Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, Illinois · Private Nonprofit · 81.6% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 69/100 · Fair Value
Loyola University Chicago
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $53,710/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $53,710/yr |
| Average net price | $36,079/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $144,316 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $71,530 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $45,200 |
| Median debt at graduation | $24,157 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $256 |
| Estimated payback period | 7.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 73.0% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 11,737 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $28,992 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,663 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $32,432 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $36,853 |
| $110,001+ | $42,346 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Loyola University Chicago with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $87,922 | B |
| Psychology | $56,658 | D |
| Biology | $62,821 | D |
| Finance and Financial Management | $89,001 | B |
| International Relations | $63,437 | C |
| Marketing | $86,662 | C+ |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $68,942 | C |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $89,745 | B |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $58,373 | D |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $58,145 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Loyola University Chicago is $53,710/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $36,079/year, or roughly $144,316 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $28,992/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $42,346/year.
The median graduate leaves with $24,157 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $256 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $71,530 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.53 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 79.3% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 82.4% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 80.6% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 84.4% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 81.6% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 570-670 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 600-690 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 27-32 |
| Enrollment | 11,737 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 23.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $11,515 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola University Chicago (this school) | 69 | $36,079 | $71,530 |
| St. John's University-New York | 68 | $29,999 | $69,571 |
| Augustana College | 67 | $22,736 | $62,971 |
| Bellevue University | 65 | $17,550 | $61,289 |
| National University | 64 | $22,878 | $67,548 |
| School of the Art Institute of Chicago | 21 | $49,790 | $40,151 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Loyola University Chicago offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $36,079 per year leads to $144,316 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $71,530 a decade out. The payback period of 7.8 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
The data highlights several strengths: a 73.0% graduation rate, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $24,157 against $71,530 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.