Loyola University Medical School Fees and Tuition for International Students 2025

Pursuing a medical education in the United States is a dream for many international students, and Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine stands out as a prestigious institution rooted in Jesuit values, emphasizing social justice and patient-centered care.

However, understanding the financial commitment, especially for international students, is crucial before embarking on this journey.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the Loyola University Medical School fees for international students in the USA, additional costs, financial aid options, and tips to manage expenses, ensuring you’re well-prepared to make an informed decision.

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Why Choose Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine?

Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine, located in Maywood, Illinois, is renowned for its holistic admissions process, rigorous curriculum, and commitment to training physician-leaders dedicated to health equity.

The school’s emphasis on serving underserved communities aligns with its Jesuit mission, making it an attractive choice for international students passionate about impactful healthcare. With a faculty-student ratio of 1.1:1 and extensive clinical training opportunities at Loyola University Medical Center, students receive personalized attention and hands-on experience.

However, international students face unique financial considerations, as they are often ineligible for federal financial aid. Let’s break down the costs and explore ways to navigate them.

Loyola University Medical School Fees and Tuition for International Students

For the 2025–2026 academic year, the tuition at Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine is $67,295 for both in-state and out-of-state students, including international students.

Unlike many public medical schools that charge higher rates for out-of-state or international applicants, Loyola’s private status ensures a uniform tuition rate, making it a relatively equitable option.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the primary costs:

• Tuition: $67,295 per year

• University Fees: Approximately $940 (covering technology, library services, and other campus resources)

• International Health Insurance: $600 (mandatory for international students)

• Application Fee: $105 (non-refundable, paid during the AMCAS application process)

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond tuition and fees, international students must account for living expenses, books, and other costs that contribute to the total Cost of Attendance (COA). The COA is an estimate used to determine financial aid eligibility and budget planning. At Loyola, the COA includes:

• Living Expenses (Housing and Food): Approximately $16,020 per year, though costs vary depending on whether students live off-campus or in nearby suburbs like Maywood or Chicago.

• Books, Supplies, and Equipment: Around $1,200 annually, including textbooks, medical instruments, and technology.

• Transportation: Estimated at $1,500–$2,000, covering commuting costs to clinical rotations or personal travel.

• Personal Expenses: Roughly $2,000, for miscellaneous items like clothing and entertainment.

• USMLE Exam Fees: $600–$1,200 per section for the United States Medical Licensing Examination, required during the 2nd and 4th years.

The total estimated COA for international students at Loyola is approximately $90,000–$95,000 per year, depending on lifestyle and additional expenses.

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Financial Aid and Scholarships for International Students

International students at Loyola’s Stritch School of Medicine are not eligible for federal financial aid, such as FAFSA-based loans or grants, due to U.S. citizenship or permanent residency requirements. However, Loyola offers alternative funding options to make education accessible:

1. Merit-Based Scholarships: Loyola provides scholarships like the Presidential, Damen, and Trustee Scholarships, awarded based on academic excellence and alignment with the school’s mission. International students with exceptional MCAT scores (median: 511) and GPAs (average: 3.78) may qualify.

2. Need-Based Aid: International students can apply for need-based aid by submitting the CSS Profile, which Loyola uses to assess financial need. Limited institutional grants are available, but competition is high.

3. Private Loans: Some international students secure private loans from lenders like Sallie Mae or Discover, often requiring a U.S. co-signer. These loans typically have higher interest rates and less flexible repayment terms than federal loans.

4. External Scholarships: Organizations like the American Association of University Women offer scholarships for international students pursuing graduate education in the U.S. Researching country-specific scholarships or global health-focused grants can also yield opportunities.

Loyola’s Office of Financial Aid is dedicated to assisting international students, offering counseling to explore funding options. Contact them at ssom-admissions@luc.edu for personalized guidance.

Admission Requirements for International Students

Loyola’s Stritch School of Medicine only admits international students who are U.S. citizens, hold a permanent resident visa, or have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.

