Loyola University New Orleans

Campus life at Loyola pulses with the eclectic vibe of New Orleans. Students can join 115+ organizations, including 14 Greek groups, and activities range from mixed martial arts clubs to cultural societies. The Department of Student Life and Ministry orchestrates daily events, from film screenings to leadership workshops, ensuring there’s always something happening. The university’s urban setting means students often venture into the city for jazz festivals, Mardi Gras, and community service opportunities.

Loyola’s six-year graduation rate sits at 59%, slightly below the national average for private universities. Graduates earn a median salary of $28,735 one year post-graduation, rising to $52,927 in later years. The university recently secured a $1.3 million federal grant to improve retention and graduation rates among first-generationFirst-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. and low-income students, signaling a push to bolster outcomes.

Tuition and fees total $49,524, but 72.56% of students receive financial aid, bringing the average net priceNet priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. down to $26,150. Merit scholarships for international students range up to $15,000, while domestic applicants can use the university’s net price calculator to estimate personalized aid packages. Loyola emphasizes affordability through grants and scholarships, though the sticker price reflects its private institution status.

Loyola’s fusion of Jesuit rigor and New Orleans’ creative spirit makes it unique. Unlike more insular campuses, it embraces the city as a classroom—whether through jazz studies, service learning in post-Katrina communities, or internships at French Quarter galleries. While its graduation rates lag, its arts programs and tight-knit community attract students seeking a vibrant, socially engaged education. Recent investments in student success initiatives hint at a university striving to marry its cultural dynamism with stronger academic outcomes.