See what Students are Posting about University of Notre Dame

Values-Based Education

Students often highlight that Notre Dame fosters leadership, service, and ethical development alongside academic learning. The mission to form a force for good resonates strongly in student discussions.

Catholic Identity

Students frequently highlight Notre Dame's strong Catholic tradition and values as central to its campus culture. While religious participation is not required, the faith-based environment shapes community life, traditions, and service opportunities.

Students who value a mission-driven education often view Notre Dame's religious heritage as a positive distinguishing factor.

Business and Engineering Strength

Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business and College of Engineering are frequently praised for their undergraduate preparation and strong career placement. Students value access to internships and robust alumni support in both fields.

Business, finance, and STEM-focused applicants often cite Notre Dame's professional outcomes as a deciding factor.

Midwest Campus Setting

Notre Dame's location in South Bend offers a traditional, contained campus experience with access to community service, research, and travel opportunities. Students highlight the beauty of the campus and strong seasonal traditions.

Some students note South Bend's quieter setting compared to larger urban schools but appreciate the focus it fosters.

Campus Spirit and Traditions

Students describe Notre Dame's school spirit, campus traditions, and athletics especially football as core parts of the student experience. Events like football weekends and the Notre Dame family atmosphere are major draws.

Students appreciate the strong sense of pride, belonging, and generational loyalty cultivated through shared traditions.

Pre-Professional Focus

Notre Dame's emphasis on career preparation including strong placement in consulting, finance, healthcare, and law is a common theme. Career fairs, alumni connections, and service-driven leadership programs support strong post-grad outcomes.

Tight-Knit Community

Notre Dame's community is frequently described as cohesive and supportive. Students cite the dorm culture system, which provides a lasting social foundation and strong sense of belonging.

Dorm loyalty often rivals Greek life at other universities, helping foster lasting friendships and networks.

Academic Rigor and Expectations

Students acknowledge the academic rigor at Notre Dame, particularly in STEM, business, and humanities tracks. The environment is seen as intellectually challenging yet supportive, with accessible professors and mentorship opportunities.

Students who thrive value balancing high academic standards with service, leadership, and campus involvement.

Peer Comparisons

Students accepted to Notre Dame often compare it to Georgetown, Boston College, Vanderbilt, and Northwestern. Decisions often center around academic rigor, religious culture, alumni networks, and campus feel.

Students drawn to faith-based or service-oriented communities often prioritize Notre Dame over more secular peer institutions.

Financial Aid and Affordability

Notre Dame's commitment to meeting full demonstrated financial need, alongside some merit scholarships, is often noted. Students consider financial aid competitiveness carefully when comparing to other elite universities.