Loughborough University Sport
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Student life at Loughborough revolves around sport to a degree unmatched anywhere else in the world. The university's athletic union oversees over 50 competitive sport clubs, and the quality of both facilities and competition attracts talented athletes from across the UK and internationally. BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) competitions dominate the social calendar, with Loughborough winning the overall championship for over 40 consecutive years. Performance athletes receive support through the Performance Sport program, which provides coaching, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, nutrition advice, and academic flexibility. Scholarship programs help offset costs for the most talented athletes, though most students balance their sport participation with standard academic loads. The university's understanding of athletes' needs, including flexible attendance policies and examination rescheduling for competitions, makes combining elite sport with academic study feasible. Housing options include numerous residence halls on campus, with first-year students typically guaranteed accommodation. The large campus means many facilities are within walking distance, creating a self-contained community feel. Later-year students often move to off-campus housing in Loughborough town or surrounding villages, though the campus remains the center of social life. Beyond sport, over 100 student societies cover interests from academic subjects to cultural groups to hobby-based organizations. The Students' Union operates entertainment venues, shops, and services on campus. While Loughborough town itself is small, the campus provides sufficient social activity for most students, and Nottingham and Leicester offer larger city amenities within easy reach.
Location & Surroundings
Loughborough occupies a unique position in the East Midlands of England, providing a traditional campus university experience in a small market town setting. The town of approximately 60,000 residents has grown around the university, which dominates local employment and culture. The campus itself is one of the largest in the UK, with space for the extensive sport facilities, academic buildings, and green spaces that define the Loughborough experience. The East Midlands climate brings mild temperatures year-round by global standards, with cool winters rarely seeing significant snow and warm summers typically in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit. Rain falls regularly throughout the year, making waterproof clothing essential. The campus's large open spaces are beautiful in good weather but can feel exposed during winter. Transportation from Loughborough includes direct train service to London (approximately 90 minutes), Nottingham (10 minutes), and Leicester (10 minutes), making day trips and weekend excursions straightforward. East Midlands Airport, located nearby, provides connections to European destinations and beyond. Most students do not need cars on campus, though having access to transportation expands recreational options. The surrounding region offers outdoor activities including hiking in the Peak District, about 45 minutes north, and various water sports at local reservoirs. Nottingham and Leicester provide larger city amenities including shopping, restaurants, nightlife, and cultural attractions. The relative isolation of the campus creates a focused academic and athletic environment, though some students may find the limited off-campus options limiting.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students follow standard government-regulated rates of approximately 9,250 pounds annually, while international students pay approximately 22,000-26,000 pounds depending on the program. Postgraduate fees vary by program and student category, typically ranging from 10,000 to 28,000 pounds for taught masters programs. Living costs in Loughborough are moderate by UK standards. University accommodation ranges from approximately 100-180 pounds per week depending on room type and catering options. Off-campus housing in town typically costs 80-120 pounds per week. The relatively low cost of living in the East Midlands compared to London or the South East makes Loughborough financially accessible despite its elite reputation. Financial support includes sports scholarships for talented athletes, academic scholarships based on qualifications, and various bursaries for students from lower-income backgrounds. International students may access specific scholarship programs, though funding is competitive. Most students combine scholarships, family support, and student loans to finance their education. Career outcomes for Loughborough sport graduates are excellent, with the university's reputation opening doors throughout the global sports industry. Graduates work as sport scientists with professional teams, strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists, sports administrators, events managers, and in countless other roles. The network of Loughborough alumni in sport creates exceptional mentorship and employment opportunities. Starting salaries vary widely by career path, from approximately 20,000-25,000 pounds for entry-level positions in sport organizations to significantly higher for physiotherapy, teaching, or corporate roles in sport business.
Campus Location
Explore More
See your match score for Loughborough University Sport
Find out how you compare to admitted students with a personalized admission assessment.
See your match score — Sign up free