Loyola Marymount University is a southern California college that sits on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The university got its start as St. Vincent’s College for Boys in the mid-19th century. The school closed in the early 20th century and was replaced by a school named Los Angeles College.
The Jesuit founders of Los Angeles College saw rapid growth of their school and decided to incorporate and rename the school Loyola College of Los Angeles. By 1929, the school would relocate to its present-day location within the hills of Westchester, which is a community that borders Los Angeles International Airport.
It wasn’t until 1973 that LMU would get its modern name, but the college has retained features of its humble Catholic beginnings. The college still pays homage today to the centuries-old traditions of its Jesuit founders.
Mission/Vision
LMU honors its Catholic and Jesuit traditions as important to its identity and counts over 6,500 undergraduate students and 3,200 graduate students on its campus.
The university’s mission requires “rigorous” study of its students and encourages application from determined students who wish to lead lives with sense and reason. LMU offers education in the vibrant and ethnically diverse city of Los Angeles, which helps to promote a variety of cultural histories and talents.
Campus Setting
Students who have never visited Los Angeles might think that the university’s location is crushed between the Hollywood sign, Disneyland, and Beverly Hills, but the pastoral campus of LMU is open, peaceful and full of large greens.
Additionally, the campus overlooks acres of wetlands that brush up against the Pacific. In the past decade and a half, LMU has expanded upon available living quarters for students without sacrificing the open spaces and green environment for which this school is known.
Academics
The college offers 60 majors for undergraduate students and almost 40 different master’s degree tracts. Additionally students may enroll in one of 12 different credential programs, pursue an education doctorate, or study for a juris doctorate (JD).
LMU offers majors in several areas of study including English, history, applied mathematics, marketing, dance, and screenwriting, just to name a few. The college strives to keep its classes at 20 students or less for its undergraduate classes and 16 or less for its graduate courses.
Athletics
Sportsmen and women who play for Loyola do so as “Loyola Lions,” and the school features sports for men and women like basketball, cross country, rowing, tennis, and track. Men also have the opportunity to play baseball and golf while the women play for the school’s cheerleading and volleyball teams.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Loyola Marymount University is a private institution with very expensive tuition, while the exact cost of attendance varies depending upon a student’s status while enrolled. Please refer to the school’s website for further information.
Like most major universities, Loyola Marymount offers a variety of aid and scholarships. Students are also eligible for federal financial aid and grants.
Accreditation
Loyola Marymount has several accreditations which include:
- Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care
- California State Commission on Teacher Credentialing
- International Association of Counseling Services
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- And many others…
Admissions
Admission to LMU is selective, yet it is not incredibly difficult for students who have appropriate credentials to gain successful entry. According to statistics on the college, the school accepts approximately 50% of applicants and usually has an application deadline of mid-January.
LMU doesn’t have a strict set of guidelines for GPA and test scores; however, the school encourages applicants who are dedicated to academic excellence. The school suggests that writing ability, artistic accomplishments, recommendations, and volunteer/service experience are helpful.
For additional information about applications and acceptance to LMU, contact the university directly at:
admissions@lmu.edu
Office of Undergraduate Admission
Loyola Marymount University
1 LMU Drive Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90045-8350
Phone: 310-338-2750
Fax: 310-338-2797
