Loyola Marymount University

Loyola Marymount University (LMU) is a private, nonprofit Jesuit and Marymount university in Los Angeles. Its Westchester campus combines a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum with professional schools in film and television, business, education, communication and fine arts, science and engineering, and law. That range matters when comparing LMU: the undergraduate experience on the hilltop main campus, graduate study, and the downtown law campus have different admissions processes, costs, and day-to-day settings.

Programs and who may find a fit

LMU lists 55 undergraduate majors, 58 minors, 46 master’s programs, four doctoral programs, and 14 credentials or authorizations. Areas of study include accounting and business, communication and media, film and television, animation, liberal arts, education, engineering, environmental studies, health professions, law, and the sciences. Representative options include accounting, animation, production, biology, computer science, mechanical engineering, psychology, and teacher preparation; the university’s program finder is the place to confirm the exact degree, campus, and current availability. Loyola Law School is part of LMU but is based at a separate downtown campus. The breadth of programs, smaller classes, and Los Angeles internship possibilities may appeal to students seeking an interdisciplinary private-university setting. Applicants focused on a single profession should compare the curriculum and any required portfolio, audition, licensure, or graduate prerequisites before choosing a major.

LMU is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC); the commission lists its main Los Angeles campus as active and reports that it distributes federal financial aid. Program-specific accreditation and approvals vary by school and degree, so students entering fields such as law, education, business, or health professions should check the credential and licensing requirements for their intended career.

Applying and paying for college

First-year admission is selective and reviewed holistically. LMU accepts the Common Application, the LMU application, and the Coalition Application. Its current guidance makes SAT and ACT scores optional, calls for a school-official recommendation and transcripts, and requires a portfolio or audition for certain art, dance, music, theater, animation, and film production applicants. Early Decision I and II are binding; Early Action is nonbinding. Transfer applicants follow a separate checklist, and law and graduate applicants apply through their respective schools. Check the current application instructions and deadlines before submitting materials, since dates and requirements vary by applicant type and entry term.

For 2026–27, published undergraduate tuition is $68,042 for a full academic year at 12 or more semester hours, before mandatory fees, housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses. The total cost therefore depends on program, enrollment, and living arrangement. LMU says 90% of undergraduates received some form of financial aid in 2025–26. Eligible students can pursue federal and state aid through the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application, as applicable, and LMU institutional grants and scholarships. First-year applicants are automatically considered for LMU academic scholarships with no separate scholarship application; awards are selective and renewal is subject to stated requirements. Build an individual estimate with the university’s cost-of-attendance information and review scholarships and eligibility before comparing net cost with other offers. Federal, state, and institutional aid rules can change, so confirm the current year’s forms, deadlines, and award conditions with Financial Aid.

Campuses and getting in touch

• Westchester main campus: 1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90045-2659; (310) 338-2700. University Human Resources posts weekday office hours of 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; this is an administrative-office schedule, not a promise that every campus service or building is open then. Call before traveling to a particular office.
• Downtown Law Campus: 919 Albany Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015; (213) 736-1000. Contact Loyola Law School for visit and service hours.
• Playa Vista Campus: 12105 E. Waterfront Drive, Suite 200, Playa Vista, CA 90094; (310) 338-2700. Confirm that your program or appointment is based at this location before visiting.

LMU’s Financial Aid office is on the Westchester campus and receives visitors weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; it also offers scheduled counseling appointments, including Spanish-language assistance on request. Prospective undergraduates can use LMU’s campus visit and event options or start an application. For financial-aid questions, contact the office before sending documents containing personal information; its site directs students to secure upload channels.

What student comments emphasize

Comments published by students on Niche often praise the close-knit campus community, access to professors, small classes, student activities, and the opportunities that come with studying in Los Angeles. Other reviewers question whether the high cost is matched by available resources, and some describe competition for courses or production equipment in film. These are individual experiences, not a guarantee of what a particular student will encounter. When speaking with admissions or current students, ask about class availability in your intended major, access to labs or production resources, advising, internship support, and the aid package you would actually receive. Read student perspectives alongside program requirements and your own net-cost estimate.