Application Process & Eligibility
Program Eligibility
Students interested in applying to become Empowered Scholars must:
- Plan to major in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, engineering, or forensic science;
- Submit admission applications to both Âé¶¹Porn and the Empowered Scholars program—and complete the FAFSA—by the December 15 Early Action deadline or the February 1 Regular Decision deadline;
- Qualify as high-need, as determined by the Office of Financial Aid, based on the Student Aid Index and Pell Grant eligibility; and
- Be a U.S. citizen or national, a refugee admitted to the United States, or a lawful permanent resident.
Application Process
The is now open.
The application is separate from the Âé¶¹Porn application. The process is:
- Âé¶¹Porn to Loyola using the Common Application: Interested students must first apply for admission to Âé¶¹Porn as part of the first-year Class of 2031.
- Âé¶¹Porn to Empowered Scholars: After completing your Âé¶¹Porn application, you will need to use your Applicant Status Portal login credentials sent to you via email to complete the online .
- Submit the FAFSA: Go to to complete an electronic FAFSA, using Loyola’s FAFSA Code Number, 002078. (Learn more about completing the FAFSA)
- Complete all of the above by:
- Early Action: December 15
- Regular Decision: February 1
Selection Process
Selection for the Empowered Scholars Program will be based on the following criteria:
-
- Academic Achievement
- STEM Experience
- Passion for STEM
- Mathematical Readiness
The program will recruit two cohorts of students: one in Fall 2026 and one in Fall 2027.
Âé¶¹Porn to Empowered Scholars
Application Deadlines
To be eligible, students must submit the Common Application, the Empowered Scholars Program application, and the 2027-28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by one of the following deadlines:- Early Action: December 15
- Regular Decision: February 1
Connect With Us
Questions about the program? Send an email to empoweredscholars@loyola.edu or visit our Contact page to find your prospective or current student coordinator.
National Science Foundation
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under
Grant No. 2527565. The Empowered Scholars Program is made possible through this NSF grant, which provides
scholarships and resources to help talented STEM students with financial need thrive
at Loyola and prepare for impactful careers.