Loyola Chicago Academic Calendar 2026-2027: Important Dates

The Loyola Chicago academic calendar 2026-2027 provides undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with the essential operational schedule needed to plan a successful year across the Lake Shore, Water Tower, and Health Sciences campuses.

Whether you are an incoming freshman setting up your primary course schedule on LOCUS or a senior preparing for degree audit clearance, referencing the official Loyola Calendar 26-27 schedule ensures you hit vital registration appointment windows, tuition drop deadlines, and university holiday closures without penalty.

Loyola University Chicago operates on a traditional semester-based academic structure divided into Fall and Spring terms, alongside an optional January Term (J-Term) and multi-session Summer intersessions.

Primary semesters feature approximately 15 weeks of active instruction, followed by designated study days and a final examination week.

To maintain full-time undergraduate standing for federal financial aid, university merit scholarships, and residence hall eligibility, students typically register for 12 to 18 credit hours per semester, aiming for 15 credits per term to stay on pace for four-year degree completion.

Key academic milestones shape the rhythm of the entire school year. Under the Loyola Chicago academic calendar for Fall 2026, classes officially launch on Monday, August 24, 2026.

The Fall term incorporates Labor Day, Mid-Semester Break (October 5–6), and Thanksgiving Break (November 25–28) before concluding with final exams in mid-December. Following exams, students begin Loyola Chicago winter break 2026, running from December 13, 2026, through January 18, 2027 (or using January for J-Term coursework).

Looking ahead to the second half of the year on the Loyola Chicago calendar for Spring 2027, regular classes resume on Tuesday, January 19, 2027 (after MLK Day).

Highlights for the Spring semester include Loyola Chicago spring break 2027 (March 8–13, 2027), Easter Recess, and May Commencement.

Students reviewing historical timelines or graduation requirements can also consult the Loyola Chicago graduation 2026 schedule as a benchmark for planning upcoming degree conferral dates.

Use the structured sections below to browse complete add/drop refund cutoffs via LOCUS, Pass/No Pass option deadlines, official campus holiday closures, and final exam timetables for the entire 2026–2027 academic year.

Loyola Chicago Academic Calendar Fall 2026

1. Fall semester open registration ends at midnight on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
2. Loyola Chicago Fall 2026 semester classes start on Monday, August 24, 2026. It is the first day of classes.
3. Late registration and changes to registration begin on Monday, August 24, 2026, and late registration fees apply.
4. The last day to add and swap classes is Monday, August 31, 2026.
5. The last day to withdraw without receiving a “W” grade is Sunday, September 6, 2026.
6. Labor Day is observed on Monday, September 7, 2026, and classes do not meet. Labor Day weekend begins on Friday, September 4, 2026. Classes scheduled at 4:15 p.m. or later do not meet. Classes resume after Labor Day on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
7. The last day to convert from credit to audit or vice versa is Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
8. The last day to request or cancel the pass/no pass option is Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
9. The application for degree deadline and the last day to file for Spring/Summer degrees is Thursday, October 1, 2026.
10. The last day for students to submit assignments to change an “I” mark is Friday, October 2, 2026.
11. Loyola Chicago Fall Break 2026 takes place from Monday, October 5, 2026, through Tuesday, October 6, 2026. No classes are held during this break. Classes resume after the Mid-Semester Break on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
12. J-Term registration begins on Monday, October 12, 2026.
13. Mid-Term grades are due by the end of the day on Friday, October 16, 2026.
14. The last day to withdraw with a grade of “W” is Friday, October 30, 2026.
15. Spring registration begins on Monday, November 9, 2026.
16. Loyola Chicago Thanksgiving Break 2026 takes place from Wednesday, November 25, 2026, through Saturday, November 28, 2026. No classes are held during the break. Classes resume after Thanksgiving Break on Monday, November 30, 2026.
17. Fall semester classes end on Saturday, December 5, 2026.
18. Final exams take place from Monday, December 7, 2026, through Saturday, December 12, 2026. Study Day Wednesdays apply; no daytime exams are held on Wednesdays, but evening classes meeting at 4:15 p.m. or later hold exams as scheduled.

Loyola Chicago Academic Calendar Spring 2027

1. Spring semester open registration ends at midnight on Sunday, January 17, 2027.
2. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on Monday, January 18, 2027, and classes do not meet.
3. Loyola Chicago Spring 2027 semester begins on Tuesday, January 19, 2027.
4. Late registration and changes to registration begin on Tuesday, January 19, 2027, and late registration fees apply.
5. The last day to add and swap classes is Monday, January 25, 2027.
6. The last day to withdraw without receiving a “W” grade is Monday, February 1, 2027.
7. The last day to convert from credit to audit or vice versa is Monday, February 1, 2027.
8. The last day to request or cancel the pass/no pass option is Monday, February 1, 2027.
9. Ash Wednesday is observed on Wednesday, February 10, 2027. Special worship services are available.
10. Summer registration begins on Monday, February 15, 2027.
11. The last day for students to submit assignments to change an “I” mark is Monday, March 1, 2027.
12. The last day to file applications with Deans’ offices for degrees awarded in December of this year is Monday, March 1, 2027.
13. Loyola Chicago Spring Break 2027 takes place from Monday, March 8, 2027, through Saturday, March 13, 2027. No classes are held during this break. Classes resume after Spring Break on Monday, March 15, 2027.
14. Mid-Term grades are due by the end of the day on Monday, March 15, 2027.
15. Easter Holiday takes place from Thursday, March 25, 2027, through Monday, March 29, 2027. No classes are held from Thursday evening through Monday afternoon. On Monday, classes beginning on or after 4:00 p.m. are held as scheduled.
16. Good Friday is observed on Friday, March 26, 2027. No classes are held, and offices are closed.
17. The last day to withdraw with a grade of “W” is Monday, March 29, 2027.
18. Fall 2027 semester undergraduate registration begins on Monday, April 19, 2027.
19. Spring semester classes end on Friday, April 30, 2027.
20. Final exams take place from Monday, May 3, 2027, through Saturday, May 8, 2027. Study Day Wednesdays apply; no daytime exams are held on Wednesdays, but evening classes meeting at 4:15 p.m. or later hold exams as scheduled.

For more on the Loyola Chicago academic calendar 2026-2027, visit the Loyola University Chicago Schedules Website.