Loyola University Maryland is expanding its financial aid offerings for incoming students, guaranteeing at least $40,000 annually for eligible Catholic high school graduates and full tuition coverage for qualifying Maryland students with significant financial need.
The Baltimore-based Jesuit university announced several new and expanded affordability initiatives that will take effect for students entering in fall 2027. The programs are designed to make a private Catholic education more accessible while providing families with greater certainty about college costs earlier in the admissions process.
Among the initiatives is Loyola’s new Catholic High School Commitment, which will provide eligible graduates of Catholic high schools in the United States and abroad with at least $40,000 annually in Loyola-funded scholarships and grants. The award totals a minimum of $160,000 over four years for students who meet renewal requirements.
University officials said the commitment recognizes both the investment families have made in Catholic education and Loyola’s longstanding relationships with Catholic secondary schools.
“As a Jesuit, Catholic university, Loyola shares with Catholic high schools a commitment to educating the whole person and preparing students to lead and serve others,” said Eric Nichols, vice president for enrollment management. “We also recognize the investment families have already made in Catholic education – and we want those students and families to know that continuing their Catholic education at Loyola can be financially within reach.”
Loyola President Terrence M. Sawyer said the new initiatives reflect the university’s broader effort to remove financial barriers that can discourage students from considering private higher education.
“These new commitments reflect Loyola’s desire to make an exceptional Jesuit education more accessible while providing students and families with greater clarity about affordability earlier in the college search process,” Sawyer said.
The university also announced the Maryland Promise, a statewide initiative that will guarantee full undergraduate tuition coverage for eligible Maryland students through a combination of federal, state and Loyola-funded grants and scholarships.
To qualify, students must receive both the Federal Pell Grant and the Maryland Guaranteed Access Grant, a state-administered program that provides up to $18,000 annually in need-based aid to Maryland residents with significant financial need.
“For many students and families, the published cost of a private university can make a Loyola education seem out of reach before they ever explore the financial aid available to them,” Nichols said. “The Maryland Promise provides families with a clear and simple message: If you qualify for the program, Loyola will ensure that your tuition is covered.”
Sawyer credited Maryland’s financial aid program with helping make the initiative possible.
“The State of Maryland’s investment through the Guaranteed Access Grant is essential to making this commitment possible,” Sawyer said. “The state has made a meaningful commitment to ensuring that talented Maryland students with significant financial need can access higher education, and Loyola is proud to build upon that investment. By bringing together state, federal and Loyola resources, we can provide these students with access to an exceptional Jesuit education and create opportunities that none of us could provide as effectively alone.”
Loyola is simultaneously expanding its existing Charm City Promise for Baltimore City students. Beginning with the fall 2027 entering class, graduates of Baltimore City high schools who receive both the Federal Pell Grant and Maryland Guaranteed Access Grant will have tuition, housing and meal costs fully covered.
The expanded benefit is intended to eliminate additional barriers to Loyola’s residential experience for qualified students from the city.
In addition, Loyola is introducing an Early Decision Commitment for students admitted through Early Decision I or Early Decision II. Under the program, students will receive at least $40,000 annually in Loyola-funded scholarships and grants, totaling at least $160,000 over four years.
For students with greater demonstrated financial need, Loyola said it will meet 100% of demonstrated need toward direct costs through a combination of federal, state and university aid.
University officials said no separate applications will be required for the Maryland Promise, Charm City Promise, Catholic High School Commitment or Early Decision Commitment. The initiatives represent Loyola’s latest effort to increase transparency and affordability while expanding access to a Jesuit education for students in Maryland and beyond.
For more information about eligibility requirements and the financial aid initiatives, visit loyola.edu/department/financial-aid/undergraduate.
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