CAMPUS · NOTRE DAME, IN · PRIVATE

University of Notre Dame

12.4%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

FIT

REACH

University of Notre Dame is a reach for most applicants.

Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.

ACCEPTANCE

12.4%

of 28,353 applicants

SALARY · 10-YR

$99,980

across all majors

University of Notre Dame at a Glance

12.4%

Acceptance Rate

1490

Average SAT

Average ACT

13,618

Total Enrollment

$99,980

Median Salary (10yr)

$19,000

Median Debt

12.0%

Pell Grant Rate

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.

Full Name	University of Notre Dame
Location	Notre Dame, IN 46556
Type	Private
Website	nd.edu/
Total Enrollment	13,618
Undergrad Enrollment	9,157
Female Students	48.9%

How Much Do APs Matter at University of Notre Dame?

AP Impact Score: 50/100

APs are considered but not decisive at University of Notre Dame. Focus on GPA and overall application strength.

What University of Notre Dame Values in Admissions (CDS Data)

From the Common Data Set — what University of Notre Dame officially says matters in admission decisions.

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

Best AP Classes to Take for University of Notre Dame

Based on University of Notre Dame's most popular majors and admission priorities, these AP courses are most valuable:

For Social Sciences (17% of students)

AP U.S. History
AP Government
AP Economics (Macro/Micro)

For Engineering (11% of students)

AP Calculus BC
AP Physics C: Mechanics
AP Physics C: E&M
AP Chemistry

For Biological Sciences (9% of students)

AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Statistics

For Computer Science (6% of students)

AP Computer Science A
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Calculus BC

AP Strategy for University of Notre Dame Applicants

Take as many APs as you can handle well

At a school this selective, 7-12 AP courses is typical for admitted students. Quality matters more than quantity.

Score high for credit

Most colleges require a 4 or 5 to grant credit. AP credits can save you a semester of tuition — that's $15,000-$30,000 in real savings.

Match APs to your intended major

Admissions officers notice when your AP choices align with your stated interests.

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

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.