

University of Notre Dame
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
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 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
ACT Scores
34/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
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%
LowDefault 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
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
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
Every Varsity Team
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
Popular Programs
Top 6Finance 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?▾
How much does University of Notre Dame cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of Notre Dame?▾
How much do University of Notre Dame graduates earn?▾
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.