Early Decision: Your First Choice, Locked In
If Loyola is your first-choice school, you should consider applying through Early Decision. It’s a binding commitment—if you’re admitted through Early Decision I or II, you’ll enroll at Loyola and withdraw your other college applications. You can still apply to other schools through non-binding Early Action programs, just not other binding Early Decision programs.
You’ll also enjoy exclusive advantages as an Early Decision applicant—from priority housing selection and course registration to first choice for Summer Orientation and Move-In dates among the incoming class.
Stand out in a smaller applicant pool
Your application will be reviewed among hundreds of Early Decision candidates—not thousands—giving you more visibility and priority consideration from the start.
Secure your place months ahead of others
Apply Early Decision and receive your admission and merit scholarship decision by late December, finishing your college search well before most seniors even hear back.
Have priority in admission, scholarships, and aid
Enjoy top consideration for your application and financial support, giving you an advantage in shaping your Loyola experience.
Receive your financial aid package first
Meet the financial aid deadline and you’ll be among the very first students in the class to receive your complete scholarship and need-based aid package, at the same time as your admission decision.
Choose your Summer Orientation dates first
Be among the first to select the Summer Orientation session that best fits your summer vacation and work schedule.
Get priority on-campus housing selection
Secure your preferred residential room type before the rest of the incoming class.
Score free commuter parking
Commuter students receive free parking instead of priority housing selection.
Shadow a current Loyola student
Experience Greyhound life firsthand with a personalized campus day alongside a student in your area of interest.
Register early for fall first-year classes
Start mapping out your course schedule before other first-year students.
Pick your move-in time for First-Year Move-In
Choose the move-in time that works for you, so you can arrive to campus comfortably and start setting up your space.
Emily, Sophomore, Communication & Media Major
Loyola was the first school I applied to—and it ended up being the only school I applied to. I had a really good feeling about Loyola, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. If you really have your heart set on a school, you should do everything in your power to go to that school. Loyola stood out to me for the close-knit community it offers. It’s such an important part of campus life. If you want to find the people who make you you, you should come to Loyola.
Early Decision Timeline and Process
Applying Early Decision means Loyola is your top choice—and we strive to make the process clear and straightforward. Along with submitting the Common Application and all required credentials, you’ll need to complete the Common Application Early Decision Agreement Form, signed by you, your parent or guardian, and your school counselor.
Binding Commitment
Early Decision is binding—if you’re admitted, you agree to enroll at Loyola and withdraw all other college applications.
Possible Early Decision Outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Early Decision I and II?
Both are binding, meaning if you are admitted, you are committed to attending and withdrawing all other applications. The main difference between applying Early Decision I (ED I) and Early Decision II (ED II) at Loyola is the application deadline and decision notification timeline. If Loyola is your first-choice school and you’re confident in your grades at the start of senior year, you should consider applying through ED I. If you’d like more time to prepare your application materials, you may apply ED II; our admission team reviews ED II applicants’ grades from senior year of high school as part of the application process.
What is the difference between Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA)?
Early decision is a binding agreement, meaning if you apply to Loyola Early Decision, you are committing to attend if accepted to the university. You should only apply to one college Early Decision and once you receive your acceptance, cancel any other applications you have submitted. Early Action is non-binding, meaning you are free to apply to other colleges and receive their admission decisions before selecting the school you will attend.
Is Early Decision really binding?
Yes. Loyola takes Early Decision seriously, and we hope you do too. This means if you apply Early Decision and are accepted to Loyola, you agree to withdraw all other college applications and commit to attending Loyola by submitting your enrollment deposit. If your financial aid offer does not meet enough of your demonstrated financial need, only then can you request to be released from your Early Decision agreement.
Can I apply Early Decision at another school and Early Decision I or II at Loyola?
If you are applying Early Decision I to Loyola, you are not permitted to apply Early Decision to other institutions. You can apply Early Decision to other schools and if not accepted, can then apply Early Decision II to Loyola. "Binding agreement" means that if you are accepted to Loyola in Early Decision I or II, you must withdraw all other outstanding applications and commit to enrolling at Loyola by the stated deadlines.
Can I apply Early Action at another school and Early Decision I or II at Loyola?
Yes. However, since Early Decision I and II are binding agreements, if you’re accepted to both Loyola in Early Decision I or II and another school through Early Action, you must enroll at Loyola.
Do my senior year grades still matter?
Yes, your senior year grades still matter. If you apply Early Decision II, your senior grades will be considered with your application for admission. While not required, senior year grades that are submitted as part of an Early Decision I application will also be considered. Overall, the Office of Admission reviews all students' final high school transcripts and expects accepted students to maintain their grades throughout senior year.
If I want to apply with test scores as a part of my application, when is the deadline to submit my scores?
Since Loyola is test optional for admission, test scores are not a required component of the first-year application. If you would like to include test scores for review in your application and are applying Early Decision, testing must be completed by the last October test date to ensure receipt of scores.
Will I receive a better need-based financial aid package if I apply Early Decision?
While the amount of need-based aid is determined by your family’s financial circumstances, ED applicants receive priority consideration for available funds and will receive their full financial aid package earlier than other applicants.
Will I receive a higher scholarship if I apply Early Decision?
Early Decision applicants receive priority consideration for merit scholarships and need-based aid. This means your application is reviewed early and with priority for available funds, but scholarship amounts are based on your academic profile and financial need.
What if I can’t complete my application on time?
You can request a decision plan change before decisions are released. To make a request to change your decision plan, contact admission@loyola.edu.
What additional documents are required?
As an Early Decision applicant, in addition to submitting the Common Application and required credentials, you must complete and submit the Common Application Early Decision Agreement form. This will be signed by you, your parent/guardian, and your school counselor.
What happens if I can’t afford Loyola after I get accepted Early Decision?
We want to ensure Loyola is a good fit both academically and financially. If your financial aid package does not make Loyola affordable for you and your family, you can request to be released from the binding ED agreement. Our admission and financial aid teams will work closely with you to explore all available options.
Should I apply Early Decision if I have committed to play a Division I sport before submitting the application?
You are not required to apply ED if you have committed to playing a sport. However, if you know that Loyola is absolutely the only school for you and finances are not an issue you should apply ED.
What exclusive benefits come with applying Early Decision at Loyola?
When you apply ED and are admitted, you’ll receive:
- Priority admission, scholarship, and financial aid consideration
- Priority choice of Summer Orientation session
- Priority choice of residential room type
- A personalized shadow day with a current student
- Early access to your academic advisor
These benefits are designed to make your transition to Loyola smooth, exciting, and well-supported.
If I’m a commuter student, do these ED benefits apply to me?
Yes—most benefits apply to all ED students, regardless of whether they live on campus or commute. While commuter students do not select residential room types, they still receive priority for admission, scholarships, Orientation sessions, shadow days, and early advising.
When will I find out if I’ve been admitted through Early Decision?
Students who apply ED by November 15 will receive their admission decision, merit scholarship award, and need-based financial aid package by late December.
Does applying Early Decision give me an advantage in the admission process?
While ED does not guarantee admission, it does allow for priority consideration for admission, scholarships, and financial aid. It also gives you access to exclusive benefits that are not available to other applicants.
Early Action: Your Future, On Your Timeline
If you want the freedom to explore all your options while still securing an early admission decision, applying Early Action is a good choice. Apply by November 15 and receive your decision by mid-January—months before most seniors know their next step. You’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing Loyola is already an option, plus the flexibility to compare offers, visit campuses, and make your choice when the time is right. And just like Early Decision applicants, you’ll receive full consideration for scholarships and financial aid.
Apply Early Action