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Loyola University Chicago vs University of Massachusetts Amherst 2026
Who is it for? Loyola University Chicago offers a higher percentage of merit-based aid, while the University of Massachusetts Amherst provides larger average grants. Applicants should consider their financial needs and scholarship opportunities.
Institution A
Loyola University Chicago
Institution B
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Quick comparison
| Metric | Loyola University Chicago | University of Massachusetts Amherst |
|---|---|---|
| Scholarships in catalog | 611 | 47 |
| Avg. award (where known) | $740 | $1,828 |
| Max award (index signal) | $1,500 | $5,000 |
| Open deadlines share | 100% | 23% |
| Merit vs need (approx.) | Merit 66.4% · Need 33.6% | Merit 55.3% · Need 44.7% |
Financial Aid Overview
Loyola University Chicago and the University of Massachusetts Amherst present distinct financial aid landscapes for prospective students. Loyola offers a merit aid percentage of 66.4%, with an average grant amount of $740 and a maximum of $1,500. In contrast, UMass Amherst has a merit aid percentage of 55.3%, with a significantly higher average grant amount of approximately $1,828 and a maximum of $5,000. These differences highlight the importance of understanding each institution's aid structure when applying.
Writing efforts
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago emphasizes crafting essays for a variety of scholarships, focusing on personal narratives and specific themes.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
University of Massachusetts Amherst also provides guidance on essay writing but is more focused on specific awards and creative expressions.
Top grants by university
Largest active university-linked grants first. Each side shows the top three opportunities currently indexed for that school.
Wieand Law Firm, LLC Legal Scholarship
Loyola University Chicago offers this scholarship to help cover education costs. It is geared toward students attending Loyola University Chicago. The listed award is $1,500. Plan to apply by June 1, 2026.
Jun 1, 2026
44 days left
7 requirements
Requirements
$1,500
Award Amount
The Dandley Internship Award
University of Massachusetts Amherst offers this scholarship to help cover education costs. It is geared toward students attending University of Massachusetts Amherst. The listed award is $5,000. Plan to apply by April 15, 2026.
Apr 15, 2026
deadline passed
9 requirements
Requirements
$5,000
Award Amount
The Parrella Change the World Award
Loyola University Chicago offers this scholarship to help cover education costs. It is geared toward students attending Loyola University Chicago. The listed award is $500. Plan to apply by June 1, 2026.
Jun 1, 2026
44 days left
6 requirements
Requirements
$500
Award Amount
Patricia M. Sullivan Scholarship
University of Massachusetts Amherst offers this scholarship to help cover education costs. It is geared toward students attending University of Massachusetts Amherst. The listed award is $4,000. Plan to apply by April 15, 2026.
Apr 15, 2026
deadline passed
6 requirements
Requirements
$4,000
Award Amount
Dean's SoC Student Scholarship
Loyola University Chicago offers this scholarship to help cover education costs. It is geared toward students attending Loyola University Chicago. The listed award is $220. Plan to apply by June 1, 2026.
Jun 1, 2026
44 days left
5 requirements
Requirements
$220
Award Amount
The Scott J. Bacherman Internship Scholarship
University of Massachusetts Amherst offers this scholarship to help cover education costs. It is geared toward students attending University of Massachusetts Amherst. The listed award is $3,500. Plan to apply by April 15, 2026.
Apr 15, 2026
deadline passed
9 requirements
Requirements
$3,500
Award Amount
Not sure about the location?
Compare Illinois vs Massachusetts scholarship markets to see how the broader state climate changes the funding picture.
FAQ
What is the average grant amount at Loyola University Chicago?
What is the maximum grant amount available at UMass Amherst?
What percentage of aid at Loyola is merit-based?
How many open grants are available at UMass Amherst?
What is the need-based aid percentage at UMass Amherst?
Sources and official pages
Official university and high-authority pages used to support this comparison.
- Federal Student Aid (U.S. Department of Education) — government reference
- College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education) — government reference
- NCES College Navigator — government reference
- Peterson’s College Search — high-authority reference
More guides around this comparison
Internal reading paths for students comparing Loyola University Chicago and University of Massachusetts Amherst, with extra scholarship context and essay-writing support.
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- How to Choose Between a Merit Scholarship and a Need-Based Package
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Related essay guides
- How to Write Your Essay for the Parkinson SHSPH Initiatives Scholarship
A step-by-step guide to crafting a compelling essay for the Parkinson SHSPH Initiatives Scholarship at Loyola University Chicago.
- How to Write a Compelling Essay for the Raymond M. White Scholarship
Learn how to craft a standout scholarship essay for the Raymond M. White Scholarship at Loyola University Chicago.
- How to Write Your Gannon Leadership Program Scholarship Essay
A comprehensive guide to crafting your essay for the Gannon Leadership Program Scholarship at Loyola University Chicago.