Established on 15th June 1925, Loyola College, Chennai is a Catholic Christian Minority College. It was managed by the Society of Jesus. The primary objective of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) was to provide to deserving students university education in a Christian atmosphere. Their main target was students belonging to the Catholic Community.

Loyola College is regarded as one of the oldest colleges and a prestigious one which has produced many distinguished alumni. It is famous for the science and arts streams. It was conferred the status of an autonomous college in the year 1978. It was established with the aim to provide quality education to deserving candidates in the field of higher education.

Loyola College is affiliated to the University of Madras, Chennai. On 3rd March 1956 under the UGC Act of 1956, it was recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under section 2(f) & 12(B). On 5th January 2013, it was re-accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with an "A" Grade (CGPA score 3.70 on a 4 point scale in the 3rd cycle).

The college aims at providing university education for deserving candidates in a Christian atmosphere, irrespective of caste or creed. It also aims at training the students so that they become leaders in every walk of life and are able to bring about changes for the betterment of the citizens of our country. 
Located in the urban part of Chennai, it has been playing a great role in providing higher education to students. It provides regular courses and is a self-financed institute.

Although Loyola College became autonomous in the year 1978, it continues to be affiliated with the University of Madras. It is an autonomous institute with eighteen departments (arts, sciences, and commerce). Under it, there are nine special institutes offering more than 111 programmes to over 10,000 students.

Loyola College was conferred the status of grant-in-aid college, which means that the fees to be paid by the students and all the facilities for them are fixed by the government. The college has also been conferred the status of "College with Potential for Excellence (CPE)" by the UGC in 2004 and the same was confirmed in the year 2010.

Over the years, Loyola College has received many accolades and awards in the fields of education, sports and extra-curricular activities under the University of Madras, Chennai. For the past 16 years, Loyola College has been ranked by India Today in the list of Top 10 Colleges in India.

In January 2011, the college received SIRO (Scientific Industrial Research Organization). The Central Board of Direct Taxes, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India, recognized the quality of scientific research done at Loyola College. It means that the college has received an approval that provides 175% tax exemption to the donors of the Loyola College Society for conducting scientific research.

Loyola College offers undergraduate, postgraduate, & post-doctoral courses in the fields of arts, commerce and science and also various specializations under the University of Madras, Chennai.

Unlike other colleges under the University of Madras, Loyola College has its own selection process. Prospective candidates can fill in their academic achievements and interest through an online application process.

Vision:

• The college aims at training the young generation of this country to become leaders in all walks of life and serve every citizen of this country with the values of justice, truth, and love.

Mission:

• To create an atmosphere of intellectual vigour and moral rectitude which will enable the young citizens of our country to find fulfillment in their endeavours and achieve greatness.