
The University of Notre Dame is a private Catholic university located in Indiana, founded in 1842 by Rev. Edward F. Sorin, a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross. The university has a rich history, starting as a primary and secondary school and eventually growing into one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the United States. With a total undergraduate enrollment of nearly 9,000 students, Notre Dame boasts a beautiful campus spanning over 1,200 acres, renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant student life. The university is located near South Bend, Indiana, providing students with access to nearby cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year founded | 1842 |
| Founder | Rev. Edward F. Sorin, C.S.C. |
| Location | Notre Dame, Indiana, near South Bend |
| Campus size | 1,250 acres (some sources state 1,265 acres) |
| Number of buildings | 143 (some sources state 170) |
| Number of students | 8,968 (as of fall 2023) |
| Number of undergraduates | Nearly 9,000 |
| Percentage of undergraduates living on campus | 80% |
| Percentage of students engaging in voluntary service-learning | 80% |
| Medical school acceptance rate of preprofessional studies graduates | Nearly 80% |
| Ranking among national universities | #18 |
| Tuition and fees | $65,025 |
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What You'll Learn

Undergraduate enrolment
The University of Notre Dame, a private Catholic university, was founded in 1842 by Rev. Edward F. Sorin, a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross. It is located in South Bend, Indiana, in a metropolitan area of more than 300,000 residents. The university has a rich history and is known for its academic excellence and beautiful campus, spanning over 1,250 acres with two lakes and athletic fields.
The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,968 students as of fall 2023. About 80% of undergraduates live on campus, and the residence hall life is a hallmark of the Notre Dame experience. The university is organised into four undergraduate colleges: Arts and Letters, Science, Engineering, and the Mendoza College of Business.
The admission process at Notre Dame is highly competitive, with nearly six applicants for each freshman class position. The university's minority student population has grown significantly over the years, and women now account for 48% of undergraduate enrollment. The medical school acceptance rate for Notre Dame's preprofessional studies graduates is impressive, at nearly 80%, almost twice the national average.
The university's Center for Social Concerns encourages student voluntarism, with around 80% of students engaging in community service during their time at the university. The Notre Dame campus and its surrounding area offer a wealth of opportunities for students, including access to nearby cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis.
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Campus size
The University of Notre Dame is located in South Bend, Indiana, in a metropolitan area of more than 300,000 residents. The campus is situated in the small town of Notre Dame, just north of South Bend and about five miles from the Michigan border. It is easily accessible from other major cities, including Chicago (90 miles away), Detroit (216 miles away), and Indianapolis (149 miles away).
The University of Notre Dame's campus spans 1,250 acres, with some sources citing 1,265 acres, and features a rich blend of natural and architectural landmarks. It includes two lakes, seven quadrangles, and around 143 to 170 buildings that house academic, residential, and administrative spaces. The campus is known for its beautiful scenery and unique structures, earning a reputation as one of the most beautiful university campuses in the United States and worldwide.
The campus has a strong sense of community, with about 80% of undergraduates choosing to live on campus. This high residential rate contributes to the vibrant campus life and fosters a close-knit environment among the students. The campus is also a major tourist attraction, drawing over 1.8 million visitors during the 2015-2016 academic year, showcasing its appeal beyond the student body.
The University of Notre Dame has undergone significant expansion and development over the years. In 2014, the Campus Crossroads project was announced, encompassing 750,000 square feet of construction. This project added three new buildings to house a range of facilities, including student services, academic departments, a recreation center, and a student ballroom. These additions enhanced the campus experience, providing students with an array of resources and amenities.
The University of Notre Dame's campus is a blend of historical and modern architecture, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community. Its size and scope provide a rich educational and extracurricular environment for its students, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier educational institution.
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Student demographics
The University of Notre Dame is a private Catholic university located in Indiana, near South Bend, a metropolitan area with a population of over 300,000. The university was founded in 1842 by Rev. Edward F. Sorin, a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, a French missionary order. It is one of the most beautiful university campuses in the United States and the world, known for its Golden Dome, the Basilica and its stained glass windows, the quads and greenery, and its statues and museums. The campus covers 1,250 acres and includes around 170 buildings, two lakes, and seven quadrangles.
