CAMPUS · CHICAGO, IL · PRIVATE

Loyola University Chicago

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Loyola University Chicago Housing & Dorms: Cost Breakdown

$16,894

Room & Board (Annual)

$10,684

Room Only

$6,210

Meal Plan

4,989

On-Campus Beds

4-Year Housing Cost

Based on current room & board rates

$67,576

Housing Guarantee at Loyola University Chicago

Off-campus is the norm. Loyola University Chicago has on-campus capacity for only about 37% of undergrads. Even freshman housing may be by request or lottery. Treat off-campus as the default plan from day one.

Off-Campus Rent Near Loyola University Chicago (ZIP 60660)

Median gross rent figures below are from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2023) for the ZIP code where Loyola University Chicago's campus sits (60660).

$1,286/mo

Median Gross Rent

$1,029/mo

Studio

$1,284/mo

1-Bedroom

$1,729/mo

2-Bedroom

$1,886/mo

3-Bedroom

Rent trend: Median rent in this area rose 5.2% between the ACS 2022 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates ($1,223 → $1,286 median).

Loyola University Chicago Housing Cost: On-Campus vs Off-Campus

The right call depends on whether you're comparing a 9-month academic year (matching the on-campus dorm contract) or a full 12-month lease, and how many roommates you split with.

Setup	Per Month	9-Month Year	vs On-Campus
On-campus dorm (room + meal plan)	$1877	$16,894	—
Off-campus 1-bedroom (solo)	$1,284	$11,556	−$5,338
Off-campus 2-bedroom (1 roommate)	$865	$7781	−$9114
Off-campus 3-bedroom (2 roommates)	$629	$5658	−$11236

On-campus figure is room and board (includes meals). Off-campus figures are rent only — add roughly $200-400/mo for groceries, $80-180/mo for utilities (electric/gas/water), $30-80/mo for internet, and transit or parking depending on commute distance. Renter's insurance runs $10-25/mo.

4-Year Housing Cost Comparison at Loyola University Chicago

$67,576

On-campus, 4 years

$46,224

Off-campus 1-bd solo, 4 years

$31122

Off-campus 2-bd shared, 4 years

Over four years, a solo 1-bedroom in ZIP 60660 costs about $21,352 less than on-campus dorms — even before factoring in roommates. Loyola University Chicago's on-campus housing is on the expensive end relative to local rent.

Off-Campus Housing Tips for Loyola University Chicago Students

Start the search 4-6 months before move-in

College towns turn over inventory in February-April for fall leases. Inventory thins quickly in May-June. Most leases are 12 months and require first month + last month + security deposit upfront — budget $4,000-$10,000 for the move-in lump-sum depending on rent.

Check sublet boards before signing direct in Chicago

Subleases from departing students often run 10-30% below market because the original tenant is locked into a lease. Search Facebook groups specific to Loyola University Chicago, university-affiliated housing forums, and Reddit's school-specific subreddit. Summer subleases are especially cheap — many tenants leave for internships and want to recover any rent.

Verify the building before paying any deposit

Run the address through your county recorder to confirm the listing party owns or formally manages the unit. Scammers post fake listings of real properties and ask for wire transfers or gift cards as deposits. Legitimate landlords will let you tour in person before any payment.

Heads up: Loyola University Chicago has limited on-campus housing

Loyola University Chicago houses only about 37% of undergrads on campus. Most students live off campus by sophomore year. Treat off-campus as the default plan — start the search before freshman move-in if you'd like options for year two.

Stack the hidden costs before signing

Beyond rent: utilities ($80-180/mo for electric/gas/water), internet ($30-80/mo), renter's insurance ($10-25/mo), application fees ($50-100), broker fees in some markets (1 month rent), and a guarantor or co-signer if you don't have rental history. Add it all up before deciding off-campus is "cheaper."

Loyola University Chicago Campus & Location

Loyola University Chicago is located in Chicago, IL — classified as City: Large. Students have access to a major metro area with extensive dining, entertainment, internship, and public transit options.

Sources: Room and board figures from IPEDS 2023 Institutional Characteristics. Off-campus rent benchmarks from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates 2023, Table B25064 (Median Gross Rent) and Table B25031 (Median Gross Rent by Bedrooms) for ZCTA 60660.

Loyola University Chicago Housing & Dorm FAQs

How much do Loyola University Chicago dorms cost?

Room and board at Loyola University Chicago costs $16,894/yr. That breaks down as $10,684 for the room and $6,210 for the meal plan. Costs vary by room type (single/double/suite) and meal plan tier.

Are Loyola University Chicago freshmen required to live on campus?

Loyola University Chicago has on-campus housing capacity for 4,989 students. Most US colleges strongly encourage on-campus housing for freshmen — check the residential life policy for current requirements.

What's included in the Loyola University Chicago meal plan?

Loyola University Chicago's standard meal plan includes 21 meals per week in dining halls, plus dining dollars or flex points for retail food vendors. Pricing scales with meal count; lower plans are typically available for upperclassmen.

How much does it cost to rent near Loyola University Chicago?

Median rent near Loyola University Chicago (ZIP 60660) is $1,286/month overall. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,284/mo and a 2-bedroom for $1,729/mo (Census ACS 5-year 2023 estimates). Rents are up 5.2% from the prior ACS estimate.

Is it cheaper to live off campus at Loyola University Chicago?

Off-campus typically saves money at Loyola University Chicago — even after groceries (~$3,000/yr) and utilities (~$1,500/yr), it usually beats the $16,894/yr dorm cost. A solo 1-bedroom for the 9-month academic year totals about $11,556, versus the on-campus room and board of $16,894/yr. Splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate is almost always the cheapest option.

Where do Loyola University Chicago students typically live off campus?

Most Loyola University Chicago students who live off campus stay within 1-2 miles of the Chicago campus to keep walking or biking distance to classes. Sublet boards from departing students often run 10-30% below market — search university Facebook groups and local subleasing pages a few months before the semester starts. Cities with stronger transit (large metros) make it practical to live further out for cheaper rent.

When should I start looking for off-campus housing near Loyola University Chicago?

For a fall move-in, start the search 4-6 months ahead — most leases turn over February through April. Inventory thins quickly in May-June. If you missed the main season, check sublet listings (many tenants leave for summer internships and offer steep discounts) and look at older buildings, which tend to lease later in the cycle.

What should I budget on top of rent at Loyola University Chicago?

Beyond base rent, plan for utilities ($80-180/mo for electric/gas/water), internet ($30-80/mo), renter's insurance ($10-25/mo), groceries ($200-400/mo if you cook), and transit/parking. Application fees ($50-100), security deposits (1-2 months' rent), and broker fees (some markets) hit at lease signing. First-time renters without rental history may need a guarantor.