Founded in November 1842 by the Congregation of Holy Cross Rev. Edward F. Sorin, C.S.C., the University of Notre Dame stands proudly adjacent to South Bend, Indiana—the heart of a vibrant metropolitan area boasting more than 315,000 people! 

As one of America’s preeminent institutions for undergraduate education, Notre Dame has long been a leader in research and scholarship. Indeed, some of the world’s most seminal advances, such as glider flight aerodynamics, wireless message transmission, and synthetic rubber formulae, were first developed here at Notre Dame.

The prestigious research university has consistently been recognized by renowned publications, such as U.S. News and World Report and Forbes, ranking it in the top 25 educational institutions in the United States. Moreover, if you are aiming to transfer to this esteemed school – your chances are high compared to other elite schools. The transfer acceptance rate is often two to three times higher than that of first-year students. Each year they accept an average of 200-300 individuals through their transfer program!

If you’re thinking about transferring, check us out at Transfer Goat to see how we can help you stand out!

Notre Dame Transfer Acceptance Rate

Notre Dame is among the most selective and prestigious universities, with an acceptance rate of just 25.7% in 2021 for transfer students. This means that out of the 1,076 transfer applications submitted to Notre Dame, only 277 were accepted.

The acceptance rate for transfers at Notre Dame fluctuates a great deal from year to year, having been as low as 22% and as high as 43%. In the last three years alone, 2020 had an acceptance rate of 43.4%, 2019 was 30.1%, and 2018 was 22.8%.

As the acceptance rate proves, becoming a transfer student at this esteemed university is far from impossible. If you have achieved excellent academic performance in college, you will be given due consideration for admission.

This university stands out from peer institutions concerning its transfer enrollment goals. Every year a minimum of 200 slots for potential transfers are always kept open, no matter what the first-year enrollment is! At Notre Dame, you know your chances as a transfer student will remain competitive.

Notre Dame 2023-2024 Transfer Acceptance Rate

Out of 842 transfer applicants in the fall of 2023, the University of Notre Dame accepted 232 individuals, resulting in a transfer acceptance rate of 27.6% for the 2023-2024 application year.

Notre Dame 2022-2023 Transfer Acceptance Rate

For the 2022-2023 transfer cycle at the University of Notre Dame, there were 794 applicants, and the university admitted 212 of them, resulting in a transfer acceptance rate of 26.70%.

What GPA Do You Need For Notre Dame?

Notre Dame states that transfer students have an average GPA of 3.75.

Keep in mind that GPA is not the end all be all of your application. According to the admissions office, “the most competitive applicants to Notre Dame are well-rounded, so we take a well-rounded, or holistic, view of students’ applications. That holistic review means that admissions counselors at Notre Dame evaluate both the academic and non-academic components of the application.”

Notre Dame Supplement Overview

All transfer applicants must respond to the following prompt.

  • A well-crafted personal statement explaining your interest in Notre Dame, your academic and professional goals, and how transferring to Notre Dame can help you achieve them. (650 words or fewer).

Notre Dame Transfer Deadline and Decision Date

Notre Dame offers two options for transferring – during the fall or spring terms. If you are applying in the fall, your deadline is March 15. For those considering transferring in the spring semester, October 1 will be your cut-off date. Following this timeline, decisions are typically released in a 4-week period. Fall applicants can expect their results between June 1 and July 1. Whereas spring applicants will receive their decisions from December 1 until January 5.

Notre Dame Application Overview

Transfer students must select a specific college and major when applying to Notre Dame. Once accepted into their chosen field of study, they may not alter majors without the administration’s express permission from the Dean.

Several programs at the University of Notre Dame, including Science Business, Chemistry Business, and Math Business, are currently unavailable to transfer students. Moreover, many colleges on campus decline admission to individuals who have already finished their first semester of sophomore year in college.

Amongst Notre Dame’s most desirable programs, such as Neuroscience and Behavior and Business Analytics, available spots very per year.

To be considered a transfer student, applicants must have completed high school and earned at least 27 credits from an accredited four-year college by the time of enrollment.

When applying to Notre Dame, the following documents are required:

  • Your Mid-Term Report
  • High school and college transcripts
  • Course syllabi for all classes listed on your transcript

You may also submit an optional letter of recommendation.