University of Notre Dame Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 2, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~11%
- Middle 50% ACT: 34
- Middle 50% SAT: 1490
- Average GPA: 3.9
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: This is a high reach—focus on building a balanced list and don’t rely on Notre Dame as a financial plan.
- In the typical ranges: Still a reach. Strong essays, leadership, service, and course rigor matter just as much as scores here.
- Well above the ranges: Even top students are not guaranteed admission—this is where you apply broadly and treat Notre Dame as one of several elite options.
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Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Notre Dame at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (AnBryce Scholarship & Notre Dame Stamps Scholars Program)
Average Net Price
$31,299/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
Check college site
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
11 opportunities
3 competitive · 6 hidden gem · 2 honors
Merit Evaluation
Holistic Review / Varies
Merit depends on profile rigor.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 1 • FAFSA: Dec 15
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
AnBryce Scholarship & Notre Dame Stamps Scholars Program
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA & CSS Profile
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at University of Notre Dame (Read This First)
- There is no automatic merit—top scholarships like Hesburgh-Yusko are extremely limited and invitation-based.
- CSS Profile is required for all need-based aid—this can significantly change your expected family contribution.
- Restrictive Early Action (Nov 1) is non-binding but limits applying early elsewhere—families often misunderstand this.
- Notre Dame meets 100% of demonstrated need—but only based on their formula, not necessarily what your family expects to pay.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Notre Dame is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 34; SAT: 1490.
Average net price? About $31,299/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
No — private school; same rate for all.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Notre Dame 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$65,430 |
$65,430 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$19,610 |
$19,610 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$85,040 |
$85,040 |
Average Federal Net Price: $31,299 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
How Notre Dame handles cost:
As a private Catholic university, Notre Dame does not offer in-state or
regional tuition discounts like WUE or MSEP—everyone starts from the
same published tuition.
What helps families instead: Notre Dame commits to meeting
100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted
students and structures aid so that many families graduate with little
or no need for federal loans.
Roughly half of first-year students receive need-based scholarships or
grants that substantially reduce the out-of-pocket cost.
Important: Notre Dame uses the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA when awarding institutional financial aid. That means families may need to submit both forms if they want to be considered for the full range of need-based aid.
If you are not sure what the CSS Profile is or how it works, read our plain-English guide here: What Is the CSS Profile? A Simple Guide for Parents Who Need to Fill It Out.
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.
Sources:
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.
This institution does not offer designated Automatic Merit scholarships at this time.
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.
Important: Notre Dame requires the CSS Profile (in addition to the FAFSA).
This form is critical for maximizing institutional grants and scholarship potential. Skipping the CSS Profile may result in loss of aid eligibility.
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.
Sources:
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.
Automatic
Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Notre Dame admission deadlines (REA Nov 1, RD Jan 1) · 📢 Results: By April
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$25,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
This one stands alone — it generally can't be layered with other major Notre Dame merit scholarships. If your student also qualifies for need-based aid, the institutional grant may be adjusted in accordance with Notre Dame's packaging policy.
💡
Strategic Detail
This is Notre Dame's premier leadership scholarship — $25,000 per year toward tuition for up to four years (a total of $100,000), plus four fully funded Summer Enrichment Experiences covering Wilderness Leadership, Social Justice, Global Inquiry, and a Professional Venture. Scholars also join the broader Notre Dame Scholars' Program community. There is no separate application; the admissions office identifies semi-finalists directly.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who represent the very top of Notre Dame's admitted class — think 3.9+ GPA with a rigorous course load, compelling test scores if submitted, and a genuine track record of leadership and service that goes beyond résumé-padding. Both U.S. and international students are eligible.
Automatic
Notre Dame Merit Scholarships (Named Awards)
📅 Deadline: Considered with admission application (REA Nov 1, RD Jan 1) · 📢 Results: Typically February–April (semi-finalist/finalist notifications and awards)
✓ Renews (3.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
$15,000–$25,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
University merit scholarships generally can't be combined with other university-funded merit awards. If your student also receives need-based aid from Notre Dame, the institutional grant portion may be reduced or eliminated per federal regulations and institutional policy.
