Loyola Nursing Acceptance Rate And Requirements (2025)

Posted on Author Brian Philips

Pursuing a nursing career is one of the most rewarding decisions any student can make. Nursing combines compassion, clinical knowledge, and hands-on skills to improve patients’ lives every day. Among the leading institutions preparing students for this profession is Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing.

If you’re planning to apply, understanding the Loyola nursing acceptance rate and requirements is key to maximizing your chances of admission. This article breaks down everything you need to know about Loyola’s nursing program, including acceptance rates, entry requirements, tuition, application deadlines, and tips for standing out as an applicant.

Loyola Nursing Acceptance Rate

Loyola University Chicago’s Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing is considered competitive due to its strong academic reputation and the high demand for nursing education nationwide. The acceptance rate for Loyola nursing is around 55–60%, which means that out of every 100 applicants, only a little over half gain admission. This places Loyola in a moderately selective category compared to some nursing schools with much lower admission rates.

The competitiveness of admission depends on several factors:

  • Number of applications received each year – Nursing programs are in high demand, so the pool of applicants is typically large.
  • Academic performance of applicants – Higher GPA and test scores improve admission chances.
  • Clinical and volunteer experience – Applicants with healthcare-related experience often have a competitive edge.

Factors Affecting Acceptance Rate

  1. Freshman vs. Transfer Applicants: Freshman applicants generally face a slightly higher acceptance rate compared to transfer students, who must meet stricter GPA cutoffs.
  2. Program Track: Loyola offers multiple tracks (BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD). Acceptance rates vary depending on the program. The traditional BSN is the most competitive, while graduate-level programs may admit fewer but more qualified candidates.
  3. Class Size: Each cohort is limited to maintain small student-to-faculty ratios, which contributes to the selectivity.

In short, while Loyola is not the hardest nursing program to get into, applicants should prepare a strong academic and extracurricular profile to increase their chances.

Loyola Nursing Requirements

To be considered for admission, students must meet a combination of academic prerequisites, application materials, and personal qualities. Below is a breakdown of Loyola nursing requirements at the undergraduate level:

Academic Requirements

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • Minimum GPA: Loyola typically looks for at least a 3.0 GPA, though admitted students often exceed this. Competitive applicants usually fall in the 3.5–4.0 range.
  • Coursework Prerequisites: Students must demonstrate strong performance in core subjects, particularly:
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Anatomy and Physiology
    • Mathematics (Algebra or higher)
    • English

Standardized Tests

  • ACT/SAT: Loyola is test-optional, but strong scores can boost applications. For reference:
    • Average ACT: 24–29
    • Average SAT: 1150–1350

Application Materials

  • Completed Common Application or Loyola’s institutional application.
  • Official high school or transfer transcripts.
  • Personal statement/essay highlighting interest in nursing and alignment with Loyola’s mission.
  • Letters of recommendation (preferably from teachers in science or healthcare fields).
  • Resume (optional but recommended for students with healthcare experience).

Clinical and Background Requirements (Post-Admission)

Once admitted, nursing students must complete:

  • Health screenings and immunizations.
  • CPR certification.
  • Criminal background checks and drug screenings.
  • Proof of health insurance coverage.

Loyola Nursing Programs Offered

Loyola’s Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing provides several pathways for students at different academic and professional stages:

  1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Traditional 4-year program.
  2. Accelerated BSN (ABSN) – Designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field.
  3. RN to BSN Program – For registered nurses seeking to advance their education.
  4. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Offers specializations like Nurse Practitioner tracks.
  5. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – For advanced practice nurses and leadership roles.
  6. PhD in Nursing – Research-focused program for those pursuing academic or policy careers.

Each program has slightly different requirements and acceptance rates, but all emphasize Loyola’s values of ethical practice, leadership, and service.

Loyola Nursing Tuition and Financial Aid

Understanding tuition costs is essential when planning for nursing school. Loyola University Chicago is a private institution, so tuition may be higher than public schools, but it also offers financial aid.

  • Undergraduate Nursing (BSN): Around $50,000 per year in tuition (before financial aid).
  • Accelerated BSN: Roughly $24,000–$28,000 for the 16-month program.
  • Graduate Programs (MSN, DNP, PhD): Range between $1,200–$1,400 per credit hour.

Financial Aid Opportunities

  • Merit-based scholarships.
  • Federal grants and loans.
  • Nursing-specific scholarships.
  • Work-study programs.
  • Loyola’s mission-based scholarships for service and leadership.

How to Get Into Loyola Nursing: Tips for Applicants

Because admission to Loyola’s nursing program is competitive, applicants should go beyond meeting the minimum requirements. Here are some strategies to strengthen your application:

  1. Maintain a High GPA – Aim for at least 3.5 to be competitive.
  2. Gain Healthcare Experience – Volunteer at hospitals, nursing homes, or community health centers.
  3. Craft a Strong Personal Statement – Highlight your passion for nursing, personal experiences, and how Loyola’s Jesuit values align with your goals.
  4. Secure Strong Recommendations – Teachers or supervisors who can speak to your academic ability and character are invaluable.
  5. Show Leadership and Service – Involvement in clubs, organizations, or community service reflects Loyola’s mission of preparing socially responsible nurses.
  6. Apply Early – Submitting your application before deadlines increases chances of admission and scholarships.

Career Outcomes for Loyola Nursing Graduates

Graduating from Loyola provides a strong foundation for career success in nursing. The school boasts high NCLEX pass rates, often above the national average, ensuring that students are well-prepared for licensure.

Career Opportunities for Graduates:

  • Registered Nurse (RN) in hospitals, clinics, or community health centers.
  • Nurse Practitioner in family practice, pediatrics, or acute care.
  • Nurse Educator in academic or training settings.
  • Nurse Administrator in healthcare leadership roles.
  • Research or policy positions for PhD-trained graduates.

Many Loyola graduates secure jobs quickly after graduation, with some hospitals even partnering with Loyola to recruit new nurses directly.

Why Choose Loyola Nursing?

Several unique factors set Loyola’s Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing apart from other programs:

  • Jesuit Mission: Focus on ethical leadership, social justice, and service.
  • Clinical Placements: Students gain hands-on experience in Chicago’s top hospitals.
  • Small Class Sizes: Promotes personalized learning and mentorship.
  • Research Opportunities: Access to nursing research initiatives and community health projects.
  • National Recognition: Consistently ranked among the top nursing schools in the U.S.

Conclusion

Loyola University Chicago’s Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing is an excellent choice for aspiring nurses. With an acceptance rate of around 55–60%, the program is selective but accessible to dedicated students. Meeting the Loyola nursing requirements, including strong academics, prerequisite courses, and a passion for healthcare, is essential to securing a spot.

Beyond academics, Loyola’s emphasis on Jesuit values, community service, and leadership ensures that graduates are not only skilled healthcare professionals but also compassionate leaders in their field. Whether you’re applying as a freshman, transfer, or graduate student, preparing early and submitting a strong application will give you the best chance of success.

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