Applying to college can be both exciting and financially draining. Alongside tuition, housing, and test prep expenses, application fees can quickly add up—especially for students applying to multiple schools. So, a popular question arises:
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about Loyola University’s application process,And myLoyola is a free online patient portal provided by Loyola University Health System (LUHS). It allows patients to securely access, manage, and share their health information online through any web browser or mobile device.
including:
- Whether there’s an application fee
- Which programs offer free applications
- How to apply for fee waivers
- Tips to keep your application costs low
Let’s get started.
The Cost of Applying to College
Before diving into Loyola specifically, let’s look at the typical college application landscape.
| Application Type | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Public Universities | $25–$75 |
| Private Universities | $50–$100+ |
| Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT) | $55–$70 per test |
| Application Portals (e.g., Common App) | Free, but schools on the platform may charge fees |
Applying to 6–10 colleges could cost hundreds in fees. That’s why it’s crucial to identify schools with free applications, or those that offer application fee waivers.
Is the Loyola Application Free?
Loyola University is a well-respected Jesuit institution with several campuses, including:
- Loyola University Chicago (LUC)
- Loyola University New Orleans
- Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles)
Each campus has its own application structure. Here’s a breakdown:
For Most Undergraduate Applicants
- Loyola University Chicago (LUC):
✅ Yes — The application is free for first-year undergraduate applicants.
LUC does not charge an application fee when applying via the Common App or its official site. - Loyola University New Orleans:
✅ Also free for undergraduate applicants.
The university promotes accessible applications with zero upfront cost. - Loyola Marymount University (LMU):
❌ Application fee may apply (check current year status on Common App).
However, fee waivers are available for qualifying students.
For Online Programs & Continuing Ed
- Loyola offers select online degree programs with free applications, especially at the continuing education or adult learning level.
For Graduate or Professional Programs
- Application fees may apply for:
- Law School
- Graduate Nursing (DNP, MSN)
- MBA or other business programs
- These fees typically range from $40 to $100.
- ✅ However, fee waivers may be available based on financial need or promotional periods.
Application Requirements at Loyola: What You’ll Need
Even though the application may be free, you’ll still need to submit:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Transcripts | High school and/or college coursework |
| Standardized Test Scores | Optional for many Loyola programs (test-optional policy applies) |
| Personal Essay | Submit via Common App or direct application portal |
| Letters of Recommendation | May be required for certain programs or scholarships |
| Supplemental Materials | Program-specific portfolios or essays (varies by major) |
📌 Always check the exact requirements for the Loyola campus and program you’re applying to.
How to Save on Application Costs
Even when Loyola’s application is free, these tips can help reduce costs when applying to other schools:
1. Apply to Schools with No Fees
Loyola is among hundreds of colleges that have waived their application fees—especially post-COVID. Be sure to research schools that match both your budget and academic goals.
2. Use Application Fee Waivers
If Loyola does charge an application fee for your program (like graduate school), here’s how to apply for a waiver:
- Submit the FAFSA early
- Request a College Board, NACAC, or Common App fee waiver
- Reach out to Loyola Admissions to explain your financial need
3. Look for Loyola Scholarships
Many incoming students receive merit-based or need-based scholarships. These can cover:
- Tuition
- Housing
- Books
- Even application-related costs in some cases
FAQs: Is Loyola’s Application Free?
1. Is the application to Loyola University Chicago free?
Yes. LUC waives the application fee for undergraduate applicants.
2. Does Loyola offer fee waivers for graduate programs?
Yes. You can request a fee waiver based on financial hardship or special events (e.g., virtual fairs).
3. Is the Common App free when applying to Loyola?
Yes. Loyola waives its application fee on the Common Application platform.
4. Are online programs at Loyola free to apply to?
Many of Loyola’s fully online programs offer no-cost applications.
5. What if I’m applying to multiple campuses with “Loyola” in the name?
Each Loyola University operates independently. Always verify fees and deadlines on the specific campus’s website.
How to Apply to Loyola: Step-by-Step
- Choose Your Campus
(e.g., Loyola Chicago, Loyola New Orleans, Loyola Marymount) - Visit the Official Website
Locate the admissions section for undergraduate or graduate applicants. - Start Your Application
Choose between the Common App or the Loyola application portal. - Check Fee Status
- Undergraduate = typically free
- Graduate = verify by program
- Request Fee Waiver (if applicable)
Contact admissions directly or use waiver tools within Common App.
Conclusion
So, is Loyola’s application free? Yes — for most undergraduate students, especially through Common App or the school’s own website.
For other programs, particularly at the graduate or professional level, a small application fee may be required—but waivers are widely available.
Here’s what to remember:
- Don’t let application fees discourage you from applying.
- Explore fee-free schools like Loyola and use waivers where needed.
- Reach out to admissions for support and clarification.
The path to college doesn’t have to be expensive. With planning and research, your dream school is within reach—and it might just be Loyola.