A Catholic academic community of higher learning in Notre Dame, Indiana, animated by the Congregation of Holy Cross.
The University of Notre Dame is a Catholic academic community of higher learning, animated from its origins by the Congregation of Holy Cross. The University is dedicated to the pursuit and sharing of truth for its own sake. It is located in Notre Dame, Indiana, 46556, USA, and is described as a fully residential university.
Notre Dame was founded in 1842 by Rev. Edward Sorin, C.S.C., and the Congregation of Holy Cross. On November 26, 1842, Sorin and seven companions took possession of 524 snow-covered acres. The Indiana legislature officially chartered the University on January 15, 1844. The Main Building was destroyed by fire on April 23, 1879, and was rebuilt in time for classes that fall. Father Hesburgh served as president from 1952 until 1987. In 2023, Notre Dame was selected as the only Catholic institution to join the Association of American Universities (AAU).
Notre Dame offers 75 undergraduate majors across 8 colleges and schools. The University enrolls 8,923 undergraduate students and 4,206 graduate and professional students, with 1,526 instructional faculty.
The Golden Dome is described as the most iconic landmark of the campus. Library resources include the Hesburgh Libraries, Architecture Library, Mahaffey Business Library, Navari Family Center for Digital Scholarship, Medieval Institute Library, Music Library, Rare Books and Special Collections, and University Archives. Residence halls and Student Activities Office spaces are also available.
Notre Dame accepts applications through undergraduate admissions, graduate admissions, and international admissions. International undergraduate admissions are need-blind.