Funding Types

Funding Your Future

There are a number of ways to help fund your education. Notre Dame administers financial aid resources from institutional, private, federal, and state student aid programs. Students who follow the appropriate annual financial aid application procedures will be considered for all institutional as well as federal aid programs.

University Need-based Scholarships 

The level of University assistance varies from student to student and is based on both demonstrated financial need and academic performance.

Federal Direct Loans

• The Federal Direct Subsidized Loan program offers loans borrowed by the student. This program is referred to as “subsidized” because the student is not charged interest while enrolled in school at least half-time and during any deferment periods. 
• The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan program offers loans borrowed by the student. This program is referred to as “unsubsidized” because interest accrues (accumulates) while the student is enrolled in school. This loan is not based upon demonstrated financial need. 

Student Employment 

Throughout campus, you’ll find students working in labs, libraries, gyms, dining halls, and many other locations. About 30 percent of students are employed by the school each year, for 10 to twelve hours per week. Students are responsible for finding a job by searching the JOBboard or contacting departments directly to ask about opportunities.

Alumni Club Scholarships

More than 150 Notre Dame Clubs offer scholarships from their respective geographic areas. All applicants for financial aid who demonstrate financial need are considered for club scholarships.

Notre Dame Subsidized Loan 

Although we do everything we can to reduce the need to borrow, Notre Dame Subsidized Loans are available and provide assistance to anyone with need beyond their scholarship award. The loans are interest-free during the student’s time at Notre Dame as well as during the six-month grace period following graduation.

Merit-based Scholarships

Notre Dame offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships to admitted first-year domestic and international students. Recipients demonstrate exceptional accomplishment, leadership, commitment to service, and intellectual promise. Financial need is not a factor unless otherwise noted. Based on your application to the University, merit-based scholarship opportunities are offered to students by an invitation from the Scholarship Committee. The selection process is very competitive, as roughly 3.5-4.5 percent of enrolled first-year students receive merit aid.