About

About University of Notre Dame

catholic research universitystrong business programsfootball culturelow student faculty ratio

University of Notre Dame is a private research university in Notre Dame, IN, known for its catholic research university, strong business programs, and football culture. With an acceptance rate of 13%, ND is highly selective, typically enrolling around 2,037 students each year. ND is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1460–1540, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. ND meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and has replaced loans with grants.

Admissions

University of Notre Dame acceptance rate and admitted student profile

highly selective

13%
Overall Accept Rate
1500
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1460 – 1540 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to University of Notre Dame

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Notre Dame's supplemental essays carry enormous weight in admissions, so treat each one as seriously as your Common App personal statement. Be specific about how Notre Dame's mission of faith, service, and intellectual inquiry aligns with your own values, and avoid generic statements about wanting a strong academic community.
Essay Strategy
Notre Dame explicitly asks about your relationship with its Catholic and Holy Cross identity, so address this question honestly and thoughtfully whether you are Catholic or not. Admissions readers want to see that you understand and respect the mission, not that you simply check a religious box.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What University of Notre Dame actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: University of Notre Dame has replaced all loans with grants. University of Notre Dame's sticker price of ~$78k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$78k/yr$7.2k
30k-48k~$78k/yr$7.3k
48k-75k~$78k/yr$11.4k
75k-110k~$78k/yr$18.7k
110k+~$78k/yr$45.3k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

97%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$86k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
9:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
9,684
Undergrad Enrollment
University of Notre Dame Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch