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Loyola University Chicago vs Nova Southeastern University 2026
Who is it for? Loyola University Chicago offers a higher percentage of merit-based aid, while Nova Southeastern University has a greater need-based aid percentage. Applicants should consider their financial needs and strengths.
Institution A
Loyola University Chicago
Institution B
Nova Southeastern University
Quick comparison
| Metric | Loyola University Chicago | Nova Southeastern University |
|---|---|---|
| Scholarships in catalog | 611 | 34 |
| Avg. award (where known) | $740 | $1,500 |
| Max award (index signal) | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| Open deadlines share | 100% | 100% |
| Merit vs need (approx.) | Merit 66.4% · Need 33.6% | Merit 35.3% · Need 64.7% |
Overview of Financial Aid at Loyola University Chicago and Nova Southeastern University
Loyola University Chicago provides a balanced approach to financial aid with 66.4% of its aid being merit-based, averaging $740 per grant, while Nova Southeastern University focuses more on need-based aid, with 64.7% of its grants directed towards students with financial needs, averaging $1500 per grant. Both institutions offer a variety of scholarships, but their funding strategies differ significantly.
Writing efforts
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago emphasizes crafting essays for various scholarships, with themes focusing on personal experiences and community involvement.
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University also encourages compelling essays, with themes often centered around humanitarian efforts and personal growth.
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
Tate Family Scholarship
Nova Southeastern University offers this scholarship to help cover education costs. It is geared toward students attending Nova Southeastern University. The listed award is $2,000. Plan to apply by May 1, 2026.
May 1, 2026
13 days left
5 requirements
Requirements
$2,000
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
Dr. Rick Fischer, APR Changing Lives Scholarship
Nova Southeastern University offers this scholarship to help cover education costs. It is geared toward students attending Nova Southeastern University. The listed award is $1,000. Plan to apply by May 1, 2026.
May 1, 2026
13 days left
7 requirements
Requirements
$1,000
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
Zachariah Family Endowed Scholarship
Nova Southeastern University offers this scholarship to help cover education costs. It is geared toward students attending Nova Southeastern University. The listed award is Amount Varies. Plan to apply by 5/1/2026.
May 1, 2026
13 days left
None
Requirements
Amount Varies
Award Amount
Not sure about the location?
Compare Illinois vs Florida scholarship markets to see how the broader state climate changes the funding picture.
FAQ
What percentage of aid at Loyola University Chicago is merit-based?
What is the average grant amount at Nova Southeastern University?
How many open grants are available at Loyola University Chicago?
What is the maximum grant amount offered by Nova Southeastern University?
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 Nova Southeastern University, with extra scholarship context and essay-writing support.
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Related essay guides
- Crafting Your Essay for the Wintrust Financial Scholarship
A step-by-step guide to writing your essay for the Wintrust Financial Scholarship at Loyola University Chicago.
- How to Craft Your Arthur J. Schmitt Fellowship Essay
A guide to writing a compelling essay for the Arthur J. Schmitt Fellowship at Loyola University Chicago.
- How to Craft Your Jozy McGinnis Scholarship Essay
A step-by-step guide to writing a compelling essay for the Jozy McGinnis Scholarship at Loyola University Chicago.