Demystifying the Loma Linda Dental School Acceptance Rate: A Complete Guide

Getting into a top-tier dental school is a competitive journey, and Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (LLUSD) is no exception. As one of the most respected faith-based health sciences institutions in the country, LLUSD attracts thousands of highly qualified applicants each year. Understanding the acceptance rate is the first step, but a successful application requires a deep dive into the specific metrics that define a competitive candidate.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Loma Linda Dental School acceptance rate, academic benchmarks, and financial considerations. Use our exclusive interactive dashboard below to explore the latest statistics and gain a clear picture of what it takes to join the next class of dental professionals at LLU.

Loma Linda University

School of Dentistry Admissions Dashboard

00:00:00 January 1, 2024

Acceptance Rate (Class of 2028)

0.0%

Based on the ratio of accepted students to total applicants.

Admissions Funnel

Total Applicants 0

Interviewed 0

Accepted 0

First-Year Enrollment 0

Geographic Composition

0% In-State

In-State

Out-of-State

International

Top 5 States by Enrollment

Financial Information

Estimated Annual Cost (D1)

Tuition: $0
Fees & Insurance: $0
Instruments & Supplies: $0

Total Estimated: $0/year

Average Debt at Graduation

Represents the average debt accumulated by graduates. LLU offers financial aid advising to help manage loans effectively.

Explore Financial Aid

Dentist Income Potential

$0+

Average starting salary for General Dentists in the US. Income varies significantly based on specialty, location, and practice ownership.

View ADA Salary Data

Loma Linda Dental School Acceptance Rate: The Numbers

The acceptance rate is the most sought-after statistic, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. It reflects the school’s selectivity by showing the percentage of applicants who receive an offer of admission. To provide the most detailed insight, our interactive dashboard breaks down the entire admissions funnel—from the total number of applications to the final enrolled class size.

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Crafting a Competitive Application: Key Academic Benchmarks

While Loma Linda practices a holistic review process that values service, character, and alignment with their mission, academic excellence is a foundational requirement. Your Grade Point Average (GPA) and Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores are critical indicators of your ability to succeed in the rigorous DDS program.

Average GPA for Accepted Students

A strong GPA, particularly in science coursework, is essential. Accepted students at LLUSD consistently demonstrate high academic achievement.

Overall GPA: The average GPA for the entering class is typically around 3.78.
Science GPA: The average science GPA (BCPM – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math) is equally important, often hovering around 3.71.

Target DAT Scores

The DAT assesses your academic capacity, scientific understanding, and perceptual ability. Loma Linda looks for well-rounded scores across all sections.

Academic Average (AA): A competitive score is generally 21 or higher.
Total Science (TS): Similar to the AA, a score of 21 or higher is considered strong.
Perceptual Ability Test (PAT): While averages vary, a score in the low 20s is also a common benchmark for successful applicants.

The Admissions Funnel: From Applicant to Enrolled Student

Understanding the flow of applications helps put the acceptance rate in context. Each year, LLUSD receives a large volume of applications for a limited number of seats. The process typically involves:

Initial Application Pool: Thousands of candidates submit their applications through AADSAS.
Interview Invitations: A select group of the most promising applicants are invited for an interview. This is a significant milestone in the process.
Offers of Acceptance: After interviews, the admissions committee extends offers to the most qualified candidates.
Final Enrollment: The incoming class is formed from the group of accepted applicants who choose to enroll at Loma Linda.

Understanding the Class Profile: Geographic Diversity

Loma Linda University attracts students from across the nation and the world. However, as a private institution in California, it has a significant representation of in-state residents. The class profile typically shows a majority of students from California, followed by a mix of students from other states and a small percentage of international students, reflecting a diverse and vibrant learning environment.

Financial Investment: Tuition, Debt, and Future Earnings

Pursuing a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree is a significant financial commitment. It’s crucial for applicants to understand the costs involved and the potential return on their investment.

Annual Tuition and Fees

The cost of attendance includes tuition, university fees, instrument rentals, supplies, and health insurance. For the first year, students can expect the total cost to be upwards of $100,000. These figures are estimates and subject to change annually.

Managing Student Debt

The majority of dental students rely on loans to finance their education. The average debt for a dental school graduate can be substantial. Loma Linda’s financial aid office works closely with students to help them secure funding and develop responsible borrowing strategies.

Income Potential After Graduation

Dentistry remains a highly rewarding and lucrative profession. The average starting salary for a general dentist can range from $160,000 to over $200,000, with significant potential for growth, especially for specialists or practice owners. This strong earning potential helps make the initial investment in education manageable and worthwhile.