Rural and Small Town Student Access & Pathways
The University of Notre Dame actively recruits, funds, and supports top-tier talent from rural communities and small-town environments across the United States. Through institutional partnerships like the STARS College Network and our distinctive residential hall system, Notre Dame mitigates geographic resource barriers to guarantee small-town undergraduates a seamless transition into a premier global research institution.
At Notre Dame, I’ve never felt like I had to leave my rural Appalachian identity behind—in fact, I’ve felt like this campus is eager to welcome unique experiences like my own. Notre Dame recognizes that where you come from shapes who you are, so your background isn't just accepted here; it's valued.
Growing up in rural South Dakota has given me a lot of values and passions and a place I come back to every summer and my breaks from school. It’s my goal to come back after all of my schooling is done, but then to also be able to use my education to learn and achieve more.
Before coming to Notre Dame, I don’t think I realized how much the place I grew up affected my values and interests and the way I view the world. At Notre Dame I’ve really been encouraged to engage with my background, not just as an exercise of self-reflection, but as a bridge to connect with others and better care for the people around me.
New Mexico
Kentucky
South Sudan
As an active member of the STARS College Network, Notre Dame leverages a dedicated portion of a multi-million dollar national philanthropic investment to fund all-expenses-paid campus visit programs, provide targeted application fee waivers, and offer dedicated fly-in programming for high-achieving rural and small-town scholars.