How Much It Costs to Study at Loyola University Chicago

For children of Filipino celebrities and other high-profile families, studying abroad has become a familiar part of their collegiate lives. The latest to take that route is Queenie Pacquiao, the daughter of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and his wife, Jinkee, who has headed to Chicago for college.

The 17-year-old, who graduated from Brent International School Manila in May, will study Forensic Science at Loyola University Chicago and live on campus. With classes set to begin later this month, she joins the growing number of Filipino students pursuing their degrees overseas.

But what does a Loyola education actually cost? For students considering the university—or simply curious about the price of an American college education—here’s a look at its tuition, housing, fees, and other expenses for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Founded in 1870, Loyola University Chicago is a private Jesuit, Catholic university with more than 12,000 students and over 280 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. According to the university, it is also an R1 research institution, a designation reserved for schools with very high research activity.

Its academic offerings span fields including business, communication, health sciences, environmental sustainability, social work, and the arts and sciences. One of its more specialized offerings is the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science, which combines biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, criminal justice, and forensic science.

Of course, there’s the question every family will want answered: How much does it cost?

For the 2026–2027 academic year, Loyola University Chicago’s undergraduate tuition is $28,465 per semester for students taking 12 to 21 credit hours. That’s roughly P1.75 million per semester, based on the exchange rate at the time of writing. Over two semesters, tuition alone comes to $56,930, or about P3.49 million a year.

The rate covers Loyola’s undergraduate schools, including the College of Arts and Sciences. Students taking more than 21 credit hours pay an additional $445 per credit hour, while part-time students are charged $1,045 per credit hour.

Then there are the extras that can easily get lost in the headline tuition figure. Full-time students pay a $495 student development fee and $135 technology fee each semester, while new students entering in the fall are charged a $385 new student program fee. Loyola also lists an annual student health insurance premium of $3,869, or approximately P237,208. Other costs, including the CTA U-Pass, course materials, and supplies, can add to the bill.

And then there’s the cost of actually living there. For 2026–2027, Loyola estimates average room and board at $18,572 per academic year, or roughly P1.14 million. That figure combines the average cost of a double-size first-year room with a meal plan. The actual amount can vary depending on where a student lives: Loyola's 2026–2027 room rates for first-year accommodations range from $9,700 to $13,230 per student, before meals.

Add tuition, average room and board, and estimated fees together, and Loyola puts its direct annual expenses at $77,082, or approximately P4.73 million. That doesn’t include transportation, books, supplies, or personal expenses, so the final cost of a year in Chicago will depend on how a student lives beyond campus, too.

Loyola notes that tuition and fees are subject to change, while financial aid, scholarships, and other forms of assistance can bring down a family's actual expenses. For its 2025 first-year class, the university reported an average financial aid award of $37,247, with 99 percent of students receiving some form of financial assistance.

For more information, visit the university’s website.