At schools with acceptance rates below 10%, nearly every applicant has near-perfect grades and test scores. Admissions decisions are driven by essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, and institutional priorities — factors no stats-based model can predict. Our likelihood labels reflect academic competitiveness only.
The University of Notre Dame is a private Catholic research university in Indiana known for its strong undergraduate business program, vibrant campus community, and deep commitment to service and ethical leadership. Its Catholic intellectual tradition shapes a distinctive educational philosophy that integrates faith and reason.
Mascot: Fighting Irish
Notable Alumni
Joe Montana (legendary NFL quarterback)•Regis Philbin (iconic TV host)•Condoleezza Rice (66th Secretary of State)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
Notre Dame has no Greek life — instead, your single-sex dorm is your fraternity or sorority for all four years, complete with rivalries, formals, charity events, and hand signs. Football Saturdays are a quasi-religious experience, from the midnight drummer circle to Touchdown Jesus, creating a communal energy that's hard to replicate. Parietals (opposite-sex visitor curfews) are controversial but real, pushing social life into dorm common areas and campus-wide events.
The gleaming Golden Dome, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Touchdown Jesus on Hesburgh Library, manicured grounds, and twin lakes create a campus with almost unmatched iconic grandeur and spiritual atmosphere.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
Notre Dame Police Department is a fully authorized Indiana police agency providing 24/7 campus patrols across the self-contained 1,250-acre campus. The isolated setting and strong community culture contribute to very low on-campus crime.
South Bend has above-average crime rates. While the campus itself is insulated, students venturing off campus into South Bend should exercise caution, particularly at night.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Monday-Friday, times vary throughout the year
Duration: 75-90 minutes
Free public tours -- no advance reservation. Register in person at the Eck Visitors Center (100 Notre Dame Ave) within 30 minutes of tour time. Limited to first 25 people. Groups of 10+ must arrange private tours. The Eck Center is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.
Book a TourSelf-guided tour materials available at the Eck Visitors Center. Key landmarks are well-signed across campus.
Tour ResourcesFootball Saturdays in fall (September-November) are the ultimate Notre Dame experience -- the campus transforms with tailgating, the band march, and the 'Play Like a Champion Today' energy. Spring (April-May) is beautiful and calmer. Avoid January-February (South Bend winters are harsh). Bookstore Basketball (spring outdoor tournament) is a beloved tradition.
Visitor parking on the right side of Notre Dame Ave, ~200 yards from Angela Blvd. Walsh Architecture Visitor Lot (Holy Cross Drive) is also convenient. Free on non-gameday visits. From South Bend Airport (SBN, ~15 min): east on Lincolnway West to Michigan St (IN-933), right on Angela Blvd, left at Eddy St. Rideshare from SBN ~$10-15. From Chicago O'Hare: ~2.5 hr drive via I-90.
Location
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