The university has a strong history of academic excellence and is ranked highly among national universities. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across four colleges: Arts and Letters, Science, Engineering, and the Mendoza College of Business, as well as the School of Architecture, the Law School, and various research institutes. The university is heavily residential, with about four in five undergraduates living on campus. The current total undergraduate enrollment is 8,968 (fall 2023), with nearly 9,000 undergraduates calling the campus home.
The university's minority student population has grown significantly over the years, with the latest figures showing that minorities make up about 23% of the student body. Women, first admitted to undergraduate studies in 1972, now account for 48% of undergraduate and overall enrollment. The university attracts students from across the country and offers access to several nearby states, including Illinois, Michigan, and major cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis.
The University of Notre Dame has a unique spirit that combines tradition with a willingness to embrace change. It is dedicated to both religious belief and scientific knowledge, staying true to Father Sorin's vision of establishing a great Catholic university in America. The departments of theology and philosophy are regarded as among the finest in the world, and the university's faculty members have garnered numerous accolades, including a high number of National Endowment for the Humanities fellowships.
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University rankings
The University of Notre Dame is a private institution that was founded in 1842 by Rev. Edward F. Sorin, a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross. It is located adjacent to South Bend, Indiana, and has a total undergraduate enrolment of 8,968 students (as of fall 2023). The campus size is 1,265 acres, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
The university has consistently been ranked as one of the most beautiful university campuses in the United States and worldwide. Its notable features include the Golden Dome, the Basilica and its stained glass windows, the quads and greenery, the Grotto, and the Hesburgh Library with its Word of Life stone mural, nicknamed "Touchdown Jesus" by students.
In terms of specific rankings, the University of Notre Dame has achieved notable positions in several categories. Here are some of its rankings:
- The university is ranked #18 out of 436 National Universities in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report. This ranking is based on a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence, and the university is placed in the top 4% of universities in this category.
- College Consensus ranks Notre Dame 12th in the country, averaging rating scores from publications such as Forbes, Money, and U.S. News & World Report.
- The Chronicle of Higher Education recognizes Notre Dame as a Top 10 collegiate workplace.
- The university's departments of theology and philosophy are regarded as among the finest in the world.
The University of Notre Dame has a unique spirit and tradition while being open to change. It is dedicated to both religious belief and scientific knowledge, attracting scholars interested in teaching and scholarship.
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Student life
The University of Notre Dame is a private Catholic research university in Notre Dame, Indiana, United States. It was founded in 1842 by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, a Catholic religious order of priests and brothers. The campus is located in the Michiana area of Northern Indiana, adjacent to South Bend, Indiana, and has a suburban setting. The main campus is 1,261 acres (including around 170 buildings and athletic fields) and contains landmarks such as the Golden Dome main building, Sacred Heart Basilica, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Word of Life mosaic mural, and Notre Dame Stadium. The campus is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful university campuses in the United States and worldwide.
The University is organised into seven schools and colleges: College of Arts and Letters, College of Science, Notre Dame Law School, School of Architecture, College of Engineering, Mendoza College of Business, and Keough School of Global Affairs. The graduate program includes more than 50 master's, doctoral, and professional degrees offered by the seven schools. The University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,968 (as of fall 2023) and is ranked 18th in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges in the category of National Universities.
The University offers a wide range of student support services, including University Health Services, the University Counseling Center, the Center for Student Support and Care, and the McDonald Center for Student Well-Being. The Center for Career and Professional Development provides career-related services such as career coaching, workshops, and mock interviews. The Student Activities Office provides the administrative and logistical framework for student groups to conduct activities on campus. Campus Dining serves more than 15,000 students, faculty, staff, and visitors through nearly 30 eating establishments.
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Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2023, there are 8,968 undergraduate students enrolled at the University of Notre Dame.
The University of Notre Dame is located in South Bend, Indiana.
The University of Notre Dame's campus covers 1,250 acres and contains two lakes and 143 buildings.
Admission to the University of Notre Dame is highly competitive, with nearly six applicants for each freshman class position.
The tuition and fees for the University of Notre Dame are $65,025.




































