University of Notre Dame Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Need-based aid and competitive merit scholarships
- Signature programs like Hesburgh-Yusko and Posse
- Honors opportunities and key admissions deadlines
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~11%
- Middle 50% ACT: 33–35
- Middle 50% SAT: 1420–1550
- Average HS GPA (unweighted): 3.9+
Source: University of Notre Dame Common Data Set 2024–25 and Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
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University of Notre Dame at a Glance
Last verified: October 10, 2025
The University of Notre Dame is one of the nation’s most selective Catholic research universities. While most aid is need-based, a small number of students are invited to compete for prestigious merit programs—most notably the Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars Program—alongside opportunities like Posse.
Notre Dame’s commitment to meeting 100% of demonstrated need makes it attainable for many families who qualify for aid. With small class sizes, global programs, and the Glynn Family Honors experience, it’s both academically intense and deeply community-oriented.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Notre Dame is test-optional through 2026 and reviews applications holistically. If submitted, scores are considered alongside GPA, rigor, and essays.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 33–35; SAT: 1420–1550 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $31,299/year after need-based aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? No — as a private university, Notre Dame does not have state reciprocity, but meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.
https://admissions.nd.edu/ (Admissions page)
https://finaid.nd.edu/ (Financial Aid page)
https://provost.nd.edu/strategic-initiatives/glynn-family-honors-program/ (Glynn Family Honors)
https://hesburgh-yusko.nd.edu/ (Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars)
https://www.possefoundation.org/partner-colleges (Posse partner list)
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?152080-University-of-Notre-Dame= (College Scorecard)
https://reports.nd.edu/cds/ (Common Data Set)
💰 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 |
That’s what families actually paid on average after scholarships and grants — no loans included.
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.
https://finaid.nd.edu/cost/ (University COA page)
https://finaid.nd.edu/apply/ (Financial Aid application steps)
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?152080-University-of-Notre-Dame= (College Scorecard)
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=152080 (NCES College Navigator)
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Unlike many large public universities, the University of Notre Dame does not offer or publish GPA/test score charts for automatic merit scholarships. All institutional merit awards are determined by holistic, competitive review; there are no fixed GPA, SAT, or ACT cutoffs that guarantee scholarship eligibility. Students are considered for all university merit awards via their general Notre Dame admission application.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Automatic Merit Awards | N/A | All applicants considered holistically | — | — | Notre Dame does not guarantee awards by GPA/test score; scholarships are competitive | — |
| Stamps Scholars Program | Full cost of attendance + $12,000 enrichment fund (4 years) | Top 1-2% of admits; exceptional academics, leadership, and service | Invitation only (no separate application) | Yes; renewal requires maintaining strong academic and leadership standards | Students with near-perfect GPAs (3.95–4.0), SAT 1550+/ACT 35–36 | Considered with admission application |
| Named Merit Scholarships (Presidential, Dean’s, Hesburgh-Yusko, etc.) | $15,000–$25,000 per year | High academic achievement; open to all admits | No (unless semifinalist, then additional requirements) | Yes; maintain strong academic progress | Typical recipients are top students (GPA 3.9+, SAT 1500–1550+ or ACT 34–35) | Considered with admission application |
Note: Notre Dame requires both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile for consideration of need-based and merit awards. All scholarships are competitive; there are no guaranteed awards based solely on academic stats.
FAQ:
Do I need a separate application for automatic merit?
No. All merit scholarships are considered through your admission application, with only semi-finalists or finalists sometimes asked for additional information.
Are test scores required for scholarships?
Notre Dame is test-optional. High SAT/ACT scores may improve competitiveness but are not required for merit scholarship consideration.
Can scholarships stack with need-based aid?
Yes. Merit scholarships can stack with need-based aid as long as total funding does not exceed the cost of attendance. FAFSA and CSS Profile are required for maximal aid.
https://financialaid.nd.edu/merit-based-scholarships/
https://stampsscholars.nd.edu/
https://cuse.nd.edu/opportunities/
https://glynnhonors.nd.edu/
https://admissions.nd.edu
🏆 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? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stamps Scholarship | Full cost of attendance (4 years) | Exceptional academics, leadership, service | By invitation; no separate app | Yes; must maintain GPA & engagement | Typically top 1–2% of admits: GPA 3.95–4.0 (unweighted), SAT 1550+/ACT 35–36* | Nov 1 (REA) / Jan 1 (RD)* |
| Named Merit Scholarships (e.g., Dean’s, Presidential) | $15,000–$25,000 per year | High academic achievement; all admits considered | No | Yes; must maintain GPA/satisfactory progress | Most recipients: GPA 3.9+, SAT 1500–1550+/ACT 34–35* | Nov 1 (REA) / Jan 1 (RD)* |
| Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars Program | $25,000 per year + enrichment funding | Leadership, service, global engagement; open to all admits | Yes; nomination & separate app | Yes; maintain GPA and program engagement | Often GPA 3.9+ with rigorous coursework, SAT 1450–1550/ACT 32–35, plus extensive service/leadership | Nomination deadline varies (usually Nov–Dec) |
*GPA and test score bands are estimates only, based on past recipient data and Notre Dame admissions trends. Actual selection varies by year and 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 nomination and a separate application. Others, like Stamps, are invitation-only from the applicant 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 is by the Restrictive Early Action (Nov 1) or Regular Decision (Jan 1) deadlines. Separate programs (like Hesburgh-Yusko) may set their own nomination/application deadlines.
https://financialaid.nd.edu/merit-based-scholarships/
https://stampsscholars.nd.edu/
https://cuse.nd.edu/opportunities/
https://glynnhonors.nd.edu/
https://admissions.nd.edu
🎖️ 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? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glynn Family Honors Program | Special seminars, research funding, faculty mentorship | Top admits, strong research interest | Yes; separate application | Yes; GPA and engagement required | 3.9+ GPA, SAT 1480–1550 / ACT 33–35, research-driven* | Invited post-admission (deadline varies) |
| Departmental Honors (by major) | Thesis, advanced seminars, faculty supervision | Upperclassmen, GPA 3.6+ | Yes; apply within department | Yes; upon progress | Juniors/seniors who excel in major, faculty support | Department-specific |
| Notre Dame Scholars Program (Stamps, Hesburgh-Yusko, etc.) | Scholarship funding + enrichment perks | Invitation or nomination only | No standalone app | Yes | Top 1–2% of admits: 3.95–4.0 GPA, SAT 1550+/ACT 35–36* | Nov 1 (REA) / Jan 1 (RD)/ nomination cycles |
*Bands are based on Notre Dame data and profiles; standards vary by cohort 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 fit within a standard four-year path.
What deadlines matter?
Apply Early Action (Nov 1) or Regular Decision (Jan 1) for best consideration. Glynn and departmental programs set deadlines after admission.
Do Honors students get extra funding?
Yes—almost all programs include research stipends, summer funding, or housing options on top of scholarships.
https://glynnhonors.nd.edu/
https://cuse.nd.edu/opportunities/
https://admissions.nd.edu/
https://financialaid.nd.edu/merit-based-scholarships/
⭐ 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.