A Loyola education. Tuition, housing, and food costs covered.
Loyola University Maryland established the Charm City Promise in Fall 2021 to expand access to a Loyola education for talented Baltimore City students with significant financial need. At its launch, the program was available to eligible graduates of Baltimore City public, charter, and Catholic high schools.
Beginning with students entering Loyola in Fall 2027, Loyola is expanding the Charm City Promise to include eligible graduates of any high school located in Baltimore City, while focusing resources on students with the greatest financial need and strong academic preparation.
Students who are eligible for and receive both the Federal Pell Grant and Maryland Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant will have the full direct costs of undergraduate tuition, housing, and food covered through a combination of federal, state, and Loyola-funded financial aid.
The expanded program also includes an on-campus living requirement designed to give students the opportunity to participate fully in Loyola’s residential college experience and connect with the resources and community that support student success.
There is no separate application for the Charm City Promise.
Who is eligible?
To qualify for the Charm City Promise, students must:
- Be admitted to Loyola as a first-time, full-time undergraduate student beginning in Fall 2027.
- Have attended a high school located in Baltimore City for at least three years and graduated from that school.
- Have a minimum 3.3 high school GPA.
- Be eligible for and receive both the Federal Pell Grant and the Maryland Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant.
- Complete all required financial aid applications and documentation by the applicable deadlines.
- Register to live in on-campus housing.
How the Charm City Promise Works
The Charm City Promise brings together federal, state, and Loyola-funded financial aid to cover the full direct costs of undergraduate tuition, housing, and food for eligible graduates of Baltimore City high schools.
The Maryland Guaranteed Access Grant and Federal Pell Grant represent significant state and federal investments in making college possible for students with substantial financial need. Loyola builds on those investments with institutional financial aid to reduce the financial barriers to a residential Loyola education.
No separate Charm City Promise application is required. Eligibility will be determined through the admission and financial aid process.
A Promise to Our City
Loyola has called Baltimore home for more than 170 years. Our connection to the city extends far beyond our campus—and so does our commitment to the students and families who live and learn here.
By bringing together Federal Pell Grant funding, the Maryland Guaranteed Access Grant, and Loyola-funded financial aid, the expanded Charm City Promise focuses resources on academically prepared Baltimore City students with the greatest financial need while allowing Loyola to serve more students through the program.
The on-campus living requirement gives students the opportunity to participate fully in the academic, social, and community experiences that promote engagement, retention, and persistence.
At Loyola, students find a nationally recognized Jesuit education centered on the whole person, with challenging academics, close relationships with faculty, a supportive campus community, and opportunities throughout Baltimore and beyond.
Another Path to Tuition-Free
From Maryland, but attend high school outside Baltimore City?
You may still qualify for Loyola’s Maryland Promise, a significant affordability commitment for eligible Maryland residents. Beginning with students entering Loyola in Fall 2027, eligible Maryland residents who are eligible for and receive both the Federal Pell Grant and Maryland Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant will have their full undergraduate tuition covered through a combination of federal, state, and Loyola-funded scholarships and grants.
Explore the Maryland Promise
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply separately for the Charm City Promise?
No. There is no separate application for the Charm City Promise. Loyola will determine eligibility as part of the financial aid process. Students must apply for admission to Loyola and complete all required financial aid applications and documentation by the applicable deadlines.
Learn more about the Maryland Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant.
What does the Charm City Promise cover?
For eligible students, the Charm City Promise covers the full direct costs of undergraduate tuition, housing, and food through a combination of federal, state, and Loyola-funded financial aid.
Which Baltimore City high schools qualify?
The Charm City Promise is available to eligible graduates of any high school located in Baltimore City, including public, charter, Catholic, and other private schools. Students must have attended a Baltimore City high school for at least three years and graduated from that school.
If you have questions about whether your high school meets this requirement, please contact Lauren Romagnano, assistant director of undergraduate admission, Loyola’s admission counselor for Baltimore City.
Do I need to receive the Maryland Guaranteed Access Grant?
Yes. Students must be eligible for and receive the Maryland Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant to qualify for the Charm City Promise.
Do I need to receive a Federal Pell Grant?
Yes. Students must be eligible for and receive a Federal Pell Grant to qualify for the Charm City Promise.
Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
Yes. Students must have a minimum 3.3 high school GPA to qualify for the Charm City Promise.
Is the Charm City Promise renewable?
Yes. The Charm City Promise is renewable for up to four years—or eight fall and spring semesters—provided the student remains eligible for and continues to receive both the Federal Pell Grant and the Maryland Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant, remains enrolled full time, continues to live in on-campus housing, and maintains a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
What happens if tuition, housing, or food costs increase?
The Charm City Promise covers eligible direct charges—tuition, housing, and food costs—rather than providing a fixed-dollar award, so the commitment adjusts as those direct charges change.
What if I choose to commute from home or live off-campus?
If you decide to commute or live off campus, the Office of Financial Aid will reevaluate your financial aid package based on your new living arrangements. Because your estimated cost of attendance will change, Loyola can no longer guarantee that your full costs will be covered.
Please contact the Office of Financial Aid before changing where you plan to live so the team can explain how the decision may affect your individual financial aid package. Eligible Maryland residents may still qualify for the Maryland Promise, which covers full undergraduate tuition.
What if I study abroad?
The Charm City Promise may be applied to study abroad tuition expenses in programs administered or sponsored by Loyola University Maryland. If you choose a non-Loyola-sponsored external study abroad program, the Charm City Promise does not apply. For more information, contact your financial aid counselor.
What if I am from Maryland but did not attend a Baltimore City high school?
You may qualify for Loyola's Maryland Promise. Beginning in Fall 2027, eligible Maryland students who receive both the Federal Pell Grant and the Maryland Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant will have full undergraduate tuition covered through a combination of federal, state, and Loyola-funded scholarships and grants.
Take the Next Step
A Loyola education may be more affordable than you think. Apply for admission and financial aid to find out what Loyola can make possible for you.