Average SAT & ACT Scores for University of Notre Dame
Test
25th Percentile
75th Percentile
Midpoint
SAT Reading
710
760
735
SAT Math
730
780
755
SAT Total
1440
1540
1490
ACT Composite
33
35
34
Admissions Funnel
Applications Received
28,353
Students Admitted
3,510
Students Enrolled
2,075
Yield Rate
59.1%
University of Notre Dame Rankings
Ranking
2025
Year
US News National Universities
#18
2025
University of Notre Dame Overview
University of Notre Dame is a private university in Notre Dame, IN with 13,618 students. Its 12.4% acceptance rate places it among America's most selective universities. The most popular majors are Business/Marketing, Social Sciences, and Engineering. Graduates earn a median of $99,980 ten years after enrollment.
Is University of Notre Dame a Reach, Match, or Safety?
With an acceptance rate of 12.4%, University of Notre Dame is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.
Your Profile
University of Notre Dame Is...
What to Do
Above-average GPA + strong application
Match
Apply — worth the effort
Average GPA, some strengths
Reach
Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools
Below-average GPA
Hard Reach
Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates
University of Notre Dame True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at Notre Dame. Families earning $0-30k pay around $7,244 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $45,321. 12% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Notre Dame enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. The median debt of $19,000 is very manageable relative to the $86,210 median salary six years out.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
$0-30k
$7,244
$28,976
$30-48k
$7,254
$29,016
$48-75k
$11,432
$45,728
$75-110k
$18,670
$74,680
$110k+
$45,321
$181,284
Cost Breakdown
Room & Board
$17,378
Total Cost of Attendance
$83,271
Popular Majors at University of Notre Dame
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Business/Marketing
19.5%
Social Sciences
16.8%
Engineering
10.6%
Biological Sciences
8.5%
Computer Science
5.7%
Mathematics/Statistics
5.6%
Multidisciplinary
4.2%
Foreign Languages
4.1%
Visual/Performing Arts
3.9%
Psychology
3.8%
Health Professions
2.9%
Student Demographics
White
62.7%
Black/African American
4.0%
Hispanic/Latino
12.8%
Asian
5.6%
International
7.3%
How to Get Into University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1490+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Notre Dame wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.
1490
Target SAT Score
34
Target ACT Score
12.4%
Acceptance Rate
28,353
Total Applicants
What University of Notre Dame Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
Very Important
Class Rank
Important
Standardized Test Scores
Very Important
Application Essay
Very Important
Recommendation
Important
Extracurricular Activities
Very Important
Talent Ability
Important
Character Personal Qualities
Very Important
First Generation
Considered
Alumni Relation
Considered
Interview
Not Considered
Work Experience
Considered
Volunteer Work
Important
University of Notre Dame Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the University of Notre Dame REA admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
Deadline
Date
Early Action
Nov 1
Regular Decision
Jan 1
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)
Feb 15
REA: University of Notre Dame uses REA (Restrictive Early Action). You can apply early without a binding commitment, but you cannot apply early to other private schools.
Financial Aid & Student Debt
12.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$19,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Federal loans only
$86,210
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Notre Dame
What is Notre Dame's acceptance rate?
Notre Dame has an acceptance rate of 12.4%, making it extremely selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for Notre Dame?
The middle 50% SAT range at Notre Dame is 1440-1540. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 33-35. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at Notre Dame?
The most popular majors at Notre Dame by degrees awarded are: Business/Marketing (19.5%), Social Sciences (16.8%), Engineering (10.6%), Biological Sciences (8.5%), Computer Science (5.7%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
How much do Notre Dame graduates earn?
Notre Dame graduates earn a median salary of $99,980 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.
Is Notre Dame worth the cost?
With median earnings of $99,980 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $19,000, The earning potential strongly outweighs the typical debt, making Notre Dame a solid investment for most students. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.
Can I transfer to Notre Dame?
Notre Dame accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.
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