Financial Aid FAQ
Does Notre Dame offer Financial Aid?
Yes. Notre Dame offers Financial Aid and meets 100% of every student’s demonstrated need. Over 45 percent of all undergraduates receive some form of gift aid from the University. The University of Notre Dame administers a broad array of financial aid programs, including scholarships/grants, loans and work-study in order to meet each student’s demonstrated financial need. In addition, programs are available for families who do not demonstrate financial need but who are interested in investigating various education financing options such as a monthly payment plan, student employment, the Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan, the parent PLUS Loan and private educational loans. Both need and non-need based financing options are available. The Office of Financial Aid has compiled a very useful website, detailing tuition costs, financial aid offerings, and additional financing methods. Please visit the Financial Aid website for more information.
Does Notre Dame have a Work-Study program?
Yes. Many students who receive a financial aid package will have the option to enter the work-study program. Both on and off campus work study opportunities are available. The Office of Financial Aid maintains a Job Board listing where the opportunities available for on-campus employment, as well as paid community service and off-campus jobs, are posted.
Does Notre Dame offer merit scholarships?
The Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars Program is the first-ever merit-based scholarship and enrichment program at the University of Notre Dame. The program is highly competitive. Students who wish to be considered for this program must apply through the Early Action admission program.
A total of 20 admitted students will be named Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars. The Hesburgh-Yusko Scholar will receive a $25,000 merit scholarship to be awarded annually for up to four years of undergraduate study for a total award of $100,000. In addition, Scholars will receive funding for four different Summer Enrichment Experiences.
To learn more about this program visit: http://hesburgh-yusko.org/
Is the ability of my family to pay for Notre Dame considered in the admissions process?
No, your family’s ability to pay is not considered in the admissions process. Notre Dame is need-blind in admissions through wait-list and transfer applicants.
What financial aid applications do I need to submit to apply for financial aid at Notre Dame?
All students applying for financial aid are required to complete the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
What are the priority filing deadlines for Notre Dame financial aid applicants?
Freshmen applicants must complete the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15.
Does Notre Dame need any other documents for financial aid?
In addition to the FAFSA and PROFILE, parents and students must submit signed copies of federal income tax returns (including schedules), W-2 wage statements and any other documents specified by the Financial Aid Office.
Does Notre Dame participate in the College Board IDOC service?
Notre Dame uses the College Board IDOC service. Applicants who complete the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE will receive an instructional e-mail in early February from the College Board on how to submit the required documents to the College Board. The priority deadline for submission of documents to IDOC is March 1.
If my parents are separated or divorced, do they both need to submit financial information?
Yes. Notre Dame’s policy for determining financial need is based upon the principle that both parents have a responsibility to contribute to the cost of education. We therefore need financial information from both the custodial and the non-custodial parent. The Non-Custodial Parent Statement is available at: http://www.nd.edu/~finaid/undergraduate/forms/forms_index.shtml.
Does Notre Dame meet the financial need of admitted students?
Yes, Notre Dame prepares a financial aid package which meets the financial need as determined by our evaluation of the CSS/PROFILE application using the Institutional Methodology formula.
What percent of Notre Dame students receive financial aid?
Over 45 percent of all undergraduates receive some form of gift aid from the University (excludes athletic aid and educational benefit programs). Approximately 75% of all undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid.
What is the average need-based scholarship awarded to freshmen?
Of the freshmen who enrolled in the fall of 2009 and demonstrated financial need, the average amount of University Scholarship awarded was approximately $25,000.
Will I receive the same financial aid award for all four years?
The total dollar amount of financial aid awards is based on demonstrated financial need. Significant changes in family circumstances, such as, but not limited to, an increase or decrease in parents’ or student’s income, assets, family size, number of family members attending college, may affect eligibility for financial aid. If the family’s circumstances do not change significantly over the four years, the financial aid package should be comparable each year.
When can I expect to hear about my award?
Admitted freshmen who meet the February 15 financial aid priority deadline for filing the FAFSA and PROFILE and who submit their IDOC packet to the College Board by March 1, should receive notification of financial aid eligibility between mid-March and mid-April.
Will an outside scholarship affect my financial aid award?
The receipt of any scholarship, grant, or loan not listed on the original Award Letter must be reported to the Office of Financial Aid as soon as the student is notified of the award. The receipt of funds not listed on the Award Letter may result in an adjustment to the financial aid award.
As a guide, if a student receives aid beyond that which is listed on the Award Letter, the financial aid award may be adjusted by reducing or eliminating the Federal Perkins Loan (if applicable), Federal Work-Study and Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan. Depending on the amount of the outside scholarship, it is possible that scholarships from Notre Dame (e.g., University Scholarship, Provost’s Scholarship, etc.) may be reduced or eliminated.
Who should I contact if my circumstances change after I submit my financial aid applications?
If your circumstances change after you submit your FAFSA and PROFILE, you should contact the Notre Dame Financial Aid Office and they will talk with you about the options which may be available.
