About University of Notre Dame
The financial picture tells a compelling story about value and accessibility. While sticker price hits $81,321 annually, the average student pays just $27,823 after aid. Families earning under $48,000 pay virtually nothing, with net costs under $9,000. Graduates earn a median of $99,980 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $19,000 highly manageable. Monthly loan payments average just $201, a fraction of what Notre Dame alumni typically earn.
The school's 98.18% retention rate reflects student satisfaction that extends far beyond academics. Nearly 97% graduate within four years, among the highest rates nationally. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while the legendary alumni network opens doors worldwide. Catholic values permeate campus life, emphasizing service alongside success.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 87.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 96.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 96.8%
- Retention Rate
- 98.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $99,980
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $123,601 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Doctoral | $108,092 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $89,968 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Doctoral | $89,674 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Doctoral | $87,754 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $86,375 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $85,243 |
| Mathematics and Statistics, Other. | Bachelor | $80,273 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $79,598 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 |
Campus Life
Indiana winters demand heavy coats and boots as temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom discussions, while weekends center around football games that draw 80,000 fans to Notre Dame Stadium. Students gather for residence hall traditions, intramural sports, and service projects that reflect the university's Catholic mission. The Grotto becomes a peaceful retreat for prayer and reflection. With 22 varsity sports and 754 total athletes, school spirit runs deep beyond football. Saturday game days transform campus into a sea of blue and gold, with tailgating that starts at sunrise.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 6,934 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1842
Campus Safety (2023)
201 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 119 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 23 | 16 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–31°F
- July Avg
- 63°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 64.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 51.3%
- Women
- 48.8%
- White
- 61.4%
- Black
- 4.6%
- Hispanic
- 13.6%
- Asian
- 5.9%
- In-State Students
- 6.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 12.5%
Location
- Address
- Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $99,980
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $94,900
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $69,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 93.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $201/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Notre Dame?
Notre Dame accepts just 12.91% of applicants, making it one of the most selective universities in the country. Admitted students typically score around 1500 on the SAT and 34 on the ACT, reflecting the university's reputation for academic excellence rooted in Catholic intellectual tradition.
How much does University of Notre Dame cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $27,823, lower than the sticker price of $81,321. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $8,873 on average, demonstrating Notre Dame's commitment to making Catholic education accessible regardless of economic background.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Notre Dame?
Notre Dame maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring small classes and personalized attention from professors. The university's emphasis on undergraduate education within a research setting means students work closely with faculty who are both accomplished scholars and dedicated teachers.
What are the career outcomes for University of Notre Dame graduates?
Notre Dame graduates earn a median salary of $99,980 ten years after graduation, reflecting the strength of the Fighting Irish alumni network. With a 96.80% six-year graduation rate and 93.8% employment rate, students benefit from both rigorous academics and extensive career support through the university's legendary alumni connections.
Where do University of Notre Dame students live on campus?
The university houses 6,934 students in its distinctive residential hall system, where 98.18% of students return each year. Notre Dame's campus culture revolves around these residence halls, which serve as the foundation for lifelong friendships and the school's strong sense of community rooted in Catholic values.
How successful is University of Notre Dame's athletic program?
Notre Dame fields 22 varsity sports with 754 total athletes competing in NCAA Division I as an independent in football and ACC member in other sports. The university awards over $31.5 million in athletic scholarships annually, supporting the Fighting Irish tradition that has made Notre Dame football a cultural phenomenon and source of national pride.
