southern College | Lakeland, FL | 1263 | 28 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Loyola University Maryland. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Delaware | Newark, DE | 1297 | 29 |
| Agnes Scott College | Decatur, GA | 1296 | 29 |
| University of Georgia | Athens, GA | 1301 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Loyola University Maryland. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrix College | Conway, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
Degree Programs at Loyola University Maryland
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Loyola University Maryland Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $82,652 annually, depending on the industry.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $71,606 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
17.7% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of Loyola University Maryland is 76.3% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.65. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.35, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.35, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.25 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.65, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Loyola University Maryland is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1292 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1180–1350.
The application deadline for Loyola University Maryland is November 15 for Early Action applicants. Admission decisions are released by December 20.
The scholarship priority deadline is November 15, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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