Loma Linda University: Ranking, Programs, Application Process, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

Loma Linda University: Ranking, Programs, Application Process, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

Loma Linda, CaliforniaLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1905established year
4417enrollment
ACS WASC
Private (Not for Profit)
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Study Abroad Team

Updated on - Sep 8, 2026

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Loma Linda University is a private Seventh-day Adventist health sciences institution in Loma Linda, California, ranked #1338 globally in the US News Best Global Universities 2025-2026 edition. The Loma Linda campus sits in a certified Blue Zone of San Bernardino County, an hour east of Los Angeles.

The university runs eight professional schools covering Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Allied Health, Public Health, Behavioral Health and Religion, with 112 graduate programmes taught entirely in English. Indian applicants have access to two primary intakes each academic year, and every school maintains a defined pathway for internationally trained candidates. For a wider view of American postgraduate options, see the MS universities in USA guide.

  • Collegedunia Study Abroad Rank: #351 of 824 globally
  • Acceptance Rate: 38% (estimated)
  • Intakes: Fall (September) primary; some programmes admit Spring or Summer
  • Average PG Tuition: $31,660 to $47,052 per year (₹29.90 lakh to ₹44.44 lakh)
  • International Student Community: 4,400+ students from 80+ countries
  • Application Fee: $60 (₹5,667)

Also Check: MS Universities in USA for Indian Students

LLU sets tuition uniformly across in-state, out-of-state and international students, and issues F-1 visas through its Designated School Officials for admitted candidates. Financial documentation for the I-20 must cover full first-year tuition plus living costs before the F-1 visa interview.


Exchange rate used: 1 USD = ₹94.45 as of September 2026

Admission Status: Open (Fall 2027 intake). Applications for professional programmes are open on a school-by-school basis, with the School of Medicine MD closing on November 2, 2026 via AMCAS and the School of Pharmacy PharmD closing on June 1, 2027 via PharmCAS. Most graduate programmes accept applications on a rolling basis until class capacity is met. Indian applicants targeting Fall 2027 should complete credential evaluation and English tests by December 2026.

Popular Courses and Fees at Loma Linda University 2027

Loma Linda University charges a single uniform tuition to domestic and international applicants across its eight professional schools. Programme fees are levied per credit hour or by academic year, and total cost depends on programme length, which ranges from 12 months for taught masters to 4 years for MD and DDS pathways.

Top 10 Postgraduate Programmes at Loma Linda University 2027

Annual PG fees below reflect the 2025-26 published schedule from the university programmes page. Total cost equals annual fee multiplied by programme length (typically 1 to 2 years for masters, 3 to 4 years for professional doctorates).

ProgrammeAnnual Fee (USD)Annual Fee (INR lakh)Entry Requirement
MS Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics$82,965₹78.36 lakhDDS/BDS with 60% (recommended)
MA Bioethics$47,052₹44.44 lakhBachelor’s with 55% (recommended)
MPH Global Health$35,031₹33.09 lakhBachelor’s with 55% (recommended)
MS Nutrition and Dietetics (Post Didactic)$34,690₹32.76 lakhBachelor’s with 55% (recommended)
MS Nutrition and Dietetics (Prior Bachelor’s)$33,968₹32.08 lakhBachelor’s with 55% (recommended)
MS Health Professions Education$33,282₹31.44 lakhBachelor’s with 55% (recommended)
MBA Health Care Administration$31,660₹29.90 lakhBachelor’s with 55% (recommended)
MS Biology$26,332₹24.87 lakhBachelor’s with 55% (recommended)
MS Anatomy (Coursework Track)$25,433₹24.02 lakhBachelor’s with 55% (recommended)
MS Respiratory Care$21,080₹19.91 lakhBachelor’s with 55% (recommended)

[Source: Loma Linda University programmes catalog 2025-26]

Top 5 Undergraduate Programmes at Loma Linda University 2027

Undergraduate offerings are concentrated in the School of Allied Health Professions and the School of Nursing, with two-year junior-entry pathways for candidates who already hold prerequisite credits.

