Can anyone tell me about the student population size at Notre Dame? I'm curious about how the number of students affects the overall atmosphere and if it feels too big or small.
Absolutely, the size of a university's student body can indeed shape the community and overall atmosphere on campus.
The University of Notre Dame has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 8,600 students, and with graduate students included, the total student population is approximately 13,200. This makes Notre Dame a medium-sized university, not overwhelmingly large but not overly small either.
For many students, this size of the campus provides a uniquely balanced college experience. On one hand, there is enough variety in the student body for everyone to find their crowd and explore diverse perspectives. Simultaneously, the smaller size of the campus cultivates a close-knit environment where students can feel intimately connected to the community. Many have also expressed that they can frequently see familiar faces when they're out and about.
The student-to-faculty ratio at Notre Dame is quite good as well, standing at around 8:1 as of the last report. Having smaller class sizes allows for direct and personalized instruction, which can help foster deeper relationships with professors.
However, everyone's comfort zone with campus size differs. I advise you to consider your preferences for social settings and educational environments before making a decision. You may also find it helpful to visit the campus if conditions allow - this is usually an excellent way of getting a feel for the atmosphere.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.