University of Notre Dame Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Sending a student to Notre Dame is a dream for many families—and the price tag can feel daunting. This guide breaks it down in plain English, so you’ll know exactly what tuition, housing, and real scholarship options look like. We’ll also connect you to Indiana’s state aid programs and the full CRP scholarship hub, so you can compare costs and opportunities side by side.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Notre Dame
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) | $65,430 | $65,430 |
| Housing & Meal Plan | $19,610 | $19,610 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,250 | $1,250 |
| Travel | $750 | $1,100 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Total (before aid) | $88,240 | $88,590 |
Example: Whether your student is from Indiana or California, the published tuition is $65,430. Savings come through scholarships and need-based aid, not regional waivers.
FAQ:
Who qualifies for in-state tuition?
Notre Dame charges the same tuition for all undergraduates—there’s no separate in-state rate.
How much do families really pay?
On average, families paid about $31K after grants and scholarships in 2022–23, but the exact figure depends on family income and aid eligibility.
Do I need to apply separately for aid?
Yes—submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile by Notre Dame’s priority deadlines to be considered for both need-based and institutional scholarships.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Unlike many large public universities, the University of Notre Dame does not publish GPA/test score charts that guarantee automatic merit awards. Every scholarship is awarded through a holistic, competitive review. This means there are no “if you hit this GPA or SAT, you get this scholarship” guarantees.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Automatic Merit Awards | N/A | Notre Dame reviews all applicants individually | — | — | Notre Dame does not guarantee awards by GPA/test score; students are considered for competitive scholarships instead |
Note: Notre Dame is a private university that awards scholarships through holistic review. There are no published automatic tiers like some state schools provide.
FAQ:
Do I need a separate application for automatic merit?
No. Since there are no automatic merit awards, all merit consideration comes through your main admission application.
Are test scores required?
Notre Dame is test-optional. Strong SAT/ACT scores may help in competitive scholarship review, but they are not required.
Can scholarships stack with need-based aid?
Yes. Notre Dame often combines need-based grants with merit awards, but the total cannot exceed the cost of attendance. The CSS Profile is the key to unlocking most of these aid packages.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Since Notre Dame does not offer automatic merit, its main awards come through selective programs. These scholarships are limited in number, highly competitive, and often require separate applications or nomination processes.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stamps Scholarship | Full cost of attendance (4 years) | Exceptional academics, leadership, service | By invitation; no separate app | Yes; must maintain GPA & engagement | Students typically in the top 1–2% of admits with near-perfect GPAs (3.95–4.0 unweighted) and SAT scores of 1550+ / ACT 35–36* |
| Named Merit Scholarships (e.g., Dean’s, Presidential) | $15,000–$25,000 per year | High academic achievement; open to all admits | No | Yes; maintain GPA and satisfactory progress | Most recipients have GPAs of 3.9+ (unweighted) with SAT 1500–1550+ or ACT 34–35* |
| Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars Program | $25,000 per year + enrichment funding | Leadership, service, global engagement | Yes; separate nomination & app | Yes; maintain GPA, program engagement | Selected students often pair a 3.9+ GPA with rigorous coursework and SAT 1450–1550 / ACT 32–35, plus extensive service/leadership |
*These GPA and test score bands are estimates based on past recipient profiles and Notre Dame admissions data. Actual cutoffs can shift year to year depending on the applicant pool.
FAQ:
How many students get these scholarships?
Only a small fraction of Notre Dame’s ~2,000 incoming freshmen each year—often fewer than 100—receive named merit awards.
Do I apply for these, or am I chosen?
Some, like Hesburgh-Yusko, require a nomination and application. Others, like Stamps, are invitation-only from the admissions pool.
Can competitive awards stack with other aid?
Yes, but Notre Dame caps total scholarships and grants at the published cost of attendance.
When are the deadlines?
Most competitive scholarship consideration requires applying by the Restrictive Early Action (Nov 1) or Regular Decision (Jan 1) deadlines. Separate apps like Hesburgh-Yusko have their own nomination timelines.
⭐ College Specialty
Notre Dame isn’t just famous for golden domes and football Saturdays—it’s also a powerhouse in academics. As a private R1 Research University, it combines nationally ranked programs with deep alumni networks and hands-on opportunities that give students a leg up after graduation.
- Law School — Ranked Top 25 nationally (U.S. News 2024), with a strong reputation in constitutional law and ethics.
- Political Science & International Relations — Global Affairs programs through the Keough School rank among the best for peace studies and diplomacy.
- Engineering — Known nationally for aerospace and civil engineering research, bolstered by partnerships with industry and federal labs.
- Theology & Philosophy — Often ranked #1 or #2 in the U.S. (U.S. News graduate rankings), reflecting Notre Dame’s Catholic intellectual tradition and research depth.
🎖️ Honors College
Notre Dame doesn’t have a single “Honors College” like many public universities. Instead, it offers a network of Scholars Programs and Departmental Honors tracks. These programs bring together top students for small seminars, research funding, and faculty mentorship—without adding extra years to the degree.
- Priority class registration and access to small, discussion-based seminars
- Faculty mentorship and research funding through programs like Glynn Family Honors
- Specialized housing options and close-knit scholar cohorts
- Funding for enrichment experiences (summer study, global research, service)
| Program | Award / Perks | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glynn Family Honors Program | Special seminars, research funding, faculty mentorship | Top admits with strong research interest | Yes; separate application | Yes; continued enrollment and GPA required | Students with 3.9+ GPA, SAT 1480–1550 / ACT 33–35, and clear research goals* |
| Departmental Honors (various majors) | Thesis option, advanced seminars, faculty supervision | Upperclassmen in good standing | Yes; apply within department | Yes | Majors with GPA 3.6+ and faculty support for thesis research |
| Notre Dame Scholars Program (Stamps, Hesburgh-Yusko, etc.) | Scholarship funding + leadership enrichment | Invitation or nomination only | No standalone app | Yes | Top 1–2% of admits with 3.95–4.0 GPA and SAT 1550+/ACT 35–36* |
*GPA/test bands are evidence-based estimates from Notre Dame admissions and past recipient profiles. Actual cutoffs can shift depending on applicant pool strength.
FAQ:
Is admission automatic?
No—students must be invited or apply separately, depending on the program.
Does joining Honors add time to my degree?
No. Notre Dame’s honors and scholar programs are designed to fit within the standard four-year degree.
What deadlines matter?
Early Action (Nov 1) and Regular Decision (Jan 1) ensure you’re considered. Programs like Glynn have separate deadlines after admission.
Do Honors students receive extra funding?
Yes—many programs provide research stipends, summer enrichment funding, or housing perks in addition to scholarships.
📎 Official Links
✨ Final Thoughts
Notre Dame is more than its iconic campus—it’s a place where big dreams and real financial support can meet. While there aren’t automatic merit cutoffs, the university invests heavily in competitive scholarships, hidden gems like ROTC and AnBryce, and a no-loan financial aid policy that makes it surprisingly affordable for many families. If your student is aiming high and willing to lean into leadership and service, Notre Dame can be a strong fit both academically and financially.
✅ Last updated: September 3, 2025