The University of Notre Dame reviewed a record 12,917 Restrictive Early Action (REA) applications for the class of 2029, a 16 percent increase over last year’s total of 11,163. In its first admissions cycle since announcing Pathways to Notre Dame, the university saw a significant increase in the geographic diversity of the applicant pool. Specifically, this year’s REA applicant pool includes students from all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and 149 different countries. In 2023, the REA applicant pool included students from 109 countries.

Applicants learned their decisions on Tuesday, December 17, at 6:42 p.m. ET – a tribute to the University’s founding year of 1842. A total of 1,669 applicants were admitted this cycle, each of whom exemplified academic preparation and intellectual excellence Curiosity, commitment to the common good and enthusiasm for the Catholic mission of Notre Dame.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome this group of admitted students to Notre Dame,” said Micki Kidder, vice president for undergraduate enrollment. “Her academic preparation and embodiment of Notre Dame’s values ​​are impressive, and we are proud to welcome her to a community where her talents and leadership will continue to thrive.”

In September 2024, University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd announced CSC Pathways to Notre Dame, a historic expansion of the University’s affordability and access programs. With this announcement, the university became the first highly selective, faith-based university in the United States that is need-blind for all students, both domestic and international. Pathways to Notre Dame also eliminated loans from the university’s need-based financial aid offerings to ensure a Notre Dame education is more affordable for admitted students and their families.

Admitted students who completed their financial aid applications by November 15th also received their financial aid offers on Tuesday, December 17th. “Notre Dame is committed to meeting the demonstrated financial need of all admitted students and communicating this information to families as quickly as possible,” Kidder said. “Making a Notre Dame education affordable and accessible to students of all socioeconomic backgrounds is a fundamental priority. As the world’s leading Catholic research university, this is at the core of our mission.”

The review of the application for regular decision (RD) has not yet been completed. The university will host the rally, the Admitted Student Days, from April 3-5, 2025.

Detailed information about the enrolled class of 2029 will be announced at the end of August 2025.