US University · Ranked #18
University of Notre Dame: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
University of Notre Dame is a highly selective university that admits roughly 12.9% of applicants. Set in Notre Dame, Indiana and ranked #18 nationally in our dataset, University of Notre Dame attracts a deep, accomplished applicant pool, so a strong academic record is the entry ticket rather than the deciding factor. Successful candidates typically pair excellent grades with a clear, well-articulated reason for applying here specifically.
Notre Dame is a leading Catholic university combining academic excellence with a strong sense of community, service, and one of the most passionate alumni networks.
This guide breaks down University of Notre Dame's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
University of Notre Dame admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 12.9%
- SAT range
- 1400–1540
- Average GPA
- 3.87
- In-state
- $62,693
- Out-of-state
- $62,693
- Enrollment
- 8,971
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Notre Dame, Indiana
How hard is it to get into University of Notre Dame?
An acceptance rate of 12.9% places University of Notre Dame firmly in the highly selective category. Academic excellence is necessary but not sufficient here: the majority of denied applicants are fully qualified on paper. Decisions turn on the strength of essays, recommendations, and demonstrated depth in a few areas rather than a long list of activities.
Plan for University of Notre Dame as a reach. Make sure your list includes target and likely schools, and use your essays to show depth and a specific reason this school fits your goals.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at University of Notre Dame typically score between 1400 and 1540 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1400 and a quarter above 1540. A score at or above 1540 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.87 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1470 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.87. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1400) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
University of Notre Dameapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Action: Nov 1
- • Regular Decision: Jan 1
University of Notre Dame offers a non-binding Early Action deadline of Nov 1, with Regular Decision closing Jan 1. Early Action lets you submit early and receive a decision sooner without any obligation to enroll, so there is little downside to applying EA if your application is genuinely ready by Nov 1 — a rushed early application is worse than a strong regular one.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 1.
Notable programs at University of Notre Dame
- Business — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Engineering — typically a more selective track with specific math and science prerequisites.
- Political Science — a discipline that pairs well with the school's research and internship networks.
- Theology — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Architecture — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
University of Notre Dame is particularly known for Business, Engineering, Political Science, Theology, and Architecture.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending University of Notre Dame
As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, University of Notre Dame charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $62,693 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.
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University of Notre Dame: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at University of Notre Dame?
- University of Notre Dame has an acceptance rate of 12.9%, which makes it highly selective. Plan for University of Notre Dame as a reach. Make sure your list includes target and likely schools, and use your essays to show depth and a specific reason this school fits your goals.
- What SAT score do you need for University of Notre Dame?
- Admitted students at University of Notre Dame typically score between 1400 and 1540 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1540 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1400 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into University of Notre Dame?
- The average GPA of admitted students at University of Notre Dame is approximately 3.87 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.87 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for University of Notre Dame?
- University of Notre Dame's application deadlines: Early Action is Nov 1 (non-binding); Regular Decision is Jan 1. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is University of Notre Dame a public or private university?
- University of Notre Dame is a private university. Tuition is the same regardless of residency, but need-based aid can substantially lower the net price.
- How much does it cost to attend University of Notre Dame?
- As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, University of Notre Dame charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $62,693 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.