Notre Dame's published cost of attendance is $80,211 per year—that's $62,693 in tuition, $17,378 for room and board, and $1,250 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $27,823 after financial aid, representing savings of $52,388 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $80,211 |
| Tuition and Fees | $62,693 |
| Room and Board | $17,378 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$52,388 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $27,823 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $8,873 |
| $30–48k | $6,216 |
| $48–75k | $14,841 |
| $75–110k | $20,449 |
| $110k+ | $46,879 |
Notre Dame's published cost of attendance is $80,211 per year—that's $62,693 in tuition, $17,378 for room and board, and $1,250 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $27,823 after financial aid, representing savings of $52,388 from the sticker price. This net price sits slightly below the peer median of $27,143, indicating competitive pricing relative to similar institutions.
The substantial gap between sticker price and average net cost reflects Notre Dame's significant financial aid program, which provides meaningful support across income levels. Net prices vary dramatically by family income, ranging from $8,873 for the lowest-income families to $46,879 for the highest-income bracket. This $38,006 spread demonstrates Notre Dame's commitment to income-based aid while reflecting the reality that higher-income families pay closer to full price.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Notre Dame students graduate with median debt of $19,000, well below the peer median of $24,181, representing a $5,181 advantage that reflects the university's generous financial aid program. Student debt ranges from $13,500 at the 25th percentile to $27,250 at the 75th percentile, indicating controlled borrowing across the student population.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 is highly favorable, meaning typical debt represents less than one-fifth of first-year earnings. This ratio suggests strong financial sustainability for graduates entering the workforce.
Parent PLUS borrowing shows a median of $38,321 with monthly payments of $505, reflecting additional family investment in Notre Dame education beyond student loans. The manageable student debt levels, combined with exceptional graduate earnings of $99,980, create favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Notre Dame represents a strong educational investment, delivering $2,934 in earnings beyond expectations and ranking in the 67.2nd percentile for this value-added measure. With median earnings of $99,980 ranking in the 98th percentile nationally, graduates earn $36,914 more annually than the peer median of $63,066.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 indicates highly manageable debt levels relative to income, supporting long-term financial stability. Student debt of $19,000 sits well below the peer median of $24,181, while net price of $27,823 remains competitive with peer institutions at $27,143.
This combination of exceptional earnings, controlled debt, and competitive pricing creates strong return on investment. Notre Dame's top 5% ranking for graduate earnings, combined with manageable borrowing levels, positions graduates for financial success across career trajectories.
Notre Dame's financial aid profile reflects its commitment to economic diversity within a selective admissions framework. The university enrolls 12.5% Pell-eligible students, indicating meaningful representation of lower-income families despite the institution's high sticker price.
The $52,388 average financial aid savings demonstrates substantial institutional investment in affordability, with aid packages that make attendance possible for students from diverse economic backgrounds. The progressive pricing structure, where the lowest-income families pay $8,873 compared to $46,879 for the highest-income bracket, shows targeted aid delivery.
This aid concentration enables Notre Dame to maintain economic diversity while operating as a high-cost private institution. The aid program supports Notre Dame's ability to attract talented students regardless of family financial capacity, though the 12.5% Pell share suggests that even with substantial aid, cost barriers limit access for some lower-income students.
