Why ND

A Transformative Education Rooted in Purpose

Grow intellectually, spiritually, and personally in a community dedicated to the common good.

At the University of Notre Dame, we provide a world-class undergraduate academic experience that blends top-tier research with our distinct Catholic mission. As a preeminent national research university, Notre Dame offers undergraduate students unprecedented access to research funding, global internships, and a deeply collaborative residential community.

Grounded in a liberal arts education, Notre Dame encourages students to explore ideas across disciplines and ask meaningful questions about the world. Through a curriculum that integrates the humanities, sciences, and professional fields, students develop the intellectual breadth and critical thinking skills to thrive in any career and any calling. Students prepare for lives of purpose through an education that considers the whole person. Along the way, they discover who they are and how their gifts can serve others.

Our students are challenged not only to pursue knowledge, but to use it in service of others. They graduate prepared to address the world's most pressing challenges with intellectual excellence and a deep commitment to the common good.

A smiling person with long dark hair, wearing a black leather jacket and sunglasses perched on their head, poses with the Hungarian Parliament Building and the Danube River in the background.

Notre Dame is a place like no other. It is the perfect combination of incredible academic opportunities, school pride, and outstanding community. Each person at ND brings something to the table to make each other better and strives to make the world a better place!

– Ellie Villaruz ’26
  • 95% graduation rate (one of the top graduation rates in the nation) 
  • 98% first-year student retention rate (ranked among the highest in the nation)
  • 8:1 student to faculty ratio (ensures small class sizes and personalized faculty mentorship)
  • 97% post-grad placement rate (students placed in jobs, military, grad school, or service within six months)
  • 80% of students study abroad (Notre Dame ranks in the top 10 in the U.S. for students studying abroad)
  • 90% participate in internships or research projects outside the classroom
  • #7 largest endowment among private universities (supports robust financial aid, world-class faculty, and top-tier research)
  • TOP producer of Fulbright Program students for 12 consecutive years
Headshot of a young man with short brown hair, wearing a navy blue plaid suit, white shirt, and blue tie, smiling against a gray background.

One key factor in my decision to attend Notre Dame was the incredible academic opportunities. I entered college unsure of what I wanted to pursue, but the programs I joined helped me explore various interests and discover my passions. Notre Dame met me where I was and has supported me every step of the way. Each day, I am challenged to pursue what I believe in and continue growing.

– Connor Klimek ’27

For over 175 years we have been educating and empowering compassionate individuals, following the example of our founder Reverend Edward Sorin, C.S.C., who envisioned the University of Notre Dame to be a powerful force for good in the world. These values direct our mission as we prepare our students with the skills, experience, and confidence to make a difference.  

Notre Dame seeks to enroll the creative intellectual, the bold and the ethical, the relentless seekers of social justice. We believe a strong education goes beyond simply gaining intellect. It’s your path to wisdom, the development of your sense of self, and your quest to lead a life with passion and purpose.