Ideal weather year round and solid programs in film and television, liberal arts and sciences, and business – this is what you will find at Loyola Marymount University. Established in 1911, LMU is situated on a 142-acre bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Marina del Rey and is the only Roman Catholic University in Los Angeles. 

Here are a few quick facts about LMU:

4-year Graduation rate: 76%, 6-year: 84%

Acceptance: 47%

Freshman retention: 90%

Freshmen out of state: 40% 

Most popular majors: Management, Marketing, Communication Studies, Film and Television Production

Student Community Diversity: 7% Black, 22% Latino, 10% International

Housing: Fifty-three percent of students live in on-campus housing, which is described as “pretty nice.” Many first-year students opt to participate in themed living/learning communities, for example, some are dedicated to specific academic disciplines. LMU students will find a variety of meal plan options and all types of food available. Students report that campus security is good and that they feel safe on campus.

Academics: Loyola Marymount’s general education requirements (the Core Curriculum) is designed to encourage “intellectual breadth.” Themes include faith and reason; virtue and justice; culture, art and society; and science, nature and society. The main tenant of this curricular requirement is that it encourages students to be open to various studies. Freshmen will find lots of support through programs such as the honors program and first-year seminar. 

While Loyola Marymount is known for the majors mentioned previously, it also has solid programs in engineering, theatre arts, political science, English, and economics. Students in the School of Film and Television have access to a student-run production office, a television stage and a film soundstage with a professional quality green screen. Students are encouraged to produce their own documentaries that are exhibited at film festivals in both Germany and the United States. 

The College of Science and Engineering takes part in national competitions to design steel bridges and race eco-friendly cars. Need another reason to choose LMU? There are lots of internship opportunities (Disney, MTV and Warner Brothers are on the list of participating companies) and study abroad options are offered on six continents. Nearly a third, 29%, of students participate in one of these experiences during their time at LMU. 

Similar colleges to consider: University of Southern California, UCLA, Santa Clara, Chapman

Social: Loyola Marymount students can expect to have an active social life both on and off campus, with student organizations and clubs frequently hosting events and activities, and beautiful surroundings for those who like to get outdoors. Marina del Rey and Santa Monica are a short car or bus ride away, and those who have a case of wanderlust may find themselves on a road trip to San Diego, Santa Barbara, Las Vegas or Mexico, some of the most popular destinations for LMU undergrads. 

Greek life attracts 17% of men and 29% of women, but students say there is little pressure to drink. The university’s Jesuit heritage has led to a social atmosphere that motivates students to improve themselves through a dedication to helping others, evidenced by the 200,000 hours of volunteer service students put in every year. 

LMU’s varsity teams compete in the Division I West Coast Conference with women’s water polo being a recent champ. Men’s and women’s soccer teams and the women’s volleyball team are also pretty competitive. The LMU Lions’ rivalry with Pepperdine draws a large crowd and the basketball team’s annual pep rally, referred to as “LMU Madness” is another big event. Not to be overlooked is the debate team, which has placed first in more than 250 national and international tournaments over the past 40 years. 

Financial:  Loyola Marymount offers both need-based and non-need based merit aid and scholarships. The average percentage of student need met is 68%, with 23% being fully met. Although the tuition and fees are roughly $73,000 (tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students), the average financial aid package is $29,012. 90% of students receive financial assistance in the form of scholarships and grants.