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14Students
32%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$74,576Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Notre Dame de Namur University

Notre Dame de Namur University serves just 14 students in the hills of Belmont, making it one of the smallest universities in California. This Catholic institution has championed liberal arts education since 1851, building its reputation on intimate classroom experiences and personal mentorship. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student by name.

Students graduate with a median debt of $25,000, relatively modest for private education. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median of $74,576, suggesting the investment pays off despite graduation challenges. Monthly loan payments average $265, manageable given the strong employment rate of 91.3%. The earnings trajectory shows steady growth from $48,555 in the first year to nearly $75,000 a decade later.

The student body reflects California's diversity, with 57% Hispanic students and equal gender representation. Housing accommodates 72 students on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community. However, the 31.5% six-year graduation rate suggests the intimate environment doesn't work for everyone. Students who thrive here value close relationships with faculty and a faith-centered approach to learning over traditional campus amenities.

Academics & Faculty

Notre Dame de Namur University operates as a small Catholic liberal arts institution where students receive highly personalized attention. With just 14 enrolled students, the 6:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student individually and can provide intensive mentoring. The university has historically focused on education, business, and psychology programs, reflecting its Catholic mission of service-oriented careers. However, the 31.5% six-year graduation rate suggests students face significant academic or financial challenges despite the close faculty support. The intimate classroom environment allows for deep discussion-based learning typical of liberal arts education. Students who complete their degrees often benefit from the strong alumni network and individualized career guidance that small Catholic universities provide.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
6:1
Full-Time Faculty
13.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
39.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
31.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$74,576
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $78,074
Public Administration. Master $76,460
Special Education and Teaching. Master $61,020
Education, General. Master $60,094
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $58,221
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. Master $48,432
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. Master $43,128
Communication and Media Studies. Bachelor $39,729
Human Services, General. Bachelor $38,289
Psychology, General. Bachelor $30,228

View all 39 programs →

Campus Life

Daily life at Notre Dame de Namur happens on an intimate scale with just 14 students total. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student by name and academic interests. This tiny Catholic university sits in Belmont, roughly 25 miles south of San Francisco, where students enjoy mild California weather year-round with temperatures rarely dropping below 40 degrees.

With housing capacity for 72 students but only 14 enrolled, residential life feels more like a close-knit community than traditional campus living. The diverse student body is 57% Hispanic and features an even gender split. Students can reach Silicon Valley companies for internships or San Francisco's cultural attractions within an hour's drive. Weekend activities often involve exploring the Bay Area's hiking trails, beaches, and urban neighborhoods. The small size means every student becomes deeply involved in campus activities and develops personal relationships with faculty. Academic support comes naturally when professors can dedicate individual attention to such a small cohort.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
72 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1851

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
40°–58°F
July Avg
56°–81°F
Annual Precipitation
19.0"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Notre Dame de Namur draws students seeking an intimate Catholic education in the Bay Area. With only 14 students enrolled, this represents a university in significant transition. The student body is majority Hispanic, reflecting the changing demographics of California and the university's commitment to serving diverse communities. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio creates an almost tutorial-like environment. Students here value personal attention over campus life, as the housing capacity of 72 far exceeds current enrollment. This is education at its most personalized scale.
Men
50.0%
Women
50.0%
White
14.3%
Black
14.3%
Hispanic
57.1%
Asian
7.1%

Location

Notre Dame de Namur University sits in Belmont, California, about 25 miles south of San Francisco in the heart of Silicon Valley. The campus occupies a hillside location in a wealthy suburban community where the median household income exceeds $130,000. Students can reach downtown San Francisco by train in under an hour, while San Jose lies just 30 miles southeast. The Bay Area's Mediterranean climate brings mild temperatures year-round, with average highs in the 70s. Tech giants like Google, Apple, and Facebook operate within a 20-mile radius, creating abundant internship opportunities. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Notre Dame de Namur University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Belmont, California 94002-1908
Notre Dame de Namur University campus
Notre Dame de Namur University campus
Notre Dame de Namur University campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$74,576
Median Earnings (5 years)
$68,696
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$49,000
Loan Repayment Rate
61.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements like at Notre Dame de Namur University?

With only 14 students enrolled, Notre Dame de Namur University operates as an extremely small Catholic institution in Belmont. The university emphasizes personalized attention through its 6:1 student-faculty ratio, making it one of the most intimate educational environments in the country.

How much does Notre Dame de Namur University cost after graduation?

Graduates leave with a median debt of $25,000 and monthly loan payments of $265. The university's Catholic liberal arts focus helps 61.62% of borrowers successfully repay their loans, though the small size means very individualized financial outcomes.

What is the academic experience like at Notre Dame de Namur University?

The 6:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intensely personal learning environment with just 14 total students. Founded in 1851, this Catholic university has maintained its commitment to liberal arts education and close mentorship relationships for over 170 years.

Does Notre Dame de Namur University have good career outcomes?

Despite a 31.5% six-year graduation rate, 91.3% of graduates find employment after finishing their programs. Median earnings reach $74,576 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of the university's personalized liberal arts approach in preparing students for careers.

Where do students live at Notre Dame de Namur University?

The campus housing capacity of 72 rooms far exceeds the current enrollment of just 14 students. This suburban Belmont location provides an intimate residential experience where students have exceptional access to facilities and personal space.

What makes the student body unique at Notre Dame de Namur University?

The tiny enrollment of 14 students creates an equal gender split of 50% men and 50% women. The student body is predominantly Hispanic at 57.14%, reflecting the university's commitment to serving diverse communities in the San Francisco Bay Area.