Loyola ranked in top 20 nationally for social media engagement

Loyola University Chicago ranks in the top 20 U.S. universities for social media engagement, according to the Rival IQ 2024 Higher Education Social Media Engagement Report. The University jumped an impressive 114 spots from last year’s ranking, placing 18th overall. Loyola is now the highest-ranked Jesuit institution and the top school in the A-10 conference for social media engagement. 

This achievement is a testament to the active participation of Loyola’s Rambler community across social media platforms. The Rival IQ survey observed 364 D1 colleges and universities between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024, on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok. Using this data and a weighted formula, Rival IQ generated an overall engagement ranking for each school that blends total engagement and engagement rates.  

“Social media is essential for engaging the Loyola community and future Ramblers where they are by sharing our story in fresh and innovative ways,” said Jeremy Langford, vice president for University Marketing and Communication at Loyola. “The tremendous growth and continuous improvement of our standing among other universities is a testimony to the strategic work of Elizabeth Shea, director of social media, Julia Winker, social media manager, our dedicated social media interns, and our partners across our campuses.” 

Loyola’s social media channels have reached new heights, many achieving their highest-ever rankings. The University’s Instagram account ranked No. 35 nationally, moving up 7 spots from last year. Loyola’s TikTok was ranked No. 38, despite having existed for only six months of the reporting period. @LoyolaChicago on X (formerly Twitter) placed No. 85, up 42 spots from 2023, while the University’s Facebook account was ranked No. 90, an improvement of 71 spots. 

Loyola’s social media following continues to grow, with over 72,638 followers on Facebook; 39,868 on X; 56,529 on Instagram; and is approaching 3,821 followers on TikTok, which launched in November 2023. With a total of 51,007,175 Impressions, Loyola saw a 43.3% increase in engagement across its platforms, raising the University’s total audience to 172,856 followers.