University of Notre Dame

Getting in is the hard part. University of Notre Dame admitted 11.3% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 1455–1560 on the SAT and 33–35 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what University of Notre Dame actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

• Next deadlineNovember 1, 2026 (REA)
• Regular decisionJanuary 2, 2027
• TestingRequired (2026 cycle)
• Recommendations2 letters
• Personal essayRequired
• ApplicationCommon App

Verified from nd.edu.

The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.

• Everyone has different priorities when considering their higher education options and building their college or university list. Tell us about your "non-negotiable" factor(s) when searching for your future college home.

  Up to 150 words

• How does faith influence the decisions you make?

  Up to 100 words

• What is distinctive about your personal experiences and development (eg, family support, culture, disability, personal background, community)? Why are these experiences important to you and how will you enrich the Notre Dame community?

  Up to 100 words

• Notre Dame's undergraduate experience is characterized by a collective sense of care for every person. How do you foster service to others in your community?

  Up to 100 words

• What would you fight for?

  Up to 100 words

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from nd.edu.

The sticker price is about $83,271, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $26,780.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $99,980.

Verified from nd.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Is University of Notre Dame test-optional?

No. For the 2026 application cycle, University of Notre Dame requires SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants.

How hard is it to get into University of Notre Dame?

Very hard. University of Notre Dame admits 11.3% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1455 to 1560 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.

When is the University of Notre Dame application deadline?

The next deadline is November 1, 2026 (REA). Regular Decision closes January 2, 2027.

How much does University of Notre Dame cost?

The list price is about $83,271, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $26,780.

Is University of Notre Dame worth it?

Graduates earn a median of $99,980 ten years after enrolling, and 96% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.