Canadian and other international applicants without these statuses are not eligible, which significantly limits the pool of international candidates.

Key admission requirements include:

• Bachelor’s Degree: 100% of matriculants hold a bachelor’s degree before enrollment.

• MCAT: The median MCAT score for the 2024 entering class was 511.

• GPA: A competitive GPA above 3.78 is recommended.

• AMCAS Application: Submit a primary application through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) by November 1, followed by Loyola’s supplemental application.

• Secondary Essays: Loyola’s secondary application includes prompts focused on social justice, Jesuit values, and personal experiences, requiring thoughtful responses to demonstrate alignment with the school’s mission.

• Letters of Recommendation: Typically, 3–5 letters from academic or professional sources are required.

• Clinical Experience: Extensive clinical exposure, such as volunteering or shadowing, is highly valued to demonstrate commitment to medicine.

Loyola’s holistic admissions process considers academic achievements, personal values, and experiences, making it essential for international students to highlight their dedication to social justice and healthcare equity.

Tips to Manage Medical School Costs as an International Student

Medical school is a significant investment, with the average medical student debt in the U.S. reaching $200,000. Here are strategies to minimize expenses at Loyola:

1. Apply for Scholarships Early: Research and apply for scholarships well before enrollment to reduce reliance on loans. Loyola’s merit-based awards and external grants can significantly lower costs.

2. Live Frugally: Opt for shared housing or budget-friendly neighborhoods near Maywood to reduce living expenses. Cooking meals at home and using public transportation can also save money.

3. Work Part-Time: While medical school is demanding, some international students take on-campus jobs or tutoring roles through Loyola’s Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) to offset costs.

4. Plan for USMLE Costs: Budget for USMLE exam fees in advance, as repeat attempts can increase expenses. Utilize free or low-cost study resources to prepare effectively.

5. Seek Loan Forgiveness Programs: If planning to practice in underserved areas post-graduation, explore loan repayment programs like the National Health Service Corps, which may be open to international students who secure U.S. residency.

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Comparing Loyola to Other U.S. Medical Schools

Loyola’s tuition of $67,295 is competitive among private medical schools, where costs often range from $60,000 to $70,000. For comparison:

• NYU Grossman School of Medicine: Offers tuition-free education but requires students to cover administrative fees ($4,350) and living expenses.

• Southern Illinois University School of Medicine: The cheapest in Illinois at $62,199, but only accepts Illinois residents.

• Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons: Offers full-ride grants to students with demonstrated financial need, although tuition is approximately $70,000.

Loyola’s uniform tuition rate and commitment to financial aid make it a viable option for international students with U.S. residency or DACA status, though its restrictive admissions policy for other international applicants is a notable limitation.

Why Loyola Stands Out for International Students

Despite the high costs, Loyola’s Stritch School of Medicine offers unique advantages:

• Jesuit Mission: The focus on social justice and serving underserved communities resonates with students committed to global health.

• Clinical Training: Access to Loyola University Medical Center and Hines VA Hospital provides unparalleled clinical exposure.

• Supportive Community: With peer tutoring through the Academic Center for Excellence and a collaborative environment, international students feel supported.

• Proximity to Chicago: Located just west of Chicago, students enjoy urban amenities without the high cost of city living.

Final Thoughts

Attending Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine is a transformative opportunity for international students with U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or DACA status. While the Loyola University Medical School fees for international students in the USA total approximately $90,000–$95,000 per year, scholarships, private loans, and frugal living can make this investment manageable. By aligning your application with Loyola’s mission of social justice and leveraging financial aid resources, you can pursue a world-class medical education while preparing to become a physician-leader.

Ready to take the next step? Visit Loyola’s Office of the Bursar for detailed tuition information, contact the admissions office at ssom-admissions@luc.edu, and start crafting a compelling application to join the Stritch School of Medicine.