Data Notice: The admissions data and statistics referenced here reflect available data at the time of publication and may include approximations or trend-based projections. Check with each institution for the most up-to-date figures.

Notre Dame Acceptance Rate: Stats & Tips (2026)

The University of Notre Dame, located in South Bend, Indiana, is one of the most prestigious Catholic universities in the world. With an acceptance rate of approximately 12%, Notre Dame combines rigorous academics with a deeply rooted mission of faith, service, and community. The university’s fiercely loyal alumni network, storied athletic tradition, and distinctive residential culture make it unlike any other institution in American higher education.

Admissions Statistics at a Glance

Metric	Value
Acceptance Rate	~12%
Total Applicants	~26,000
Admitted Students	~3,120
Enrolled Class Size	~2,050
SAT Range (Middle 50%)	1450–1550
ACT Range (Middle 50%)	33–35
Average GPA	~3.90 (unweighted)

Notre Dame’s yield rate — approximately 65% — is one of the highest in the country, trailing only a handful of schools. This reflects the deep emotional connection many admitted students feel toward the university. When Notre Dame offers admission, most students accept.

What Notre Dame Looks For

Academic Preparation

Notre Dame expects a demanding high school curriculum with strong grades across all core subjects. The Mendoza College of Business, the College of Engineering, and the College of Science are particularly competitive within the broader applicant pool. Students applying to these programs should demonstrate exceptional quantitative preparation.

Catholic Identity and Values Alignment

While Notre Dame admits students of all faiths and backgrounds, the university’s Catholic mission shapes campus life significantly. Approximately 80% of undergraduates identify as Catholic. Admissions officers look for applicants who resonate with the university’s values of service, ethics, and community — regardless of personal religious affiliation. Students who can articulate how they would engage with Notre Dame’s mission and contribute to its values-driven community have an advantage.

Service and Community Involvement

Notre Dame places extraordinary emphasis on service. The Center for Social Concerns coordinates extensive service-learning programs, and approximately 80% of students participate in some form of community service during their time at the university. Applicants with meaningful, sustained service experiences stand out — particularly those who can connect their service work to their personal growth and future goals.

Legacy and Alumni Connections

Notre Dame has one of the strongest legacy preferences among elite universities. Children of alumni receive meaningful consideration, and legacy applicants are admitted at higher rates than the general pool. While legacy status alone does not guarantee admission, it is a real factor in the process.

The Supplemental Essays

Notre Dame’s essays ask applicants to reflect on community and belonging. The university wants to understand what you will bring to residence hall life, how you engage with people different from yourself, and what matters to you beyond academics. Authentic, specific responses that demonstrate knowledge of Notre Dame’s traditions and culture resonate most.

Acceptance Rate by Application Type

Application Type	Deadline	Acceptance Rate
Restrictive Early Action	November 1	~18–21%
Regular Decision	January 1	~8–10%

Notre Dame offers Restrictive Early Action rather than Early Decision. REA is non-binding, meaning admitted students do not have to commit until May 1. However, REA restricts applicants from applying early to other private institutions (with some exceptions for public universities). The REA acceptance rate is substantially higher than Regular Decision, and approximately 50–55% of the class is typically filled through this round. REA is the recommended path for students with Notre Dame as a top choice.

Financial Aid and Cost

Financial Aid Metric	Value
Total Cost of Attendance	~$84,000/year
Students Receiving Aid	~50%
Average Need-Based Grant	~$48,000/year
Meets Full Need?	Yes (100% of demonstrated need)
Average Debt at Graduation	~$24,000

Notre Dame meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. The university’s financial aid packages include a combination of grants, scholarships, work-study, and in some cases loans. While Notre Dame has not fully eliminated loans from aid packages as some peers have, the average debt at graduation remains manageable. The university also offers merit-based awards, and its strong alumni network provides extensive support for career placement and internship funding.

Key Takeaways

Notre Dame’s approximately 12% acceptance rate and approximately 65% yield rate reflect a deeply committed applicant pool and strong institutional loyalty.
The Catholic mission is not just a branding element — it genuinely shapes campus culture, and admissions evaluates values alignment alongside academic qualifications.
Restrictive Early Action is non-binding but offers a significant admissions advantage, with acceptance rates nearly double those of Regular Decision.
Service and community involvement carry exceptional weight in the admissions process, consistent with Notre Dame’s mission.
Legacy connections are a meaningful factor, more so than at many peer institutions.

Next Steps

Explore these resources as you prepare your Notre Dame application:

How to Write a Standout College Essay — Craft essays that reflect Notre Dame’s values of service and community.
Early Decision vs. Early Action: Which Strategy Is Right for You? — Learn how Notre Dame’s Restrictive Early Action differs from other early plans.
College Application Timeline — Plan around the November 1 REA deadline.
Financial Aid Guide: Maximizing Your Award — Understand how Notre Dame calculates demonstrated need.

For the most accurate Notre Dame data, verify with the institution directly. Admissions figures are revised annually.

Admissions statistics for Notre Dame including acceptance rates are estimates that vary by year. This content is informational and does not replace guidance from the institution’s admissions office.