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78.5%Acceptance
$32,606Tuition
1,049Students
37%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$49,737Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Notre Dame College

Notre Dame College builds its reputation on strong nursing and education programs that serve Cleveland's diverse communities. This Catholic institution enrolls 1,049 students in a suburban setting, creating an intimate learning environment with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The college's mission centers on service and social justice, reflecting its Sisters of Notre Dame founding in 1933. Students benefit from small class sizes and hands-on learning opportunities that prepare them for careers in healthcare and teaching.

The financial picture shows mixed results for families considering this investment. Students pay an average net price of $20,477 after aid, lower than the $32,606 sticker price. However, graduates earn a median of $49,737 ten years after graduation while carrying $27,000 in debt. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a substantial portion of early-career earnings. Only 46% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.

The student body reflects Cleveland's diversity, with 42% White students and 31% Black students creating a multicultural campus environment. The 69% retention rate suggests some students struggle to persist, though those who stay graduate at reasonable rates. Nearly 39% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many first-generation and low-income students seeking upward mobility through education.

Academics & Faculty

Notre Dame College built its academic reputation around nursing and education programs that prepare students for in-demand careers. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates small class sizes where professors know students by name and can provide individual attention. However, the 36.6% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees despite this personalized environment. The Catholic institution emphasizes service-learning and ethical practice across its programs. Students often choose Notre Dame for its hands-on nursing labs and teacher preparation programs that include extensive field experience. The college's focus on practical, career-oriented education appeals to first-generation college students seeking clear pathways to employment.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
14:1
Full-Time Faculty
37.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
39.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
36.6%
Retention Rate
69.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$49,737
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $61,859
Special Education and Teaching. Master $48,432
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $46,087
Marketing. Bachelor $35,330
Psychology, General. Bachelor $33,993
Special Education and Teaching. Bachelor $33,459
Biology, General. Bachelor $30,771
Political Science and Government. Bachelor $29,250
Communication and Media Studies. Bachelor $29,141
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $28,960

View all 51 programs →

Campus Life

Notre Dame College sits in South Euclid, just 20 minutes from downtown Cleveland. The 53-acre campus houses 656 students, meaning about 63% of the 1,049 enrolled students live on campus. Cleveland's lakefront location brings harsh winters with heavy snow and freezing temperatures, so pack a serious winter coat. Spring and fall offer mild relief before summer heat arrives.

The small Catholic college draws 72% of its students from Ohio, creating a tight-knit community where the 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. Students often head to Cleveland on weekends for Cavaliers or Browns games, concerts at the House of Blues, or exploring neighborhoods like Little Italy. On campus, the Falcon athletic programs and student organizations provide weekend activities. The college's strong nursing program creates a pre-professional atmosphere where students balance coursework with clinical rotations. With 95% employment rates after graduation, students here focus seriously on career preparation while enjoying the benefits of small-college community life.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
656 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1933

Climate & Weather

January Avg
23°–35°F
July Avg
67°–80°F
Annual Precipitation
33.3"
Annual Snowfall
113.7"

Student Demographics

Notre Dame College draws students primarily from Ohio, with nearly three-quarters coming from in-state. The student body reflects Cleveland's diverse community, with significant representation from Black and white students creating a multicultural campus environment. The roughly even gender split aligns with the college's strong programs in both nursing, which traditionally attracts more women, and business fields that draw men. Many students come from working-class families, as nearly 40% qualify for Pell Grants. The Catholic mission attracts students seeking values-based education in a supportive, close-knit community setting.
Men
48.7%
Women
51.3%
White
41.9%
Black
31.1%
Hispanic
5.5%
Asian
0.7%
In-State Students
72.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
38.9%

Location

Notre Dame College sits in South Euclid, a Cleveland suburb that puts students just 15 minutes from downtown. The campus serves 1,049 students in Ohio's largest metropolitan area, where Lake Erie shapes the landscape and culture. Cleveland offers internships, cultural venues, and professional sports teams that complement campus life. The surrounding suburbs provide a quieter academic environment while maintaining easy access to urban opportunities. With 72.44% of students coming from in-state, many are already familiar with Northeast Ohio's mix of industrial heritage and emerging tech sectors. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Notre Dame College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Cleveland, Ohio 44121-4293
Notre Dame College Administration Building from Quinlivan Circle
Notre Dame College Administration Building from Quinlivan Circle

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$49,737
Median Earnings (5 years)
$54,990
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$37,000
Loan Repayment Rate
46.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Notre Dame College?

Notre Dame College accepts 78.53% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The college maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,049 total students. This small Catholic institution focuses on personalized attention rather than exclusivity.

How much does Notre Dame College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $20,477 after financial aid, lower than the $32,606 sticker price. Nearly 39% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong support for lower-income families. The college offers institutional grants averaging $24,299 to about 21% of students.

What academic programs is Notre Dame College known for?

Notre Dame College has built its reputation around nursing and education programs that prepare students for essential careers. The college maintains a 69.30% retention rate with personalized attention in small classes. Students benefit from hands-on training in these high-demand fields.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Notre Dame College?

The college has a 36.60% six-year graduation rate, with graduates earning a median salary of $49,737 ten years after graduation. An impressive 95% employment rate shows strong career placement despite the modest graduation numbers. Students typically graduate with $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286.

Where is Notre Dame College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in suburban Cleveland, Ohio, offering access to a major city while maintaining a small campus feel. Housing capacity serves 656 students out of the 1,049 total enrollment. The student body is 51.29% women and diverse, with 31.08% Black students and 41.94% White students.

Does Notre Dame College serve primarily local students?

Yes, 72.44% of students come from Ohio, reflecting the college's strong regional ties and appeal to local families. The Roman Catholic institution, founded in 1933, has deep roots in the Cleveland community. This local focus helps explain the college's emphasis on practical programs like nursing and education that serve regional workforce needs.