There are many private universities in the U.S., which can make it difficult for schools to distinguish themselves. Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles has not had that problem, however. Prestigious Forbes Magazine ranked Loyola Marymount as being in the top five percent of private colleges in the country.

Loyola Marymount University

Pic: Loyola Marymount University

The Los Angeles, California-based school was founded in 1911 and the institution was developed around Catholic Jesuit traditions. The Princeton Review, considered an essential guide to colleges in the United States, included Loyola Marymount in its round-up of the best 371 colleges in the country in 2011. There are 5,951 undergraduate, 1,968 graduate and 1,315 law school students currently enrolled at the school. Loyola Marymount sits on a 142-acre campus in West Los Angeles.

The university as a whole is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Individual schools within the Loyola Marymount framework also have field-specific accreditation. The faculty of LMU has been recognized for their excellent credentials and experience. In fact, five LMU professors  were ranked on the Princeton Review’s “The 300 Best Professors” list for 2012.

LMU is a highly regarded, comprehensive university with an atmosphere more like that of a small college. It is a medium-sized university and is the largest Catholic university on the West Coast of the United States. Consistently ranked among the best universities of its kind by U.S. News & World Report, LMU balances a challenging liberal arts and sciences curriculum with outstanding professional programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

From the beginning of their undergraduate careers, LMU students are ingrained with the value of leadership and social equality. The school has a whole demonstrates a strong commitment to human rights and equality.  Students at LMU develop leadership habits and skills through involvement in clubs and organizations, in managing facilities and programs, and in a broad commitment to social justice for all. To that end, there are more than 140 active clubs, organizations and Greek life, including intramural and club sports such as basketball, soccer, surfing, and rugby, among others. Students interested in media will find a wealth of opportunities to engage and practice their skills, through award winning, student-led outlets such as KXLU 88.9FM (radio), The Loyolan Newspaper, ROAR Network (TV station), and Tower Yearbook.  As for athletics, LMU boasts 22 intercollegiate athletic teams and is a NCAA Division I school and member of the West Coast Conference (WCC).  Find out more about the LMU athletic program at the website.

LMU is a leadership institute that provides education, development and training to cultivate personal leadership through organized gatherings, well-known speakers and providing leadership resources and material.

Loyola Marymount offers a number of engaging and exciting academic programs. These include 56 majors, 57 minors, 38 master’s degrees, one doctoral degree and 13 credential programs.  All LMU students engage in research projects and work closely with faculty mentors. The Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium offers students the chance to present their research and findings to the greater LMU community; students from all areas of study participate, and interdisciplinary projects are common. This fits well with the liberal arts philosophy of the college, as it promotes an integrated way of thinking and an understanding of how different disciplines complement one another.

Undergraduate students can study in a number of academic concentrations that fall under one of the following schools: Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, College of Business Administration, College of Communication and Fine Arts, School of Film and Television, Frank R. Seaver College of , and Science and Engineering. Undergrads will benefit from studying courses outside their majors through the core curriculum, which opens their minds to humanistic traditions and facilitates a well-rounded view of the world. Core courses include philosophy, American cultures, literature, history, and mathematics, among other courses.

LMU’s academic programs have received high-level recognition. The Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program was ranked 11th in the U.S. on BusinessWeek’s list of Best College Business Programs by Specialty: Entrepreneurship, 2011.

The Undergraduate Engineering program was ranked 30th in the U.S.  by U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges for 2012. Additionally, the School of Film & Television was ranked among the top 25 film schools in the world by The Hollywood Reporter in 2011.

The university takes environmental awareness and action seriously, and has been undertaking eco-friendly initiatives since 1990. These collective actions are now referred to as a program called “Green LMU.”

The university supports a number of libraries and research centers covering a broad range of topics. Such a wealth of resources will enhance students’ learning and experience, and allow them to take initiative in their studies.

Loyola Marymount University

Pic: Loyola Marymount University

When it comes to life outside of the classroom, Loyola Marymount provides students with plenty of options. Engaging in campus clubs and activities will give international students especially a chance to meet and bond with their classmates and acclimate to their new surroundings.

Unsurprising since Los Angeles is a highly ethnically diverse city, Loyola Marymount welcomes and supports international students and those of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. The Ethnic and Intercultural Services department is particularly focused on helping first-year students of color transition to and thrive in the Loyola Marymount environment. The LMU campus is quite secure, so students can study and socialize in a safe and relaxed environment.

Though the school was founded upon Catholic and Jesuit principles, students of all faiths and spiritual backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply.

International students can gain insight into life as a Loyola Marymount student from someone who knows where they’re coming from by checking out the international student blogs on the university website.

Los Angeles is one of the largest and most famous cities in the United States and provides endless opportunities for personal and cultural growth. It is the largest international trade center in the country and there are 841 galleries and museums throughout the city. Students can take advantage of the many perks Los Angeles has to offer.

For more information on applying to Loyola Marymount as an international student, click here.

Visit Loyola Marymount University’s Facebook page and Twitter feed for more information.