ProgrammeAnnual Fee (USD)Annual Fee (INR lakh)Entry Requirement
BS Clinical Laboratory Science$51,747₹48.87 lakhClass 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended)
BS Nursing$42,209₹39.87 lakhClass 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended)
BS Dental Hygiene$40,110₹37.88 lakhClass 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended)
BS Respiratory Care$35,478₹33.51 lakhClass 12 with 60% to 80% (recommended)
BS Nuclear Medicine Technology$34,432₹32.52 lakhClass 12 with 60% to 80% (recommended)

Insider note: Indian applicants at LLU concentrate in the MPH Global Health, MBA Health Care Administration and MS Nutrition tracks, since these accept a general bachelor’s degree without the additional AMCAS or PharmCAS centralised application layer.

Read More: Loma Linda University Fees and Cost of Living Guide


Loma Linda University Admission 2027

Loma Linda University runs on a quarter calendar, with Fall as the primary intake for Indian applicants and rolling entry allowed for selected graduate programmes. Application dates vary by school; the professional pathways (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy) use centralised services such as AMCAS, AADSAS and PharmCAS.

MilestoneDateNotes for Indian Applicants
School of Medicine MD deadline (AMCAS)November 2, 2026Applies to Fall 2027 entry; secondary application due within 2 weeks
School of Pharmacy PharmD deadline (PharmCAS)June 1, 2027Final PharmCAS deadline for Fall 2027 cycle
General graduate programmesRolling until class fillsVerify programme-specific dates at official page
Credential verification (WES/ECE)Start 8 weeks before deadlineIndian transcripts require course-by-course evaluation
Fall programme startLate September 2027Orientation week for international students precedes

Planning note: Indian candidates targeting the MD or DDS should register with the centralised service (AMCAS or AADSAS) by early June 2026, since primary application processing takes 4 to 6 weeks and Loma Linda University only reviews verified applications.

Read More: Loma Linda University Admissions Guide for Indian Students


Loma Linda University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027

Indian applicants must document academic eligibility, English proficiency, and financial capacity for the I-20 issuance before receiving an unconditional offer from LLU.

Postgraduate Requirements at Loma Linda University

  • Academic: Bachelor’s degree with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); professional programmes such as MD, DDS and PharmD require higher prerequisite GPA equivalent to 60%+
  • English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, PTE Academic 60, Duolingo English Test 105, or iTEP Academic-Plus 3.5
  • Credential evaluation: Course-by-course report from WES, ECE or other NACES-approved agency
  • Additional: Three letters of recommendation, official transcripts direct from institutions, and financial documentation for the F-1 visa

Undergraduate Requirements at Loma Linda University

  • Academic: Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) for competitive Allied Health and Nursing pathways
  • English proficiency: Same TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo minimums as postgraduate
  • Credential evaluation: Class 10 and 12 mark sheets evaluated through WES or ECE

Key insight: LLU accepts the Duolingo English Test as a valid alternative to TOEFL and IELTS, which is unusual for a US health sciences institution and useful for Indian candidates unable to book an IELTS slot inside the four-week window before the deadline.


Loma Linda University Acceptance Rate 2027

Loma Linda University does not publish an institution-wide acceptance rate. Third-party estimates place the overall acceptance rate at 38% (estimated), though this figure blends highly selective professional programmes (MD acceptance under 5%) with broader graduate admissions. The estimate should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Health science programmes at LLU screen for academic performance, healthcare exposure, and alignment with the university’s mission of whole-person care. Indian applicants who present clinical shadowing hours or hospital volunteer records tend to receive interview invitations at meaningfully higher rates.

Reality check: The MD, DDS and PharmD tracks admit fewer than 200 students per cycle each, while masters programmes in Nutrition, Public Health and Health Care Administration operate at less than 30% selectivity, so Indian candidates should target these masters pathways for a realistic first entry into Loma Linda.

Read More: Loma Linda University Acceptance Rate Guide


Loma Linda University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027

Total annual cost for an Indian student at LLU ranges from $40,000 to $95,000 (₹37.78 lakh to ₹89.73 lakh) depending on programme and living arrangement. Tuition dominates the outlay, with living costs in the Loma Linda area moderate by California standards.

Loma Linda University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027

The table below summarises annual tuition ranges by degree level. Individual programme fees are listed in Section 1 above.

