Loyola Marymount University Loyola Marymount University (LMU), founded in 1911, is a prestigious private Jesuit and Marymount research university in Los Angeles, California. Situated on a stunning 142-acre bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, LMU offers a values-based education emphasizing ethics, social justice, and the integration of faith and reason. The university comprises seven schools and colleges, including the highly ranked LMU Loyola Law School and the acclaimed School of Film and Television, whose alumni include numerous Hollywood professionals. LMU consistently ranks among the top regional universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report.
The campus features exceptional facilities such as the William H. Hannon Library, the state-of-the-art Life Sciences Building, and the newly constructed Playa Vista Campus for creative industries. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, LMU provides intimate learning experiences despite its location in a major metropolitan area. The university's mission emphasizes educating the whole person through programs like the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts and the renowned LMU Study Abroad program. Athletics also play a significant role, with the Lions competing in NCAA Division I. LMU's commitment to service learning and its prime Los Angeles location create unparalleled opportunities for internships and career development.
Loyola Marymount University Acceptance Rate
Loyola Marymount University is a well-known institution with a selective admissions process. With an acceptance rate of 40.29%, successful applicants typically show strong performance across both academic and personal categories.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Loyola Marymount University Admission Requirements
Loyola Marymount University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Loyola Marymount University is 3.92. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.62 and 3.92, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.
Loyola Marymount University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Extreme selectivity; requires elite academic standing.
Recommended Strategy: High Course Rigor (AP/IB/Honors) to validate the grade.
Admissions at Loyola Marymount University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.92, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.92 – 4.00 | Academic Target | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.72 – 3.91 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.52 – 3.71 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.51 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Loyola Marymount University, 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.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Loyola Marymount University SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
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 2025 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.
Loyola Marymount University Average SAT Score: 1380
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Loyola Marymount University is 1380 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1380 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1410 SAT or ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Loyola Marymount University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1340, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Loyola Marymount University. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 0 | ||
| SAT Reading | 0 | ||
| SAT Composite | 1380 | 1340 | 1410 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1340 then you are below most of the admitted students at Loyola Marymount University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1410 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 1400
Can I get into Loyola Marymount University with a 1400 SAT?
With a 1400 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Loyola Marymount University are good but the admission staff at Loyola Marymount University 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 Marymount University Profile
Name: Loyola Marymount University
City: Los Angeles
URL: https://www.lmu.edu/
State: California
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 90045-2659
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
How much does a degree from Loyola Marymount University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Loyola Marymount University is USD: 75867. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Loyola Marymount University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
13.03% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 30.37 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Loyola Marymount University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Loyola Marymount University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Loyola Marymount University as your choice in the form.
How much a Loyola Marymount University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 78349. An average Loyola Marymount University 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 USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Loyola Marymount University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Pepperdine University, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
| United States Air Force Academy | United States Air Force Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
| University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut, CT | 1338 | 31 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton College, IL | 1363 | 30 |
| Centre College | Centre College, KY | 1345 | 29 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Loyola Marymount University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, IN | 1389 | 32 |
| St. John's College | St. John's College, MD | 1381 | 31 |
| St Olaf College | St Olaf College, MN | 1373 | 30 |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | Rutgers University-New Brunswick, NJ | 1383 | 31 |
| Bard College | Bard College, NY | 1387 | 31 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Loyola Marymount University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Colorado College | Colorado College, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| Connecticut College | Connecticut College, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| George Washington University | George Washington University, DC | 1433 | 33 |
| University of Miami | University of Miami, FL | 1416 | 32 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Applied Mathematics
- Area Studies
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Commerce, General
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions About Loyola Marymount University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $78349 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $75867 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Loyola Marymount University is 40.29 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.92. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: 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 3.62, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.62, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.62 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.52 or less, it may makes 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.
Question: Can I apply to Loyola Marymount University if my GPA is below 3.52
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.92, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Loyola Marymount University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1380 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1340-1410
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: 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.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: 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.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Loyola Marymount University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.