YOU BELONG AT ND
The University of Notre Dame welcomes and celebrates the unique contributions of all students to our vibrant, inclusive, and inspiring campus community. Your distinctive background, perspective, and personal qualities enrich Notre Dame, and we’re here to support you every step of the way, from the application process to your first day on campus and beyond.
Notre Dame
domestic students from historically underrepresented groups 31%
the Numbers
first-generation or Pell recipients 22%
retention rate (number of students who continue to sophomore year) 99%
Faith and Service
As a Catholic university, we welcome and celebrate students of all faiths.
• 80%+ of students participate in service or service-learning before they graduate
• Affinity-based retreats, faith-sharing groups, and interfaith communities open to all students
• Opportunities to engage across many faith traditions, including daily Mass, visits to local mosques, Jewish seders, Eid al-Adha, and Diwali celebrations on campus
participate in internships or research 90%
Academics and Research
post-grad placement rate (students placed in jobs, military, grad school, or service within six months) 98%
• The premier global Catholic research university offering an unsurpassed undergraduate education
• Top 20 Best National University ranking by U.S. News & World Report
• 73% of classes have <30 students
• One-on-one academic advising for all four years
• First-year opportunities to research in the lab or gain experience in your field
• Career and grad school advising in your college/school
Local Community
Notre Dame’s campus borders the city of South Bend, the center of a metropolitan area with over 300,000 residents. Set along the St. Joseph River, South Bend offers a vibrant downtown with local restaurants, scenic parks, and a lively arts scene. Just minutes from campus, the city provides students with opportunities for connection, exploration, and community engagement.
Community and Belonging
Life at Notre Dame is rooted in community. You’ll find welcoming and inclusive spaces, lasting friendships, and a shared sense of purpose—where intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth go hand in hand with care for others.
“As a first-generation student, Notre Dame has not only opened doors for my academic and personal growth, but also shaped my life mission to accompany and empower others on their journeys. ND isn’t just a university—it’s a place that uplifts you, connects you, and believes in who you’re becoming.”
Stacy Corzo ’28
“I chose Notre Dame because I wanted a place that would challenge me in more than just academics. Notre Dame is truly a magical place that helps me grow in every aspect of my life, and I’ve found that most specifically through campus dorm culture—a built-in community that pushes you to grow, lead, and belong with purpose.”
Brenden Villavaso ’27
Student Support
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“Notre Dame is overflowing with opportunity—but more than that, it’s a place where people see you, know you, and believe in you. On campus, you’re challenged to become the greatest version of yourself, and this environment has taken me to levels I never imagined possible — both academically and personally.”
Ella Bussell ’28
“As a first-generation college student, stepping onto Notre Dame’s campus felt overwhelming at first, but I quickly found support in the community that not only welcomed me, but empowered me. Notre Dame has shown me that I belong here, and that my background is a strength, not a setback.”
Ashton Guo ’26
Sister Thea Bowman Center
This campus center fosters a culture of belonging and serves as a welcoming space for students engaging with resources from Multicultural Student Programs and Services, the Gender Relations Center, the Office of Student Enrichment, and other campus partners.
Transformational Leaders Program (TLP)
Affordability and Access
You can afford Notre Dame. We offer generous need-based aid and additional funding to support enrichment opportunities, from campus activities to research and study abroad.
• Need-blind admissions
• 100% of financial need met
• No loan financial aid offers
Visit financialaid.nd.edu for more information or contact our financial aid office for assistance at 574-631-6436 or finaid@nd.edu.
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
McKenna Hall
Notre Dame, IN 46556
574-631-7505
admissions@nd.edu admissions.nd.edu
Follow @ndadmissions
TLP supports high-potential undergraduates— especially those from first-generation, limitedincome, and other non-traditional backgrounds— through personalized advising, mentorship, and leadership development. With academic, career, and community-building resources, the program empowers students to thrive at Notre Dame.
Multicultural Student Programs and Services (MSPS)
MSPS provides support for historically underrepresented students on campus through academic initiatives, cultural enrichment programs, and student organizations, and by connecting students to the ND alumni network.
Office of Student Enrichment
This office supports limited-income students through programs, resources, and campus-wide conversations that foster understanding and inclusion. It is committed to helping all students—including those from first-generation and other nontraditional backgrounds—flourish at the University.
Pre-College Programs: Leadership Seminars
Leadership Seminars is a competitive, 10-day, fully-funded program on Notre Dame’s campus for academically talented students who show impressive leadership within their communities. Get a true taste of the college experience. Learn more: precollege.nd.edu