What is University of Notre Dame's acceptance rate?

University of Notre Dame's acceptance rate is 12%, which makes it highly selective — a reach for nearly every applicant.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for Notre Dame?

Admitted students typically score about 1430–1540 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 33–35 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.

Is Notre Dame test-optional?

University of Notre Dame's current testing policy is: Test-optional. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.

University of Notre Dame Acceptance Rate & How to Get In (12%)

12%

Acceptance rate

1430–1540

SAT (mid 50%)

33–35

ACT (mid 50%)

Test-optional

Testing

How hard is it to get into Notre Dame?

With a 12% acceptance rate, University of Notre Dame is highly selective — a reach for nearly every applicant. It enrolls roughly 8,800 undergraduates (suburban setting) in Notre Dame, IN. At this level, strong grades and scores are the baseline, not the differentiator — your essays and what makes you distinctive carry real weight.

What it takes to get in

SAT: admitted students land around 1430–1540 (middle 50%). Aim for the upper end to be competitive.
ACT: the middle 50% is about 33–35.
GPA: admitted students average around 3.92. Rigor (APs/IB/honors) matters as much as the number.
Testing policy: Test-optional. Confirm on the school's site, since policies shift each cycle.
Essays: at Notre Dame's selectivity, the application essays are often what separates similar applicants. Make them specific and authentically yours.

Cost

Published tuition is about $63,000 per year before aid. Many students pay less after financial aid — check the school's net price calculator.

Notable programs

Business (Mendoza) · Engineering · Theology · Community · REA

See Notre Dame’s supplemental essay guide

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Notre Dame admissions FAQ

What is University of Notre Dame's acceptance rate?: University of Notre Dame's acceptance rate is 12%, which makes it highly selective — a reach for nearly every applicant.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for Notre Dame?: Admitted students typically score about 1430–1540 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 33–35 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.
Is Notre Dame test-optional?: University of Notre Dame's current testing policy is: Test-optional. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.

Sources & official links

Notre Dame official website
Notre Dame on College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)
Admissions figures compiled from the Common Data Set and IPEDS.

Figures are the most recent available from Common Data Set, IPEDS, and public reports, and are approximate. Always confirm details on University of Notre Dame’s official admissions site.