Degree LevelAnnual Fee Range (USD)Annual Fee Range (INR lakh)
Undergraduate (BS Allied Health, Nursing)$29,900 to $51,750₹28.24 to 48.87 lakh
Postgraduate (MS, MPH, MBA)$21,080 to $47,052₹19.91 to 44.44 lakh
Professional Doctorate (MD, DDS, PharmD)$60,000 to $85,000 (estimated)₹56.67 to 80.28 lakh (estimated)

Loma Linda University: Monthly Cost of Living in Loma Linda for Indian Students

Cost of living in Loma Linda and the surrounding San Bernardino County is meaningfully lower than Los Angeles or San Diego, though transport costs rise for students without a personal vehicle.

CategoryMonthly (USD)Monthly (INR)
Accommodation (shared apartment)$900 (estimated)₹85,005
Food and groceries$450 (estimated)₹42,503
Transportation$180 (estimated)₹17,001
Books and supplies$120 (estimated)₹11,334
Personal and miscellaneous$200 (estimated)₹18,890
Total monthly$1,850 (estimated)₹1.75 lakh
Total annual$22,200 (estimated)₹20.97 lakh

[Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics California cost data, September 2026]

Insider note: Rentals within a 2-mile radius of the LLU campus in Loma Linda run $850 to $1,100 for a shared apartment, but many Indian students share townhouses in nearby Redlands or San Bernardino at 20% lower rent, adding a $60 monthly Omnitrans bus pass instead.

Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students


Loma Linda University Campus, Facilities and Student Life

Loma Linda University occupies a single integrated campus in the city of Loma Linda, San Bernardino County, California, adjacent to the 900-bed Loma Linda University Medical Center.

  • Location: 60 miles east of Los Angeles; Ontario International Airport is 20 minutes away by road
  • Housing: University-owned Daniells Complex and Lindsay Hall offer on-campus rooms; housing is available but not guaranteed for international students
  • Clinical facilities: Level 1 trauma centre, Children’s Hospital, dental clinic, and School of Pharmacy compounding lab on-site
  • Indian student community: Approximately 4,400 students from 80+ countries; active Indian Student Association organises Diwali and Holi events each year

What Indian students say: Faculty accessibility and clinical rotation quality receive the strongest ratings, while campus alcohol and caffeine restrictions (a Seventh-day Adventist policy) come up as an adjustment for new arrivals.


Loma Linda University Scholarships 2027

Loma Linda University offers merit and need-based aid primarily to admitted students, and institutional scholarships for international candidates are limited and awarded at the school level. Indian applicants typically combine partial institutional aid with external funding.

ScholarshipTypeAward ValueEligibilityDeadline
School-Based Merit AwardsMeritPartial tuition, varies by schoolAdmitted students with strong academic recordVerify at official page
Alumni Endowed ScholarshipsMerit and needVariesEnrolled students in second year onwardRolling, apply after enrolment

External Indian-focused options include the JN Tata Endowment loan-scholarship (up to ₹10 lakh), the K.C. Mahindra Scholarship for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad (₹8 lakh), and the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship for masters candidates.

Planning note: Applying for external Indian scholarships in parallel with the LLU application is essential, since institutional aid rarely exceeds 20% of tuition for international candidates and most Indian students fund the balance through education loans against parental collateral.

Read More: Loma Linda University Scholarships Guide


Loma Linda University Rankings 2027

Loma Linda University’s strongest ranking recognition sits within health sciences subject rankings rather than composite world tables, with US News listing it as one of the world’s ranked global institutions and specific subject ranks in Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Nursing.

Ranking BodyLatest EditionPrevious EditionTwo Editions Back
QS World2027: Not ranked2026: Not ranked2025: Not ranked
THE World2026: Not ranked2025: Not ranked2024: Not ranked
US News Best Global Universities2025-2026: #13382024-2025: #13612023-2024: #1379
ARWU (Shanghai)2026: Not ranked overall2025: Not ranked overall2024: Not ranked overall
Collegedunia Study Abroad2026: #351 of 824NANA

Subject rankings carry more weight for LLU: US News lists Clinical Medicine at #455 and Surgery at #242, while ARWU ranks the university at #201 for Nursing globally. In the domestic Collegedunia Study Abroad list, LLU sits at #161 of 357 in the USA cohort.

[Source: US News, ARWU, Collegedunia Study Abroad]

Key insight: For Indian applicants, US recognition of the LLU degree by ECFMG for MD graduates and by state boards for Nursing and Pharmacy matters more than composite ranking placement, since post-study licensure drives job outcomes.

