Master of Science [M.S] [Human Resources] From Loyola University

Loyola University Chicago Master of Science in Human Resources is a two-year, AACSB-accredited graduate degree designed for professionals entering HR leadership roles. The program requires 36 credit hours, delivered full-time or part-time, and costs approximately US $42,750 (INR 40.66 Lakhs) for two years of tuition plus fees. Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 intakes are available. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree, GMAT or GRE scores, and professional experience. This programme is ideal for career-changers, HR coordinators aspiring to management, and international students seeking US work authorization.

Loyola’s Institute of Human Resources and Employee Relations, established in 1941, is the longest-running HR master’s programme in the United States. The Quinlan School of Business is ranked #1 in Chicago and #94 nationally by US News and World Report. Graduates earn a median salary of US $65,656 (INR 62.39 Lakhs) annually, making this programme one of the most ROI-positive HR degrees in the country. The programme emphasizes talent management, organizational development, and strategic HR planning through case studies, simulations, and real-world consulting projects.

• Established 1941: longest-running HR master’s programme in the United States.
• #24 ranked globally by Eduniversal for Masters in Human Resources; #1 in Chicago by US News.
• OPT extension: 36-month work authorization available post-graduation for STEM-designated fields.

Also Check: Loyola University Chicago Admission Requirements

Loyola University Chicago Master of Science in Human Resources Fees and Living Costs 2026

Tuition for the HR master’s programme is approximately US $21,375 (INR 20.33 Lakhs) per year. Full-time students complete the degree in two years; part-time students over three years. Below is the complete cost breakdown.

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of US 1 = INR 95.11 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.

• Tuition covers instruction, library access, online learning platforms, and student services.
• Health insurance is mandatory for all international students on F-1 visas.
• Books and materials cost varies by semester; budget an additional US $600 per year.
• Graduates eligible for CPT (Curricular Practical Training) during studies; no additional visa cost.

Cost of Living in Chicago for Master of Science in Human Resources Students

Cost Reality for Indian Students: Two years in Chicago (direct costs + living) total approximately INR 65 Lakhs to INR 70 Lakhs. Scholarships can offset 30-60% of tuition. Part-time enrollment reduces annual costs but extends the programme by 12 months.

Read More: Cost of Living in USA for International Students

Loyola University Chicago Master of Science in Human Resources Admission 2026

Admission to the HR master’s programme is rolling and highly selective. Loyola University Chicago, ranked in the QS top 1,200 universities globally, maintains a rigorous admissions standard. The Quinlan School of Business is the #1 business school in Chicago and #94 nationally.

• A bachelor’s degree in any discipline is required; HR background preferred but not mandatory.
• Minimum 2 years of professional work experience is strongly recommended, though exceptions are considered.
• GPA: 3.0 or higher from undergraduate degree required; average admitted GPA is 3.4-3.6.
• GMAT or GRE: Most admitted students score 550-620 on GMAT or 310-325 on GRE.

English Language Proficiency for International Students

All applicants educated in languages other than English must submit English proficiency test scores. Loyola accepts TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, Duolingo, and PTE Academic.

• TOEFL is the most widely accepted by Loyola; scores valid for two years from test date.
• Indian applicants frequently score 85-95 on TOEFL after 3-4 months of preparation.
• IELTS speaking component (8.5-9.0 band) is often easier for Indian candidates than TOEFL speaking.
• Duolingo scores issued instantly; useful for applying early in the rolling cycle.

Tip for Indian Students: Begin ELP prep 4-5 months before your target application deadline. Register for TOEFL by May 2026 to ensure scores arrive by July 15, 2026.

Check Out: F-1 Student Visa Requirements for International Study in USA

Loyola University Chicago Master of Science in Human Resources Application 2026

The application process is entirely online and takes approximately 30-45 minutes to complete. Rolling admissions means decisions are made within 4-6 weeks of a complete submission.

Required documents include official transcripts (WES-evaluated), GMAT or GRE scores, TOEFL or IELTS results, a resume, a statement of purpose (500 words), one professional reference letter, and a completed application form. Application fee is US $50 (INR 4,755.50).

• WES evaluation takes 4-6 weeks; submit transcripts to WES immediately after applying.
• GMAT and GRE scores are emailed directly to Loyola within 1-2 days of the test.
• Reference letters must come from a supervisor or professor; optional second letter recommended.
• Statement of purpose should address career goals, relevant experience, and why HR leadership appeals to you.

Application Tip: Submit your application and send transcripts to WES by late May 2026 to meet the July 15 deadline. Rolling admissions favor early applications.

Read More: Loyola Chicago Graduate Admissions Process

Loyola University Chicago Master of Science in Human Resources Scholarships 2026

Scholarships are merit-based and range from US $5,000 to US $47,000 (INR 4.75 Lakhs to INR 44.70 Lakhs) per year. Most international HR graduate students receive US $10,000-25,000 (INR 9.51 Lakhs to INR 23.78 Lakhs) annually. All admitted students are automatically considered for scholarships based on academic credentials and relevant experience.

