Loyola University New Orleans logo

Loyola University New Orleans

Accept Rate
87.72%
Grad Rate
67.3%
Enrollment
2,999
Tuition
$47,240
Median Salary
$52,927
Overall Grade
C+
B-
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A
Diversity
C+
Campus
C+
Aid

The Vibe Check

Loyola University New Orleans offers a vibrant, Jesuit-inspired education in the heart of one of America's most culturally rich cities. The campus feels like a creative sanctuary, blending historic architecture with a lively, inclusive community that thrives on social justice and artistic expression. Students are immersed in an environment that feels both intimate and electric, fueled by the rhythms of the city just beyond its gates.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

87.72%
Open Admission

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

Showcase your creative and community-oriented side in your application essays, as Loyola values students who are passionate about the arts and social justice. With an acceptance rate of 87.72%, strong grades and test scores are important, but demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits or virtual events can strengthen your candidacy. Highlight any involvement in music, theater, or service projects, as these align with the university's core values.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Loyola excels in the arts and humanities, with top-ranked programs in visual and performing arts, music industry, and communications. The university emphasizes experiential learning and undergraduate research, particularly in its strong biology and psychology departments. Small class sizes foster close mentorship with faculty who are deeply invested in student success, reflecting the Jesuit tradition of care for the whole person.

Popular Majors

Visual & Performing Arts
20.6%
Business & Marketing
17.8%
Social Sciences
13.8%
Psychology
12.8%
Biology & Biomedical
7.5%
Communications
7.5%
English & Literature
3.7%
Computer Science
2.6%
History
2.5%
Health Professions
2.3%
Natural Resources
2%
Physical Sciences
1.7%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

67.3%
Graduation Rate
77.4%
Retention Rate
2,999
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$47,240
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$22,762
After financial aid
Total Cost
$61,837
Cost of attendance/year
37.2%
Receive Pell Grants
53.8%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in New Orleans

Student life is deeply intertwined with New Orleans' legendary culture, from spontaneous jazz performances on Frenchmen Street to volunteering at local festivals and community organizations. Weekends often involve exploring the city's world-class cuisine, attending concerts, or participating in Mardi Gras celebrations. The campus itself hosts numerous events, but the city is the ultimate playground for music, food, and service learning.

Local Rent Check

$1,149 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in New Orleans
Explore New Orleans

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$188,960
$0Est. 4 Years: $188,960

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($52,927):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Loyola's campus is located in the secure and well-patrolled University District, with 24/7 campus security and a strong relationship with the New Orleans Police Department. While the surrounding city has typical urban challenges, the university provides extensive safety resources, including a mobile safety app and well-lit pathways throughout campus.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Unbeatable location in a cultural hub for arts, music, and service learning
  • โœ“ Strong, tight-knit community with Jesuit values of social justice and holistic education
  • โœ“ Renowned programs in visual/performing arts, music industry, and communications
  • โœ“ High acceptance rate makes it an accessible option for a quality private education

Cons

  • โœ— Tuition is high, and while net price is lower, the overall cost is still significant
  • โœ— The urban setting may be overwhelming for students who prefer a traditional or isolated campus
  • โœ— Graduation rate (67.3%) is below the national average for private universities

Notable Alumni

Harry Connick Jr.
Grammy-winning jazz musician and actor who studied at Loyola before transferring to New York City.
Troy 'Trombone Shorty' Andrews
Renowned musician and bandleader who attended Loyola's School of Music.
Sonia Sotomayor
Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court attended Loyola for her undergraduate studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Loyola is renowned for its exceptional programs in visual and performing arts, music industry, and communications, as well as its strong business and social sciences departments. It is also known for its Jesuit identity, which emphasizes social justice, ethics, and service learning. The university's unique location in New Orleans provides unparalleled opportunities for cultural immersion and experiential education.

No, Loyola has a relatively high acceptance rate of 87.72%, making it an accessible option for many applicants. While it is not highly selective, admitted students typically have solid academic records, with an average GPA around 3.5. The university values a holistic review process, so extracurricular involvement and essays are important factors in the decision.

Campus life at Loyola is vibrant and community-focused, with a strong emphasis on the arts, social justice, and service. Students enjoy a residential campus with easy access to New Orleans' music, food, and festivals, while also participating in campus events, clubs, and NCAA Division III athletics. The Jesuit tradition fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to grow intellectually and personally.

The value depends on your career goals and financial aid package. With an average net price of $22,762 and median 10-year earnings of $52,927, the ROI is reasonable, especially for graduates in high-demand fields like business or healthcare. The unique cultural and networking opportunities in New Orleans, combined with a Jesuit education, can provide a strong foundation for a meaningful career.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Ochsner Health System Entergy NASA Michoud Assembly Facility Shell New Orleans Saints
Smart Start Score
61

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 3,674
  • In-State Tuition $47,240
  • Zip Code 70118

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 34.3% โ™€ 65.7%

The Money Talk

At a sticker price of $47,240, the degree is a significant investment, but the average net price of $22,762 after aid makes it more accessible for many families. With a 10-year median earnings of $52,927, the ROI is moderate, particularly for graduates entering high-demand fields like business and healthcare in a growing city. The strong alumni network and unique location can provide valuable career opportunities that offset the initial cost.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $47,240
Housing (12 mo) $13,788
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $68,228
With avg financial aid:
$22,762/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.