Read More: Loma Linda University Rankings Analysis


Loma Linda University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027

Career outcomes at LLU sit above US health sciences medians for licensed clinical tracks, with degrees carrying direct pathway recognition for state licensure exams in California and 49 other US states.

  • Employment context: Graduates of Nursing, Pharmacy and Allied Health typically enter clinical roles within 6 months (institution-wide rate not publicly disclosed)
  • Median starting salary (BS Nursing): $85,000 (₹80.28 lakh, market median for California RN role)
  • Median starting salary (MPH): $65,000 (₹61.39 lakh, market median for US public health analyst roles)
  • Career support: The Career Services Office runs clinical placement matching, F-1 OPT advising, and STEM-designated programme lists for eligible masters
  • Post-study work: Standard 12-month OPT for masters graduates, with 24-month STEM extension for eligible science programmes

Insider note: Indian graduates from the MPH and MBA Health Care Administration tracks report the strongest hiring outcomes in the Inland Empire hospital cluster (Kaiser Permanente, Riverside University Health System, Loma Linda University Medical Center itself).

Loma Linda University vs Peer Universities

The most useful peer set for LLU is other private US health sciences institutions with a specialist focus rather than general-purpose research universities.

UniversityUS News Global 2025-26CD Study Abroad 2026Avg PG Annual FeeDifferentiator
Loma Linda University#1338#351$32,000 (₹30.22 lakh)Faith-based whole-person care model
Rush University#620NA$38,000 (₹35.89 lakh)Chicago medical centre integration
Thomas Jefferson University#780NA$41,000 (₹38.72 lakh)Design plus health hybrid programmes
Creighton University#1120NA$36,000 (₹34.00 lakh)Jesuit health sciences campus in Nebraska

Loma Linda University stands out on tuition affordability among private US health sciences peers and on its Blue Zone campus setting. The whole-person care curriculum is unique among peer institutions.

Loma Linda University suits Indian applicants targeting a US health sciences licensure pathway with a moderate total investment of $85,000 to $150,000 against median starting salaries of $70,000, and it carries the strongest single Indian-specific advantage in accepting the Duolingo English Test for F-1 visa credentialing.

LLU is not for candidates who need a top-100 world-ranked institution for return-to-India employer prestige, who prefer alcohol on campus, or who target research-heavy PhD tracks. Realistic alternatives include Rush University for a comparable US clinical outcome with metropolitan Chicago exposure.

Loma Linda University FAQs

Ques. Is LLU recognised for education loans by Indian public sector banks?

Ans. Yes, Loma Linda University is on the pre-approved list of the State Bank of India Global Ed-Vantage scheme, Bank of Baroda Vidya Foreign programme, and HDFC Credila’s fast-track lending panel for US health sciences institutions. Loans up to ₹1.5 crore against parental collateral are standard; unsecured loans up to ₹40 lakh are available from private lenders including Avanse and Auxilo for admitted candidates who submit the I-20.

Ques. Can international students work part-time at Loma Linda University?

Ans. F-1 students at LLU may work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during regular quarters and 40 hours per week during quarter breaks. On-campus roles include research assistantships, library positions, clinical support and food services. Off-campus employment requires Curricular Practical Training authorisation from the Designated School Official after completing one academic year, and unauthorised off-campus work triggers loss of F-1 status.

Ques. Does Loma Linda University require GRE for graduate programmes?

Ans. GRE requirements vary by programme at Loma Linda University. The School of Public Health MPH programmes waive the GRE for applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a US 4.0 scale (Indian equivalent 60% or CGPA 6.0/10). PhD tracks in Biology, Anatomy and Biochemistry require GRE General Test scores, though many switched to test-optional after 2021 on a permanent basis. MBA Health Care Administration accepts GMAT or GRE, both optional.

Ques. Can the LLU application fee be waived for Indian students?

Ans. The Loma Linda University $60 (₹5,667) application fee is non-refundable and generally not waived for international applicants. Fee waivers apply only to US applicants demonstrating documented financial hardship through federal aid documentation. Indian applicants routing through AMCAS, PharmCAS or AADSAS pay the centralised service fee separately, which the university itself does not control. Budget for both fees before starting the application.

