
100 Campus Distribution Center, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA


University of Notre Dame holds accreditation that confirms its adherence to established standards of academic quality and institutional effectiveness. This accreditation assures prospective students that the university meets rigorous criteria in areas such as faculty qualifications, curriculum, student support services, and institutional governance. The university is recognized by relevant regional accrediting bodies responsible for evaluating higher education institutions.
University of Notre Dame maintains selective admission standards, requiring applicants to have completed a secondary school record and a college preparatory program. Prospective students must submit recommendations as part of the application process. A General Educational Development (GED) certificate is accepted in place of a traditional high school diploma. The university does not have an open admission policy and does not offer dual credit or college credit for incoming students, although Advanced Placement (AP) credits are recognized.
International applicants must provide TOEFL scores to demonstrate English proficiency. There is no computer requirement for applicants, but a computer lease option is available.
The university enrolls students with very high standardized test scores. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1480, placing them in the top 5 percent nationally, with an average math score of 750 and an average writing score of 730. The mean ACT score is 34, also positioning admitted students within the top 5 percent nationwide.
Admission to University of Notre Dame is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 12 percent, which is in the bottom 5 percent compared to other institutions. From over 28,000 applicants, around 3,500 are admitted and about 2,075 enroll each year, indicating strong demand and selectivity. The enrollment includes a balanced gender distribution, with slightly more men enrolled than women.
The University of Notre Dame requires an application fee to process undergraduate admissions requests. This fee supports administrative costs related to reviewing applications and is a standard component of the college application process.
Prospective students who demonstrate financial need may be eligible for fee waivers to help reduce barriers to applying. The university participates in national programs that offer waivers for eligible applicants, including those who qualify through the College Board or the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).
Students interested in obtaining a fee waiver should verify their eligibility with their school counselor or submit the required documentation directly during the application process. This ensures that financial constraints do not prevent qualified candidates from submitting their materials for consideration.
University of Notre Dame hosts a branch of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) on its campus. This presence provides students with access to military training and leadership development opportunities while pursuing their academic studies. The program is designed to prepare students for future service as officers in the United States Armed Forces.
University of Notre Dame permits transfer applications for the fall and spring semesters. While information about transfer opportunities during the winter and summer terms is not available, prospective students can apply for the primary academic periods of fall and spring. The institution accepts transfer credits from other accredited colleges and universities, facilitating the continuation of academic progress without unnecessary repetition. However, specific details regarding acceptance of credits from CLEP, DANTES, or Excelsior exams have not been disclosed.
University of Notre Dame offers a diverse array of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich the academic and cultural experience of its students. These programs include semester-long and summer options across multiple continents, allowing participants to engage deeply with international environments in disciplines aligned with their fields of study.
Students can choose from faculty-led programs, which are often shorter in duration and provide focused, thematic experiences under direct guidance of Notre Dame professors. Additionally, there are exchange partnerships with select universities worldwide, providing options to immerse in different academic systems while earning credit towards their degrees.
The university supports comprehensive language immersion options, enabling students to enhance proficiency and cultural understanding simultaneously. Many programs emphasize experiential learning through internships, community service, or research projects, which foster practical skills alongside academic growth.
Notre Dame places strong emphasis on ensuring programs are academically rigorous and well integrated with students' curricular goals, offering advising to align study abroad choices with degree requirements and career aspirations.
Median composite SAT score
1480Median composite ACT score
34High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
Data not availableSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Data not availableOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring