Loyola Marymount University (LMU) offers Early Decision I and Early Decision II, with different benefits and deadlines.

Early Decision I and Early Decision II reflect a commitment from both you and LMU. If LMU admits you through either plan, you commit to enroll and withdraw your applications to other colleges and universities. In turn, LMU gives your application preferential consideration and provides your admission decision before Regular Decision.

Early Decision I is for students who know early in their senior year that LMU is their first-choice university. Students admitted through ED I receive:

• An additional $5,000 LMU scholarship, on top of any other LMU scholarships or grants you receive
• Priority housing selection
• Priority registration for your first term
• Priority consideration for programs with limited space

Early Decision II gives students a later opportunity to choose LMU as their first-choice university. ED II applicants receive:

• Preferential admission consideration
• Earlier admission decision

You can also apply Early Action or Regular Decision, whichever best fits where you are in your college search.

Review the deadlines, financial aid information, and application options below with your family before deciding whether Early Decision is right for you.

What Is Early Decision at LMU?

Early Decision is a binding application option for students who have chosen LMU as their first-choice university. Once LMU admits you through Early Decision or Early Decision II, the decision reflects a commitment on both sides. You commit to enroll at LMU and withdraw your applications to other colleges and universities. Here is what is available for Fall 2027 admission:

Application Option	Deadline	Binding?	Decision
Early Decision I	November 1, 2026	Yes	Mid-December
Early Action	November 1, 2026	No	Mid-December
Early Decision II	January 8, 2027	Yes	Mid-February
Regular Decision	January 15, 2027	No	Early March

Review LMU’s first-year application requirements and current deadlines before applying.

Why Apply Early Decision I to LMU?

Receive an Additional $5,000 LMU Scholarship

Students admitted through ED I receive an additional $5,000 LMU scholarship on top of any other LMU scholarships or grants they receive. The scholarship reflects LMU’s commitment to students who have identified LMU as their first-choice university.

Applying Early Decision does not negatively affect your financial aid offer or your eligibility for other LMU scholarships and grants. The additional $5,000 LMU scholarship reflects our commitment to supporting students who have chosen LMU as their first-choice university.

Before applying, you and your family should review LMU’s financial aid resources for prospective students to better understand available aid and the cost of attendance.

Receive Priority Housing Selection

Early Decision I students receive priority housing selection as you plan your first-year residential experience at LMU.

Receive Priority Registration for Your First Term

ED I students receive priority when registering for courses for their first term at LMU.

Receive Priority Consideration for Programs With Limited Space

Each year, thousands of students apply for roughly 1,700 spots in the first-year class. Early Decision I applicants receive priority consideration for programs with limited space.

Compare LMU’s ED I, ED II, and Early Action Options

LMU offers Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Early Action for first-year applicants. All three allow you to apply before Regular Decision, but their deadlines, commitments, and benefits differ.

Early Decision I is binding and is designed for students who know early in their senior year that LMU is their first-choice university. ED I applicants receive a decision by mid-December and priority consideration for programs with limited space. Students admitted through ED I also receive the additional $5,000 LMU scholarship, priority housing selection, and priority registration for their first term.

Early Decision II is also binding, but it gives you more time to choose LMU as your first-choice university. ED II applicants receive preferential admission consideration and a decision by mid-February. The additional scholarship, priority housing, priority registration, and priority consideration for programs with limited space apply only to ED I.

Early Action is non-binding. You receive your admission decision by mid-December, but can continue considering other colleges before deciding where to enroll.

Is Early Decision right for you?

Before applying Early Decision, ask yourself:

• Is LMU clearly my first-choice university?
• Have I explored LMU’s academic programs and student experience enough to make that commitment?
• Would I be ready to enroll if admitted?
• Have my family and I discussed college costs and financial aid?
• Am I comfortable making a binding college decision?

If you can confidently answer yes, Early Decision may be the right application option for you.

If you want more time before making your enrollment decision, Early Action or Regular Decision may be a better choice. 

If you plan to apply for need-based financial aid, review LMU’s information about applying for financial aid and current requirements before submitting your application.