What Is Notre Dame’s Acceptance Rate for the Class of 2030?
Notre Dame admitted 9% of 36,102 applicants for the Class of 2030 (entering fall 2026), holding steady at the record low set for the Class of 2029 (The Observer, March 2026). Applications increased by 701 year over year, setting a new institutional record. Notre Dame’s acceptance rate has been cut by more than half since 2016, when it stood at approximately 19%. For how Notre Dame compares to other top schools, see our Top 25 admissions statistics comparison.
| Class | Applications | Admitted (est.) | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class of 2030 | 36,102 | ~3,249 | 9% |
| Class of 2029 | 35,401 | 3,186 | 9.38% |
| Class of 2028 | 29,942 | 3,374 | 11.27% |
| Class of 2027 | ~26,500 | ~3,300 | ~12.5% |
| Class of 2024 | ~21,000 | ~3,990 | 19% |
Source: Notre Dame Admissions, The Observer, Notre Dame CDS, 2020-2026.
What Is Notre Dame’s Restrictive Early Action Acceptance Rate?
For the Class of 2030, Notre Dame received a record 13,711 REA applications (up 6% from 12,917) and admitted 1,617 students, producing an REA acceptance rate of approximately 12% (Notre Dame Admissions, December 2025). An additional 2,608 applicants (19%) were deferred for Regular Decision consideration. Notre Dame’s REA program is non-binding but restrictive: applicants cannot apply early to any other private university. For early round strategy, see our Early Decision vs Regular Decision guide.
| Class | REA Rate | RD Rate (est.) | Overall Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class of 2030 | ~12% | ~7.3% | 9% |
| Class of 2029 | 12.92% | ~7.3% | 9.38% |
| Class of 2028 | 14.6% | ~9.5% | 11.27% |
Source: Notre Dame Admissions, Notre Dame CDS, 2022-2026. RD estimates derived from overall minus REA data.
How Does the Pathways Program Change Notre Dame Admissions?
Starting with the Class of 2030, families earning up to $150,000 pay zero tuition through the Pathways to Notre Dame program. Families earning up to $200,000 receive at least half tuition coverage. Most families under $60,000 receive full coverage for tuition, fees, housing, and food (Notre Dame Admissions, March 2026). Notre Dame also maintains need-blind admissions and no-loan financial aid offers. This mirrors similar initiatives at Johns Hopkins (free under $200K) and Tufts (free under $150K). Expect application volumes to surge for the Class of 2031. For financial aid strategy, see our financial aid guide.
What Does Notre Dame Look for in Applicants?
Notre Dame’s Catholic mission is central to admissions. The university seeks students who demonstrate “leadership, enthusiasm for Notre Dame’s Catholic mission, and commitment to serving others” (Notre Dame Admissions, March 2026). Academic preparation, character, and community engagement are weighted heavily. Notre Dame is test-optional through at least the 2026-2027 cycle. For essay strategy, see our Common App essay guide.
How Does Notre Dame Compare to Peer Schools?
Notre Dame’s 9% acceptance rate is now lower than Boston College (12.7%), Georgetown (13%), and Tufts (10%). See our Ivy League acceptance rates for the full comparison.
| School | Class of 2030 Rate | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins | ~5% | ~50,000 |
| Duke | ~5% | ~55,000 |
| Northwestern | ~7% | ~53,000 |
| Notre Dame | 9% | 36,102 |
| Tufts | 10% | 36,000 |
| Georgetown | 13% | ~26,900 |
Source: Institutional announcements, CDS data, 2024-2026.
What Are Your Chances on the Notre Dame Waitlist?
Notre Dame’s waitlist acceptance rate has averaged 13.19% over the past 25 years of available data, but varies wildly from 0% to 48% depending on yield. For the Class of 2029, only 54 students were admitted from 1,475 who accepted their waitlist spot, a 2.47% rate (Notre Dame CDS, 2024-2025). If you have been waitlisted, write a strong Letter of Continued Interest. For waitlist data at all top schools, see our waitlist rates comparison.
Final Thoughts: Notre Dame Admissions in 2026
Notre Dame’s 9% acceptance rate for the second consecutive year confirms its place among the 15 most selective universities in the country. The Pathways financial aid expansion will attract more applicants, likely pushing the rate below 8% for the Class of 2031. At Oriel Admissions, our team of former admissions officers from Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia has helped students earn acceptances to Notre Dame and other top universities. Schedule a consultation to discuss how we can help.
Notre Dame admitted 9% of a record 36,102 applicants for the Class of 2030, holding steady at the record low set for the Class of 2029. Applications increased by 701 year over year.
Not quite yet, but close. Notre Dame’s 9% acceptance rate is approaching Cornell’s approximately 6.9% for the Class of 2030. Five years ago, Notre Dame admitted 19% of applicants while Cornell was at approximately 9%. The gap has narrowed dramatically, and Notre Dame is now more selective than Georgetown (13%), Boston College (12.7%), and Tufts (10%).
Yes. Starting with the Class of 2030, the Pathways to Notre Dame program makes tuition free for families earning under $150,000. Families under $200,000 receive at least half tuition coverage. Most families under $60,000 receive full coverage for tuition, fees, housing, and food. Notre Dame also maintains need-blind admissions and no-loan financial aid offers.
If Notre Dame is your top choice, yes. The REA acceptance rate was approximately 12% for the Class of 2030, compared to an estimated 7.3% for Regular Decision. However, REA is non-binding but restrictive: you cannot apply early to any other private university. 19% of REA applicants were deferred, not rejected, giving them a second chance in the Regular Decision round.
No. Notre Dame admits students of all faiths and backgrounds. However, Notre Dame’s Catholic mission is central to how applications are evaluated. The admissions office explicitly seeks students who demonstrate enthusiasm for its Catholic values, commitment to serving others, and community engagement. Expressing genuine alignment with these values in your essays strengthens your application regardless of your personal faith.
Notre Dame is test-optional through at least the 2026-2027 application cycle. Historically, admitted students have SAT scores in the 1440-1550 range and ACT scores of 33-35. If you have scores at or above these levels, submitting them is likely a strategic advantage.
Notre Dame’s waitlist acceptance rate has averaged 13.19% over 25 years of data, but ranges from 0% to 48% depending on yield. For the Class of 2029, only 54 students were admitted from 1,475 who accepted their spot, a 2.47% rate. Writing a strong Letter of Continued Interest is essential.
The Mendoza College of Business is widely considered the most competitive undergraduate school within Notre Dame. The College of Engineering and the College of Science (particularly for pre-med students) also attract very strong applicant pools. Notre Dame does not publish school-specific acceptance rates, but Mendoza admits are among the most academically accomplished students in each class.