Ques. Which documents does LLU require for I-20 issuance to Indian applicants?

Ans. After admission, Loma Linda University issues the I-20 upon receipt of a completed international student information form, a bank statement or affidavit of support showing first-year cost coverage of at least $60,000, a copy of the passport bio-page, and an advance tuition deposit ranging from $500 to $2,000 depending on the school. The I-20 is dispatched by courier to the applicant’s Indian address within 3 to 4 weeks of document receipt.

Ques. Can Indian students defer admission at Loma Linda University?

Ans. Yes, admitted applicants at Loma Linda University may defer enrolment for up to one year with a written request submitted to the admissions office. Deferral is granted at the discretion of the admissions committee and typically approved for medical, financial or visa-related reasons. Beyond one year, the applicant must resubmit a new application with updated documents. The tuition deposit is transferred to the deferred term rather than refunded.

Ques. Is on-campus housing guaranteed at LLU for international students?

Ans. On-campus housing at LLU is available in Daniells Complex and Lindsay Hall but is not guaranteed for international students. Rooms are allocated on a first-come basis, and Indian applicants who confirm enrolment early receive priority. Off-campus rentals in Loma Linda, Redlands and Grand Terrace within 3 miles of the campus run $850 to $1,300 per month for a shared apartment, and Facebook housing groups tied to the Indian Student Association help incoming students find roommates.

Ques. Does Loma Linda University offer online degrees for Indian students?

Ans. Loma Linda University offers online and hybrid formats in selected programmes including the MBA Health Care Administration, MS Health Professions Education, MPH Health Education and RN to BS Nursing. These are open to Indian applicants studying from within India without an F-1 visa, though clinical practicum components require in-person completion and may need travel to a US-based approved site. Fees for online programmes match on-campus tuition.

Top Recommended Courses


2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6.5|TOEFL80|PTE60|Duolingo105
Entry Requirement: Duolingo-105
INR 30.3 L/YrUSD 31,660 /Yr

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6.0|TOEFL75|PTE53|Duolingo105
Entry Requirement: Duolingo-105
INR 38.3 L/YrUSD 40,110 /Yr

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27 months
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6.5|TOEFL80|PTE60|Duolingo105
Entry Requirement: Duolingo-105
INR 79.3 L/YrUSD 82,965 /Yr
1 year
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6.5|TOEFL80|PTE60|Duolingo105
Entry Requirement: Duolingo-105
INR 20.1 L/YrUSD 21,080 /Yr
2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6.5|TOEFL80|PTE60|Duolingo105
Entry Requirement: Duolingo-105
INR 25.2 L/YrUSD 26,332 /Yr

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Loma Linda University Ranking

202620252024202320222021202020192018

Collegedunia Study Abroad logo

Overall 351 out of 824 in Global Ranking

#161 out of 357 in USA 2026

US News logo

Overall 1338 out of 2604 in Global Ranking

#165 out of 246 in USA 2026

Do you think the Rankings are wrong ?  Report Here

Loma Linda University Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
Novus Biological Scholarship ProgramScholarship per student₹ 1.4 L/Yr$1,500Level Of StudyAssociateTypeMerit-Based
Washington DC ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Claes Isacson ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 19.1 L/Yr$20,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeNeed-Based
TEC ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 95,580/Yr$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
BeArt Presets-Academic ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 2.4 L/Yr$2,500Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 95,580/Yr$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based

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Loma Linda University Admissions

  • Early Action Deadlines

    Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)
  • Regular Decision Deadlines

    Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)

Loma Linda University Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Language Proficiency
TOEFL-80--
IELTS-6.5--

Attendance Cost

₹13,902,111

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
₹3,381,143 / Year
Post Graduate Program
₹13,902,111 / Year

Loma Linda University Accreditations

Institutional accreditations
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Program wise accreditation
Clinical Science Programs
Association for Clinical Pastoral Education
Dentistry Programs
American Dental Association
Medicine Programs
Liaison Committee on Medical Education
Medicine Programs
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Nursing Programs
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Nursing Programs
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
Programs
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Programs
American Occupational Therapy Association
Pharmacy Programs
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
Physiotherapy Programs
American Physical Therapy Association
Psychology Programs
American Psychological Association
Programs
Council on Education for Public Health
Programs
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Faculty

Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
86167863753105

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