The Evolving Landscape of Notre Dame's Freshman Class: Statistics and Trends
The University of Notre Dame, a private institution founded in 1842, consistently attracts a highly qualified and diverse applicant pool. In recent years, the university has observed significant trends in its freshman class size, acceptance rates, and student demographics, reflecting a growing interest in its academic offerings and vibrant community. This article delves into the statistics surrounding Notre Dame's freshman classes, examining enrollment figures, admissions data, and the evolving profile of its incoming students.
Freshman Class Size and Admissions Trends
Notre Dame's undergraduate enrollment for the 2024-2025 academic year stood at 8,854 students. The university's commitment to a holistic review process, where "every application is provided a comprehensive and personal review," as stated by Vice President for Undergraduate Enrollment Micki Kidder, contributes to its selective admissions.
For the Class of 2028, nearly 30,000 students applied, with approximately 3,375 being admitted. This resulted in an acceptance rate of around 11.1%, a record low compared to the previous year's 11.9%. The application pool for this incoming class was another record for Notre Dame, underscoring the increasing demand to join the university. The first-year class size has seen a growth in the last two years, though it has remained consistent from the previous year. This growth, coupled with a record number of applications, indicates a highly competitive admissions environment. The class of 2028 also achieved Notre Dame’s highest yield rate since the creation of the Common App, at 62%, signifying a strong commitment from admitted students to enroll.
The admissions cycle for the Class of 2029 saw an even more substantial record number of applicants, with 35,401 REA and RD applicants. From this pool, the university admitted 9% of those who applied, further highlighting the university's selectivity. These admitted students are distinguished not only by their academic preparation and excellence but also by their leadership, enthusiasm for the University's distinct Catholic character, and a commitment to service.
Academic Profile of Incoming Students
The academic caliber of Notre Dame's freshman class is consistently high. For the Class of 2028, among the students who submitted test scores, the mid-50% range for the SAT was 1470-1540, and for the ACT, it was 33-35. This demonstrates that admitted students are performing at the upper echelon of standardized testing.
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The university maintains a strong focus on undergraduate teaching, ranking #10 in Best Undergraduate Teaching in the 2026 edition of Best Colleges. This dedication is reflected in the 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and a conducive learning environment. All faculty members are recognized as experts in their respective fields, contributing to the high quality of education.
The academic calendar at Notre Dame is semester-based, providing a structured approach to learning. The university offers a variety of academic programs, including distance education and study abroad opportunities, with half of the students taking advantage of the latter. Furthermore, programs like ROTC for Air Force, Army, and Navy are available, catering to diverse student interests and career aspirations.
Diversity and Demographics
Notre Dame is well known for its commitment to diversity, with students hailing from all corners of the United States, averaging 750 miles traveled to attend the school. While the Class of 2027 was noted as Notre Dame’s most diverse class to date, with roughly 40% of students being students of color or international students, the Class of 2028 continues this trend. The Class of 2028 includes 30 percent of domestic students from historically underrepresented groups. The combined 39% of the student body made up of minority students and international students is roughly the same as last year, achieved despite the 2028 admission cycle being the first in which the use of affirmative action was not permitted.
In terms of religious affiliation, 82 percent of incoming first-year students are Catholic, aligning with the university's founding principles. International students with citizenship from 72 nations make up an additional nine percent of the incoming class, contributing to a global perspective on campus.
The broader student body reflects a range of backgrounds. Of the students who participated in a survey, 59% identified as White, 15% as Hispanic or Latino, 6% as Asian, 5% as African American, 6% as Multiracial, and 7% as International (Non-Citizen). This demographic breakdown indicates a multi-faceted student population. Politically, campus discourse leans towards moderate, with 31% identifying as moderate, 37% as liberal, and 20% as conservative, with smaller percentages in very liberal, very conservative, and those who don't care about politics. The campus as a whole is perceived as balanced, with 51% describing the political beliefs of the campus as such.
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Student Life and Outcomes
The student experience at Notre Dame is characterized by a strong sense of community and shared traditions. Dorm life is particularly emphasized, with students developing close bonds and a strong sense of pride in their respective dorms and the events they host. This community spirit extends to academic and spiritual growth, with students looking forward to growing not only academically but also spiritually and socially.
The university boasts high retention and graduation rates. The first-year retention rate is exceptionally high at 99%, indicating that almost all students who start at Notre Dame continue their education after their freshman year. The four-year graduation rate is 89%, with 96% graduating within six years. This speaks to the university's effectiveness in supporting students through their academic journey.
Post-graduation, Notre Dame alumni are well-positioned for success. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $86,210. The university's strong academic programs and extensive alumni network contribute to these positive career outcomes.
Financial Considerations
Notre Dame is a private institution with a significant tuition cost. The tuition and fees for the 2023-2024 academic year were $67,607. However, financial aid plays a crucial role in making the university accessible. Forty-seven percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid. The average net price for federal loan recipients is $29,974, indicating that after financial aid, the cost of attendance is substantially reduced for many students. In 2023, 61% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, with 26% receiving aid through loans. The average yearly cost of room and board was $16,710 in 2023.
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