university of notre dame cover
university of notre dame logo

University of Notre Dame

Private#20Suburb: Large

About University of Notre Dame

Overview, location, and what makes it stand out

The University of Notre Dame is a private Catholic research university in Notre Dame, Indiana. It is one of the most recognized universities in the country, known for its business, law, and engineering programs, its independent football program, and its iconic Golden Dome.

Founded

1842

Location

Notre Dame, Indiana

Students

12,980

Institution

Private

Known For

Fighting Irish FootballMendoza BusinessCatholic TraditionGolden Dome

Key Stats

A quick snapshot of what matters most

Acceptance Rate

11.3%

Highly selective

Graduation Rate

95.2%

Above national average

Tuition

$65,025

Per year

Avg Net Price

$26,780

After financial aid

SAT Average

1520

Out of 1600

Median Earnings

$99,980

10 years after enrollment

Admissions

How competitive is getting in?

Selectivity

Highly CompetitiveOpen Admission
11.3%

Highly Selective

About 9 students apply for every seat

How to Apply

Test Policy

Test Optional

Application Fee

$75

Early

Nov 1

Regular

Jan 2

University of Notre Dame admits about 11.3% of applicants, with an average SAT around 1520. Strong academics are a must, and your essays and activities will make the difference.

SAT Scores

1520/ 1600

850810770730690650
735
Math: 735
720
R&W: 720
25th
790
Math: 790
770
R&W: 770
75th
Math
Reading & Writing

ACT Scores

34/ 36

393735323028
33
25th: 33
25th
34
Avg: 34
Avg
35
75th: 35
75th
25th Percentile
Average
75th Percentile

Academics

How strong is the academic experience?

Student Success

Low GraduationHigh Graduation
95.2%

Excellent

95.2% complete their degree within six years

Retention

99.1%

4-Year Grad

89%

6-Year Grad

96%

Teaching Quality

9:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

Full-Time

88.1%

$/Student

$38.7K

Class Size

Small

89% of students graduate on time, and with a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it's clear students get the personal attention they need to succeed.

Tuition & Costs

What will you actually pay?

Tuition & Fees

$65,025

Annual Tuition

Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals

Room & Board

$17,900

Books & Supplies

$1,250

Total Cost of Attendance

$83,271

After Financial Aid

$26,780

Average Net Price

Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships

Net Price (family income <$30K)

$7,244

Receive Grants

13.7%

Take Loans

24.7%

Don't let the $65,025 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $26,780 after financial aid, a 59% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $7,244.

Financial Aid

Who gets aid and what happens after

Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Notre Dame fund their education.

While in School

13.7%

Get Grants

Free money

24.7%

Take Loans

Must repay

$112,232

Median Family Income

After Graduation

$19,000

Median Debt at Graduation

Total federal loan balance when students graduate

$201/mo

Monthly Payment

0%

Low

Default Rate

Only 24.7% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $19,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.

Student Body

Diversity, gender, and enrollment

From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Notre Dame.

Gender

48.7%

Female

/

51%

Male

Female to Male Ratio

Race & Ethnicity

59.4%
15.3%
6.9%
5.7%
5.6%
4.7%
White
Hispanic
International
Asian
Multiracial
Black

Enrollment

8,818

Undergraduate Students

Student Profile

4,162

Graduates

10.2%

First-Gen

19 yrs

Avg Age

0.1%

Age 25+

The campus has a balanced gender split (49% women, 51% men). 6.9% international students add diversity to the campus.

Campus Life

What it's like to be a student here

Campus Setting

RuralCity
Suburb: Large

Suburb: Large

Campus Quick Facts

8,818

Students

private

Institution

Medium

Campus Size

R1 Research

Classification

What This College Offers

Semester calendar

Study Abroad

Yes

AP Credit

No

Teacher Cert

Yes

ROTC

Yes

Evening College

Yes

Online Programs

Yes

Job Placement

Yes

Career Counseling

Yes

What Students Say

Pros

  • +Iconic campus with the Golden Dome and Touchdown Jesus
  • +Football weekends are a legendary experience
  • +Tight-knit, loyal alumni network worldwide
  • +Strong sense of community and tradition

Cons

  • -South Bend has limited off-campus options
  • -Very cold and snowy Indiana winters
  • -Catholic identity may not suit everyone
  • -Parietals (overnight guest rules) still exist

Sports & Athletics

How seriously this college takes sport

University of Notre Dame fields 14 varsity teams with 903 student athletes, about 10% of the student body.

Division

NCAA

Division I-FBS

Conference

Atlantic Coast

The league its teams compete in

Varsity Sports

14

Biggest: Track & Cross Country

Student Athletes

903

10% of the student body

Athletes by Gender

57% / 43%

518

Men

/

385

Women

11

Men's Teams

11

Women's Teams

Biggest Teams

MenWomen
237
Track & XC
124
Football
86
Lacrosse
72
Rowing
69
Swim & Dive

Every Varsity Team

Track & Cross Country237Football124Lacrosse86Rowing72Swimming & Diving69Fencing68Soccer63Baseball45Basketball29Ice Hockey29Volleyball22Softball21Golf19Tennis19

After Graduation

What can you earn with this degree?

How much do graduates of University of Notre Dameearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.

Earnings Trajectory

$99,980

Median Earnings · 10 Years After

$86K
6yr
$75K
8yr
$100K
10yr

Popular Programs

Top 6

Finance and Financial Management Services

$99K

271 grads

1yr Earnings

Economics

$76K

256 grads

1yr Earnings

Political Science and Government

$55K

175 grads

1yr Earnings

Computer and Information Sciences, General

$97K

162 grads

1yr Earnings

Neurobiology and Neurosciences

$25K

136 grads

1yr Earnings

Mathematics and Statistics, Other

$90K

120 grads

1yr Earnings

Graduates start at $86K six years out, climb to $75K by year eight, and reach $100K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about University of Notre Dame

What is the acceptance rate at University of Notre Dame?
University of Notre Dame has an acceptance rate of 11.3%. University of Notre Dame admits about 11.3% of applicants, with an average SAT around 1520. Strong academics are a must, and your essays and activities will make the difference.
How much does University of Notre Dame cost?
Tuition at University of Notre Dame is $65,025 for in-state students and $65,025 for out-of-state students. Don't let the $65,025 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $26,780 after financial aid, a 59% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $7,244.
What is the graduation rate at University of Notre Dame?
University of Notre Dame has a graduation rate of 95.2%. 89% of students graduate on time, and with a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it's clear students get the personal attention they need to succeed.
How much do University of Notre Dame graduates earn?
The median earnings for University of Notre Dame graduates is $99,980 ten years after enrollment. Graduates start at $86K six years out, climb to $75K by year eight, and reach $100K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.