Loyola University Chicago Ranks 81 for ‘Top 100 Best Value Universities’

Loyola ranked No. 81 on the U.S. News and World Report 2025 Best Value Schools list and No. 132 on the Best National University Rankings List, U.S. News announced Sept. 24.

National rankings are determined by the resources offered to students and faculty, programs of study and the availability of post-graduate job opportunities, according to U.S. News. Best value rankings are dependent on the ratio of university quality to price, need-based aid for students, the percentage of need-based aid recipients for scholarships or grants and the average discount of the university.

Loyola announced the updated rankings in a Sept. 24 press release. The university was also ranked No. 89 among best colleges for veterans and No. 195 in top performers on social mobility, according to U.S. News.

Since beginning work February 19, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Douglas W. Woods said he has worked to improve the university and create success for undergraduate and graduate students.

Loyola has utilized its schools such as the School of Environmental Science, the Stritch School of Medicine and The School of Education’s partnership with Chicago Public Schools to create a sustainable, accepting and diverse campus, according to Woods.

One of the biggest individual factors determining the ranking were peer assessments conducted on campus. Peer rankings were conducted by deans and senior business faculty around the country. Woods said the university’s efforts to make sure each student is on the right path academically was one of the key standouts in the rankings.

Social mobility efforts continue to be implemented on campus to make sure each student is accommodated for, Woods said.

Loyola has raised over $100 million for first-generation college students, used millions from the federal government for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and worked to support minority business owners through the U.S. Small Business Administration according to the university. Woods said Loyola offers loans, financial aid and scholarship opportunities for each student.

“One of the reasons I wanted to come to Loyola was because I got a lot of money,” second-year English major Claire Bennan said. “I’m not from Chicago and since it was affordable it was worthwhile to come.”

The USNWR said 70% of first-year students received financial aid and the average scholarship for first-year students was $31,247 in the fall of 2022. Loyola’s retention rate sits at 88%, surpassing the national average, which is just 68.2%, according to Forbes.

Loyola’s nursing program was ranked No. 26 by USNWR.

The Collaboration, Access, Resources and Equity Pathway within the nursing school allows for students of varying backgrounds to succeed in their bachelor’s degree. The CARE Pathway provides academic, financial and socio-emotional support nursing students who self-identify as underrepresented in nursing from a social, economic or educational perspective, according to a Niehoff School of Nursing report.

Loyola ranked No. 94 for their undergraduate business program, ranking the Quinlan School of Business the top Chicago-Area Program, according to the school.

“As a business major, the professors were really helpful toward helping me understand what it takes to get a job after college and for getting internships and what that looks like,” fourth-year business student Gaby Bellido said.

The university was also recognized for ranking No. 39 for best undergraduate engineering programs, advancing 21 spots from the previous year.

This past year, a biomedical engineering team from Loyola won the NIH DEBUT Challenge based on their capstone project. The engineering program was also certified by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. 

The university was also recognized for its efforts to promote an eco-friendly, sustainable campus. 

The Jesuit values incorporated into Loyola’s curriculum aim to develop students into well-rounded individuals who possess leadership qualities and value service towards others, according to Woods.

“It’s not really the balance of Jesuit values creating the unique experience, it’s the Jesuit values that is the unique experience,” Woods said.

“I like how harder classes have SI’s that’ll hold sessions,” second-year neuroscience and psych major Amina Rabindra said. “I also like the tutoring center and the writing center. I like that there are all these resources.”

The School of Education partners with public schools in Chicago, granting students hands-on experience and preparation for their careers.

The urban life on campus gives students the experience, opportunity and resources needed for their future career, Woods said.

“I think I was attracted to Loyola because it’s in the city but there’s still a campus,” first-year biology student Lilly Drea said.

Woods said Loyola’s ranking was well-deserved, as the Jesuit values incorporated within academics promote the personal growth of each student on campus.

“The ranking reflects the quality of the university we have,” Woods said. “We know what scores we need to move to increase our rankings even more, and that’s what we’ll keep working toward.”