💡
Strategic Detail
Notre Dame offers a small number of named merit scholarships to incoming first-year students — no separate application required. Dollar amounts aren't published by scholarship name, but major named awards typically fall in the $15,000–$25,000 per year range, renewable for four years. If your student is in the running, they'll receive a semi-finalist notification through the admissions office.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Roughly the top few percent of the admitted class — students with exceptional grades, meaningful leadership, sustained service, and genuine intellectual curiosity. Notre Dame is transparent about this: only about 3% of admitted students receive any university merit aid, so the bar is extraordinarily high.
Full RideAutomatic
Notre Dame Stamps Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Notre Dame admission deadlines (REA Nov 1, RD Jan 1) · 📢 Results: Semi-finalist notifications in early December (REA) and early March (RD); final awards by April
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
flagship merit
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
One of Notre Dame's most generous merit packages — and precisely because of that, it can't be layered with other university merit scholarships. If your student receives need-based institutional aid as well, that portion may be reduced per Notre Dame's packaging policy.
💡
Strategic Detail
Notre Dame's most prestigious merit scholarship. Stamps Scholars receive a package that covers tuition and fees plus the estimated cost of books, personal expenses, and transportation — for up to four years (or five years for Architecture students or approved dual-degree programs). On top of that, scholars receive a $12,000 enrichment fund for study abroad, unpaid internships, research, leadership training, conference fees, and travel. No separate application — the Office of Admissions identifies candidates directly from the applicant pool.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: The absolute highest-achieving applicants Notre Dame sees — extraordinary academic records paired with standout leadership, meaningful service, a spirit of innovation, and genuine character. This is a small, elite cohort selected from both the REA and RD pools.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*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.
Sources:
https://financialaid.nd.edu/merit-based-scholarships/
https://stampsscholars.nd.edu/
https://cuse.nd.edu/opportunities/
https://glynnhonors.nd.edu/
https://admissions.nd.edu
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
Beyond the headline merit programs, Notre Dame has several niche awards that don’t always get attention. These are tied to service, identity, ROTC, marching band, alumni clubs, or specific academic paths. For the right student, they can make a big difference.
Full TuitionApp Requiredidentity_basedpipeline
AnBryce Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nomination and app in fall; varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
first_gen leadership
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Select first‑generation cohort at Notre Dame with intensive mentoring and support; AnBryce students use Notre Dame’s need‑based aid—which now guarantees at least full tuition for families under $150k—rather than a separate posted full‑tuition merit scholarship.
🏫 3.7+ GPA✎ ~30 ACT✎ ~1380 SAT👥 ~8 winners/yr
📄
How to Apply
First-generation, significant financial need, high achievement; nomination and interview process. CET admissions counseling and AnBryce Foundation program participation required.
Selection criteria: Leadership, need, merit
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
4-year cohort model; 6–8 students per year; $25,000/year typical for tuition; campus enrichment.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High-achieving first-generation student leaders, strong service and financial need.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Boehnen Scholarship for Summer Study in Music
📅 Deadline: Spring (annually)
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.3+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Apply via Music Department; submit proposal, itemized budget, faculty recommendation, and GPA verification. Enriches summer music education for current ND music majors.
Selection criteria: Proposal, GPA, musical merit
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
One-time award; performance or academic projects eligible; $1K–$2K typical but may go higher.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Music majors (3.333+ GPA), exemplary performance in music and proposal strength.
App Required⚠ Junior Only
College/Departmental/Donor Awards
📅 Deadline: College application deadlines
Non-Renewable
$1,000–$10,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA🎓 Junior
✚
Stacking & Combining
Primarily upperclassmen; not always renewable.
📄
How to Apply
Apply within academic colleges/departments in spring; review based on GPA, service, research, leadership, and major fit.
Selection criteria: Major, GPA, leadership
💡
Strategic Detail
Many require separate application or department recommendation.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Juniors/seniors with 3.5+ GPA, standout in major, or research/service leader.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Marching Band Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Vary by year
✓ Renews (3.3 GPA)
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.3+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Continued participation required.
📄
How to Apply
Band membership, good academic standing; band/financial aid application and audition required.
