Watch our First Generation Student Perspectives and
listen to our Being First Gen @ ND podcast!
First Gen at ND
First Generation
Notre Dame strives to create an inclusive and caring community for all students. We welcome and celebrate the unique contributions of our first-generation students to this special community. You bring a unique background, perspective, and personal qualities to your college experience and we’re here to support you as you learn and grow. This means acknowledging your strengths and challenges, highlighting your many accomplishments, and celebrating who you are and who you will become.

- 97% of students return for their second year (one of the highest rates in the country).
- 96% of students graduate on time, one of the highest graduation rates in the nation.
- 97% of graduates are traditionally placed in careers, graduate schools, or service opportunities within six months of graduation.
Testimonials
“Upon visiting, I found a community that embraced me for who I was, loved me, all the quirks that I had, and really empowered me to be myself. And that’s how I knew I had found home.”
“Embrace that first-gen life. It is completely OK to not have the answers to everything…Trust that everything will fall into place and whatever happens happens for a reason–and it’s what’s right for you in that moment.”
“Every time somebody asks me, I just beam with pride saying she goes to Notre Dame.”
First Gen @ ND
Watch stories from first-generation students, parents, and staff at Notre Dame.
-
Esther Chavez
Santa Ana, CA
Notre Dame Parent -
Miguel Coste '23
Tampa, FL
Neuroscience and Behavior -
Erik Finch-Soto '25
San Tan Valley, AZ
Neuroscience and Behavior -
Karyme Grosso '23
Mission, TX
Design and Studio Art -
Temi Kassim '24
Marietta, GA
Computer Science -
Daniel Lapsley
Department of Psychology
-
Allan Njomo '22
Kenya and Arlington, TX
Business Analytics -
Lulu Romero '24
Santa Ana, CA
American Studies, Psychology -
DJ Washington
Meruelo Family Center for Career Development
Advisor, First Generation Careers Initiative -
Consuela Wilson
Director, Office of Student Enrichment
Resources for First Generation Students and Families
- Office of Student Enrichment
https://studentenrichment.nd.edu/ - Multicultural Student Programs and Services
https://www.msps.nd.edu/ - Center for Student Support and Care
https://supportandcare.nd.edu/ - McDonald Center for Student Well-Being
https://mcwell.nd.edu/ - Transformational Leaders Program
https://provost.nd.edu/academic-community/undergraduate-education/transformational-leaders/ - University Counseling Center
https://ucc.nd.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/first-generation-students/ - First Generation Careers (FGC)
https://undergradcareers.nd.edu/information-for/first-generation/ - Undergraduate Admission Fact Sheet in Spanish
https://issuu.com/universityofnotredamenewmedia/docs/estaestuaventura