A student with a US $20,000 annual scholarship (INR 19.02 Lakhs) reduces the two-year programme cost from INR 51.56 Lakhs to INR 13.56 Lakhs tuition paid out-of-pocket. Combined with part-time work (20 hours per week at minimum wage), students can effectively fund their degree.

• Scholarships are renewable annually if the student maintains a 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment.
• Assistantships (teaching, research, career services) offer additional US $3,000-8,000 annually.
• Private scholarships from organizations like AICTE or NASSCOM may apply to Indian students; verify eligibility.

Scholarship Reality: Average scholarship for admitted HR master’s students is US $15,000-18,000 annually. International students are equally competitive; your GMAT score and work experience matter most.

Also Check: Scholarships Available for Indian Students in USA

Loyola University Chicago Master of Science in Human Resources Salary and Placements 2026

Loyola HR graduates earn a median salary of US $65,656 (INR 62.39 Lakhs) annually within six months of graduation. This is approximately 30% higher than the national median for all HR master’s graduates, which is US $51,000 (INR 48.51 Lakhs).

Source: Loyola University Chicago Graduate Employment Report 2024, Glassdoor HR Salaries Database, PayScale.com.

Gross salary varies by region, industry, and experience. Federal income tax reduces take-home pay by 12-22%; state tax (Illinois 4.95%) and Social Security (6.2%) apply. Most HR graduates net 70-78% of gross salary.

• Major employers of Loyola HR graduates include Google, Deloitte, Amazon, United Airlines, and Walgreens.
• Consulting specialization (organizational change, talent strategy) commands salaries US $80,000+ (INR 76.09 Lakhs+).
• Tech industry roles pay 15-25% more than non-tech HR roles nationwide.
• Career Services assists with internships during studies; 85% secure relevant internships paying US $18-22 per hour (INR 1,712-2,092 per hour).

ROI Reality: A Loyola HR graduate earning US $70,000 (INR 66.58 Lakhs) recoups programme cost (INR 51.56 Lakhs) in under 11 months of post-tax earnings. Five-year earnings (~INR 3+ Crore) justify the INR 65-70 Lakh total investment.

Read More: Career Outcomes for Loyola Chicago Graduates

USA Visa and Post-Study Work for Master of Science in Human Resources Students

Loyola HR master’s students are eligible for the F-1 student visa, which permits full-time enrollment and limited part-time work (up to 20 hours per week on-campus during the academic term). After graduation, students qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a post-study work permit valid for 12 months.

• OPT extension to 36 months available if the programme is designated STEM (Loyola HR is STEM-designated, pending confirmation).
• H-1B visa sponsorship available after OPT expires; requires employer sponsorship and a job offer (typical salary threshold US $60,000 or INR 57.07 Lakhs).
• Green Card (EB-3 employment-based) typically takes 7-15 years; employer sponsorship required; priority date processing varies by country.
• Spouses and dependent children can accompany F-1 visa holders on dependent visas; spouse may apply for work authorization if student pursues OPT extension.

Visa Reality for Indian Students: OPT provides legal US work authorization for up to 3 years post-graduation. This window allows salary accumulation, H-1B petition filing, and skills demonstration. Most Indian HR graduates transition to H-1B status within 24-36 months of graduation.

Also Check: Post-Study Work Visa and Work Rights in USA

Loyola University Chicago Master of Science in Human Resources Ranking 2026

The Master of Science in Human Resources at Loyola University Chicago is ranked #24 globally by Eduniversal Bests Masters Ranking, the only major global ranking body that specifically ranks HR master’s programmes. Loyola’s HR degree is the longest-established of its kind in the United States (founded 1941).

Loyola’s Quinlan School of Business is among the 5% of business schools globally holding AACSB accreditation, the gold standard for business education. The HR institute within Quinlan has produced HR leaders across healthcare, technology, finance, and consulting sectors for 80+ years.

• Eduniversal ranking is the only global ranking that measures HR master’s programmes exclusively by employer reputation and graduate outcomes.
• Quinlan’s #1 ranking in Chicago reflects local employer preferences and networking strength in the Midwest.
• AACSB accreditation is recognized by employers globally; graduates enjoy hiring preference at major corporations.

Key Insight: Loyola’s #24 Eduniversal ranking places it ahead of many larger, better-known universities. The programme’s focus on applied HR strategy and practitioner outcomes (rather than research output) is why employers rank it highly.

Check Out: Loyola University Chicago University Rankings and Reputation

Loyola University Chicago Master of Science in Human Resources: A Summary Decision

The Loyola HR master’s programme is ideal for professionals with 2-5 years of HR or business experience seeking rapid career acceleration into management roles. The programme balances theoretical HR foundations with hands-on consulting projects, case studies, and internships. For Indian applicants, the STEM-designated OPT extension (if confirmed) and strong employer network in tech and consulting make this degree a credible 3-year US work pathway. Total cost of approximately INR 65-70 Lakhs (with partial scholarship) is recouped in 12-18 months of post-tax earnings.

Alternatively, if budget is tighter, consider part-time enrollment (3 years, lower annual cost) or full-time work-study (career services can arrange employer sponsorship of tuition). The programme’s established alumni network, 1941 founding, and Eduniversal #24 ranking signal enduring employer recognition. Apply by 15 July 2026 for Fall 2026 entry.