Selection criteria: Musical ability, academic merit
💡
Strategic Detail
Modest awards; audition/academic merit competitive.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Musicians with strong academics and Band contribution.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Notre Dame Club Scholarships (Alumni)
📅 Deadline: Vary by club, typically winter/spring
Non-Renewable
$1,000–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.3+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Varies by club and region; not available in all areas.
📄
How to Apply
Need-based; applicant must apply through alumni club in home region, provide financial need documentation, and may require community interview or essay.
Selection criteria: Need, local affiliation
💡
Strategic Detail
150+ clubs award need-based scholarships ($6M+ annually); some 4-year, some one-year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with need and local connection, usually 3.3+ GPA.
App Required⚠ Junior Only
Notre Dame Study Abroad & Research Grants
📅 Deadline: Varies by program
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.5+ GPA🎓 Junior
📄
How to Apply
Departmental/Institute or Kellogg/Kroc app for individual research, language, or study during term or summer; itemized project proposal, faculty endorsement.
Selection criteria: Proposal, GPA, project merit
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Multiple offices offer grants in sciences, humanities; $2,500–$6,000; good standing and clear plan needed.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Juniors/seniors with 3.5+ GPA and outstanding proposal, faculty support.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*GPA/test bands are evidence-based estimates drawn from Notre Dame admissions data, national ROTC standards, and profiles of past awardees. Actual cutoffs vary by year.
Need-Based Aid: Notre Dame is a strong choice for families with demonstrated financial need—it meets
100% of need with grants and scholarships, no loans.
Eligibility is largely determined by the
CSS Profile, so completing it on time is essential to access Notre Dame’s generous need-based packages.
FAQ:
Do these hidden scholarships require extra applications?
Yes—ROTC requires a national service application, AnBryce and Hesburgh-Yusko require nomination, and departmental/club awards have their own processes.
Can these stack with Notre Dame merit aid?
Often yes. ROTC can combine with some institutional aid, though total aid cannot exceed cost of attendance. Departmental and alumni club awards usually stack freely.
Are they renewable?
ROTC and AnBryce renew annually with requirements. Hesburgh-Yusko renews with GPA and program engagement. Research and music grants are one-time awards.
What’s the most important step for need-based families?
Filing both FAFSA and the CSS Profile on time. Without the CSS Profile, Notre Dame cannot award institutional need-based grants.
Sources:
https://financialaid.nd.edu/merit-based-scholarships/
https://cuse.nd.edu/opportunities/
https://glynnhonors.nd.edu/
https://admissions.nd.edu
https://music.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.
What a Typical Notre Dame Scholar Looks Like:
Unweighted GPA of 3.9+, SAT 1500+ / ACT 34–35, rigorous AP/IB coursework, leadership in service or civic engagement, and strong faculty recommendations.
Key Perks:
- 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)
App Required⚠ Junior Only
Departmental Honors (by major)
📅 Deadline: Department-specific, usually spring of sophomore/junior year
✓ Renews (3.6 GPA)
🏫 3.6+ GPA🎓 Junior
✚
Stacking & Combining
May be combined with college/department scholarships.
📄
How to Apply
Apply within the major; eligibility often determined late sophomore or junior year; typically requires a thesis and faculty support.
Selection criteria: Major GPA/thesis
💡
Strategic Detail
Numerous majors offer honors designation with seminar, capstone or thesis.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Upperclassmen excelling in major with thesis or advanced research, often 3.6+ GPA.
App Required
Glynn Family Honors Program
📅 Deadline: Varies; typically by early spring after regular decisions
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~100 winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
May be combined with merit scholarships or other enrichment awards.
📄
How to Apply
By-invitation application after admission; top admits are invited to complete a Glynn Family Honors Program application (includes a brief essay about research interest).
Selection criteria: Academic merit & research interest
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Offers special seminar coursework, thesis support, faculty mentoring, research and enrichment grants.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Invited admits, typically with 3.9+ GPA, SAT 1480-1550/ACT 33-35, demonstrated research drive.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*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.
Sources:
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.
Flagship Program: Business (Mendoza College of Business)
Consistently ranked among the Top 10 undergraduate business schools nationally by U.S. News (2024), known for ethics, finance, and strong employer recruitment.
- 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.
✨ 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.
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