Cost of Notre Dame College

So, I've been looking into Notre Dame College and I've got to admit, the cost seems a bit daunting. Could anyone share some insight on this? Is it worth the cost? Are there substantial scholarships available?

Notre Dame is indeed one of the more expensive institutions, with the cost of attendance typically ranging from $80,000 - $90,000 per year when you factor in room and board, meals, books, and personal expenses in addition to tuition. However, the university is committed to making education accessible, hence a high percentage of students receive some form of financial aid, often reducing the actual cost significantly.

Leveraging the net price calculator on Notre Dame's website (https://admissions.nd.edu/aid-affordability/estimate-your-cost/) could provide you with a closer estimate of what your family might be expected to contribute. You'd need to plug in some financial information to get this estimate.

The university is generous with its aid. As of 2020 data, about 73% of full-time undergraduate students received some kind of need-based financial aid, and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is approximately $41,000.

Also noteworthy is Notre Dame's “no-loan” policy, in which they meet 100% of demonstrated financial need with grants (which don’t need to be repaid) and work-study, instead of loans, in financial aid packages for eligible students.

Despite the high sticker price, the value of a Notre Dame education can be substantial. Factors such as the undergraduate academic reputation, student retention rate, and strong post-graduation outcomes (high employment rate, median starting salary, etc.), contribute to a high return on investment (ROI).

As for scholarships, Notre Dame offers a variety of merit scholarships. The most prestigious is their Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars Program, which awards $25,000 per year for four years to around 20 incoming students. There are also some tailored scholarships and grants in specific fields such as The Reilly Dual-Degree Program in Arts and Engineering, The Stamps Scholars Program among others.

Start early, apply for FAFSA and CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE to ensure you're considered for all possible aid, and consider scouring for external scholarships as well.

Remember, the high cost of attendance shouldn’t necessarily deter you from applying if you feel Notre Dame is a good fit for you; it's more about what your prospective ROI would be. It's a significant part of the conversation, but also consider the holistic educational experience Notre Dame offers.