Founded in 1842 by Rev. Edward F. Sorin of the Congregation of Holy Cross, the University of Notre Dame is a premier Catholic research university dedicated to educating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. With a global reputation for academic excellence and a campus steeped in tradition, Notre Dame’s mission is to develop scholars and leaders who are a force for good in the world.

Academic Excellence and Opportunities

Notre Dame offers undergraduates access to a broad range of academic programs through its seven colleges and schools: the College of Arts and Letters, College of Engineering, Mendoza College of Business, College of Science, School of Architecture, Keough School of Global Affairs, and the Alliance for Catholic Education. Students do not formally declare a major until the end of their first year, but they are encouraged to explore widely through the university’s core curriculum.

The academic experience is both rigorous and personalized. First-year students are assigned academic advisors before arriving on campus and take part in a required First-Year Seminar. All students complete two theology and two philosophy courses as part of the core curriculum, which encourages critical thinking, ethical reflection, and a deep understanding of human experience. Options include classes such as “Theology and Evolution,” “Theology of Marriage,” and “Theology and Science.”

Notre Dame is classified as an R1 research university, and undergraduates are strongly encouraged to pursue research early in their college careers. Approximately 89% of students participate in research or internships. The university offers more than 30 core research facilities and provides substantial funding support for student-led inquiry and faculty collaboration.

Interdisciplinary learning is a growing priority. For example, students can now pursue a double major in Computer Science and Business across the Colleges of Engineering, Arts & Letters, and Mendoza, each with distinct requirements. While most students can transfer between colleges, entrance to Mendoza is highly selective and requires completion of designated first-year coursework.

Distinctive Residential Life

Residential life is central to the Notre Dame undergraduate experience. With a three-year on-campus living requirement, about 80% of students live in one of 32 single-sex residence halls, each with its own distinct identity, traditions, chapel, and Rector—who plays a formative role in students' spiritual and social development. Resident Assistants and senior Resident Coordinators also live in the halls and help maintain community life.

Each hall sponsors a signature event—ranging from talent shows to charity fundraisers—and fosters a strong sense of belonging. Dorm Masses, often followed by social events like “Milkshake Mass,” are well-attended and build spiritual community. Dorms are single-sex, with limited cross-visitation during the week and extended access to common spaces on weekends until 2 a.m.

Notre Dame does not offer Greek life; instead, residence halls serve as the heart of student life. Inclusive housing options such as the Fisher Hall undergraduate apartments provide welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ students. The university emphasizes that it is a Catholic institution that welcomes all faiths and backgrounds.

Faith, Service, and Values

Faith and service are woven into the Notre Dame experience. The university hosts over 160 Masses each week, supported by more than 75 priests in residence, and each dormitory includes its own chapel. Students of all faiths are supported by Campus Ministry, which provides spaces for prayer, worship, and reflection across Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and other traditions.

More than 80% of students participate in community service or service-learning, often through partnerships with the Center for Social Concerns or programs like the Summer Service Learning Program (SSLP) and International Summer Service Learning Program (ISSLP). These experiences reflect the university’s mission to form leaders who prioritize justice, compassion, and global solidarity.

Campus and Community Life

Notre Dame’s 1,250-acre campus is renowned for its beauty, community, and iconic landmarks such as the Golden Dome, Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and Touchdown Jesus. Located in South Bend, Indiana—a midsize city—students have access to a variety of local restaurants, shops, and recreational activities. About one-third of students bring cars (starting in the second semester of first year), and the campus offers free transportation to popular destinations like Trader Joe’s and Leaman’s Orchard, a favorite for apple and raspberry picking.

Students can also take advantage of Notre Dame’s tri-campus partnership with nearby Saint Mary’s College and Holy Cross College. This collaboration allows students to cross-register for courses, participate in shared clubs and organizations, and access additional academic opportunities such as teacher certification.

Notre Dame offers a robust array of extracurricular activities with over 500 student clubs, 26 NCAA Division I athletic teams, and vibrant intramural and club sports programs. The university encourages leadership, creativity, and connection through programs such as the Center for Social Concerns, Student Government, and campus arts and music ensembles.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Notre Dame’s holistic admissions process seeks students who are intellectually curious, authentic, and aligned with the university’s mission. The university is test-optional but encourages applicants to demonstrate academic readiness through coursework, AP/IB scores, or other achievements. A teacher recommendation from a core academic subject and a counselor letter are required. Students may submit a third letter only if it adds a new dimension to their application.

Admissions readers look for intellectual spark, confident self-awareness (but not arrogance), and genuine interest in making a difference. Essays and the activities section are key opportunities to showcase personal curiosity and mission alignment. Notre Dame encourages applicants to reflect deeply on how they hope to be a force for good in the world.

The university offers Restrictive Early Action and Regular Decision. Deferred applicants are encouraged to send a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI), though additional recommendations are discouraged.

Notre Dame is need-blind for all applicants and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans. About 70% of undergraduates receive financial aid. Merit aid is extremely limited and competitive, with no separate application required.