Graduate Assistantships at Loyola University Chicago give master’s and PhD students a genuine path to a fully funded degree.

Instead of taking out loans, admitted students can earn a stipend, a tuition scholarship, and health insurance in exchange for part-time teaching or research work.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Graduate Assistantships at Loyola University Chicago in 2026: how much they pay and who qualifies

What Are Graduate Assistantships at Loyola University Chicago?

Graduate Assistantships at Loyola University Chicago are merit-based, paid academic appointments.

They are offered through the Graduate School or through individual academic departments, schools, and centers across the university.

Unlike need-based aid, Graduate Assistantships at Loyola University Chicago are awarded on academic merit. Admission to a graduate program does not automatically guarantee funding; departments review applicants separately and recommend candidates to the Graduate School.

In return for funding, graduate assistants typically support faculty through teaching, grading, research, or administrative work, usually capped at 20 hours per week.

Funding Package: Stipends, Tuition & Benefits

The financial package behind Graduate Assistantships at Loyola University Chicago is one of the strongest reasons students apply.

According to Loyola’s own data, a full graduate assistantship in the Graduate School is valued at roughly $50,000 per year once stipend, tuition, and insurance are combined.

Here’s what’s typically included:

Stipend: PhD students in a full assistantship receive an academic-year stipend of $28,000 (9-month appointment) or up to $34,000 for a 12-month appointment. Master’s students receive a base stipend of $18,000 (9-month) or $24,000 (12-month), with additional increases for each year of service.

Tuition Scholarship: Covers courses that count toward degree requirements (does not cover separate student fees like the U-Pass or late fees).

Health Insurance: Graduate assistants receive health coverage, with dental and vision benefits added in recent years.

Travel Grants: Up to $750 is available for approved conference presentations and research travel.

A valid Social Security number is required to receive stipend payments, since stipends and tuition support are generally taxable unless exempted under the IRS code.

Types of Assistantships Available

Graduate Assistantships at Loyola University Chicago aren’t limited to one department. Common categories include:

Graduate School Assistantships: awarded through the central Graduate School across eligible programs.

Departmental/School Assistantships: for example, the School of Education offers assistantships and tuition fellowships to full-time EdD and PhD students.

University Assistantships: such as graduate internships through Information Technology Services.

LUC-Noyce Scholars: a National Science Foundation-backed program supporting STEM graduate students pursuing teaching careers, in exchange for a teaching service commitment.

Research & Teaching Assistantships: tied directly to faculty research projects or undergraduate course instruction.

Eligibility Requirements

While specific criteria vary by department, most Graduate Assistantships at Loyola University Chicago share these baseline requirements:

• Full-time enrollment (generally 9 credit hours per semester for doctoral assistants).
• Strong academic standing and competitive admission credentials.
• Enrollment in a program that participates in the assistantship system (check with your specific department, since not every program offers funding).
• A valid Social Security number for stipend payment processing.
• Willingness to commit up to 20 hours per week to teaching, research, or administrative duties.

Application Process & Deadlines

Most Graduate Assistantships at Loyola University Chicago do not require a separate application form. Instead, your admission application is automatically considered for departmental assistantships; admissions committees nominate funding recipients from the general applicant pool.

Key steps:

• Apply for admission early. Many departments set merit-aid and funding review deadlines around February 1, sometimes earlier, so apply well ahead of that date.
• Submit all required documents transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose since incomplete files are usually excluded from funding review.
• Check department-specific funding pages, since some schools (like Education or Political Science) run separate award cycles.
• Respond quickly to funding offers, as assistantship slots are limited and awarded competitively.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Apply before the priority deadline rather than at the last minute; late applicants are rarely considered for Graduate Assistantships at Loyola University Chicago.
• Tailor your statement of purpose to the specific department’s research or teaching needs.
• Highlight any prior teaching, grading, or research experience.
• Reach out directly to potential faculty mentors in research-heavy programs; many assistantships are tied to a specific professor’s grant or lab.
• Keep your GPA and standardized test scores (where required) as strong as possible, since assistantships are merit-based, not need-based.

Final Thoughts

Graduate Assistantships at Loyola University Chicago remain one of the most reliable ways to earn a graduate degree without heavy student debt.

With a stipend, tuition scholarship, and health insurance combined into a package worth roughly $50,000 a year, it’s a strong option for both master’s and PhD applicants who apply early and present a competitive file.

If Loyola isn’t the only school on your list, browse the related guides above to compare Graduate Assistantships at Loyola University Chicago against funding packages at other universities before you finalize your applications.