The University of Notre Dame’s Acceptance Results for the Class of 2029

The University of Notre Dame, often ranked among the top twenty universities in the US, has admitted a record-low 13 percent of early action applicants to the Class of 2029. Notre Dame also received 16 percent more REA applications than last year, making the school's admissions landscape as competitive as ever. Keep reading to get the latest from Crimson Education COO Arkesh Patel on Notre Dame’s admissions data and trends as the Class of 2029 begins to take shape.

Class of 2029 Acceptance Results Overview

An iconic Catholic research institution located in the US heartland and widely known for scholarly excellence and its spirited Division I football culture, Notre Dame offers a unique appeal to thousands of students each year, making the school’s acceptance rate highly competitive.

Notre Dame has recently announced its Early Action results for the Class of 2029, with Regular Decision results to follow in March 2025. While non-binding, Notre Dame’s Restrictive Early Action (REA) policy prohibits students from applying under any form of early decision or early action at any other private institution.

Early Action Acceptance Results

• Total Applications: 12,917
• Accepted Students: 1,669
• Acceptance Rate: 13%

Notre Dame’s Early Action Acceptance Rate Trends

REA applications to Notre Dame increased significantly this year, up from 11,163 — a 16 percent increase from last year. The REA acceptance rate dropped sharply, down to 13% this year, compared to 15% for the Class of 2028. 

The international scope of the applicant pool also widened significantly. Applications came from 149 different countries in the 2024 REA cycle, compared to 109 countries last year.

Notre Dame continues to be test optional, through at least the 2025-26 application year. Last year, just over half of all Notre Dame applicants did not submit test scores, a figure that has been rising over the past two years.

Why Apply Early Action or Early Decision?

• Higher Acceptance Rates: Early Action and Early Decision applicants typically enjoy higher acceptance rates compared to Regular Decision.
• Demonstrated Interest: Applying early shows Notre Dame your strong interest in joining their academic community.

What To Expect for Regular Decision Results

The Regular Decision results for the Class of 2029 are expected in late March. Last year, Notre Dame’s Regular Decision acceptance rate was an extremely competitive 8.6%. Based on current trends, we anticipate another challenging admissions cycle.

Key Regular Decision Figures from Last Year (Class of 2028):

• Applications Received: 29,943 
• Students Accepted: 3,324
• Acceptance Rate: 11.1%

Key Trends and Insights

• Increasing Application Numbers and Shrinking Acceptance Rates: Applications to Notre Dame have been on the rise for the past five years. The overall acceptance rate has shrunk during this time from around 15% to 11%.
• Holistic Admissions & New Commitments to Affordability: Notre Dame evaluates applicants beyond academic metrics, considering essays, extracurriculars, leadership roles, and recommendations. In the fall of 2024, Notre Dame announced its Pathways to Notre Dame initiative, characterized as a “historic expansion of the University’s affordability and access programs,” including the elimination of loans from the school’s need-based financial aid offerings.
• Testing Requirements: Notre Dame leaders say the school will remain test optional through at least the 25-26 application year, even as other prominent US institutions reinstate test requirements for admissions. However, admissions officials have noted that of the more than 50 percent of students who did not submit a test score last year, only about one-third received an offer of admission.

This historical data demonstrates the University of Notre Dame’s growing appeal, with acceptance rates decreasing consistently in the wake of growing applicant pools.

What Makes Notre Dame Unique?

Notre Dame’s outstanding national and world rankings, its faith-based traditions, vibrant school culture, thriving research initiatives, robust financial aid commitments, and overall academic excellence make it a highly attractive institution. With a holistic, test-optional admissions process and strong commitments to affordability and diversity, Notre Dame stands out as an exceptionally attractive destination for young scholars.

Key Takeaways

• Notre Dame’s Restrictive Early Action acceptance rate of 13% for the Class of 2029 reflects the increasing competition for spots at top universities, but it also offers a statistical advantage compared to the school’s Regular Decision acceptance rates.
• Historical trends show Notre Dame is growing in appeal, receiving more applications than ever in recent years.
• While several Ivy League schools are reinstating test score requirements for admissions, Notre Dame has elected to remain test optional, at least through the 25/26 application year.
• With Regular Decision results due in March, students should continue preparing their applications with care.

What’s Next for Applicants?

For those admitted early, congratulations on joining Notre Dame’s prestigious Class of 2029!

Regular Decision applicants should continue preparing strong applications to maximize their chances.

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