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.
Apply with the Common Application
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.
| Application Plan | Application Deadline | Notification | Reply Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I | November 15 | by late December | January 15 |
| Early Action | November 15 | by mid-January | May 1 |
| Nursing (BSN) Applicants | 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. | ||
| Early Decision II | January 15 | by early March | March 15 |
| Regular Decision | January 15 | by late March | May 1 |
| Spring Admission | November 15 | Rolling | December 15 |
Nursing (BSN) Applicants
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
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.
Learn more about applying early decision to Loyola
Timeline
| Application Deadline | November 15 |
|---|---|
| Admission & Scholarship Notification | by late December |
| Deposit Deadline | January 15 |
Early Action
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
| Application Deadline | November 15 |
|---|---|
| Admission and Scholarship Notification | Mid-January |
| Deposit Deadline | May 1 |
Early Decision II
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.
Learn more about applying early decision to Loyola
Timeline
| Application Deadline | January 15 |
|---|---|
| Admission & Scholarship Notification | by early March |
| Deposit Deadline | March 15 |
Regular Decision
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
| Application Deadline | January 15 |
|---|---|
| Financial Aid Application Deadline | February 15 |
| Admission and Scholarship Notification | Mid-March |
| Financial Aid Notification | Late March |
| Deposit Deadline | May 1 |
Spring Admission
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
| Application Deadline for International Students | October 15* |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | November 15 |
| Financial Aid Application Deadline | November 15 |
| Admission and Scholarship Notification | Rolling |
| Financial Aid Notification | Rolling |
| Deposit Deadline | December 15 |
*additional information about the international application process
Which decision plan is right for me?
Learn more about applying Early Decision to Loyola
Application Requirements & Review Process
Required Materials
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
- Additional details on admission to the Nursing major
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
Explore Merit Scholarship Opportunities
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.
You can apply for financial aid in one easy step—by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students who submit their FAFSA by the deadline will receive their need-based financial aid package within two business days of their admission decision.
Learn more about affordability and financial aid
After You Apply
Check the status of your application
You can log in to your Applicant Status Portal to track materials and the status of your application. Your account information was sent to the email address you used to apply immediately upon receiving your application. Please check your junk or spam folder if you don't see the confirmation email.
Keep in mind that most credentials (transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters, etc.) can take up to one week after you apply to post to your application account. Your application account is updated in real time and contains the most current information. If you had credentials sent to Loyola before submitting your application, those items may not post until one week after you applied.
Admission decisions will be released electronically through the Applicant Status Portal, and you will be notified by email to check your status when a decision has been made.
Visit Loyola
There’s no better way to learn about Loyola than to experience it yourself! Register for an on-campus tour or join us for an online event or virtual visit experience to easily engage with our community and learn more about Loyola from any location. We’re offering 1-on-1 video chats with admission and financial aid counselors, live and pre-recorded information sessions and workshops, and webinars on various academic and student life topics. Start connecting with your future Greyhound family today!
Apply for Financial Aid
We know that applying for financial aid can be confusing and frustrating, and we're here to help! Our financial aid team is dedicated to helping you navigate the application process and committed to making our Jesuit education affordable and accessible for all students. To be considered for need-based financial aid, applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additional details about the application process and deadlines can be found our Financial Aid website.
Additional information on the need-based financial aid application process can be found on our financial aid website:
Consider applying to an Honors or Scholars Program
Honors Program
High-achieving students can enroll in the university's Honors Program. Taught by Loyola's most distinguished faculty, Honors classes are small and are combined with an extensive program of excursions and events, discussions and lectures, and extracurricular enrichment.
Learn more and apply to Loyola's Honors Program
Hyman Science Scholars Program
This program features an interdisciplinary course of study in computer science, physics, mathematics, statistics, and data science and offers need-based scholarship opportunities in these fields. Students benefit from learning in a cohort and from faculty mentorship and opportunities for competitive internships, networking, and career development in STEM fields beyond Loyola.
Learn more and apply to the Hyman Science Scholars Program
Sellinger Scholars
This four-year honors program in business administration is designed to prepare high-achieving, highly-motivated students for roles of business leadership and service. Through the Sellinger Scholars Program, classroom education is augmented through unique opportunities to interact with business professionals and community leaders and it is completed with skills-based learning.
Get your questions answered—Contact Your Counselor!
Have questions? Contact your admission counselor! The same counselor visiting your high school, or representing Loyola at a college fair in your area, is your contact and resource in Loyola’s office of undergraduate admission, and are first to read your application! They are here for you throughout your college search.