Notre Dame Transfer Acceptance Rate
Notre Dame’s transfer admit rate: 27.6% — among the most transfer-friendly elite privates. ND’s Catholic tradition, athletic culture, and Mendoza Business School are its signature identity markers.
Notre Dame transfer admissions, at a glance
Notre Dame transfer figures
Notre Dame reports transfer admit data via its Common Data Set. ND is significantly more transfer-friendly than peer elite privates — one of the reasons transfer applications have grown steadily.
| Cycle | Applicants | Admits | Acceptance Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recent cycle | 1,200 | 331 | 27.6% | NotreDame CDS |
What GPA do you need for Notre Dame?
Notre Dame’s competitive GPA band: 3.5+ for College of Arts & Letters; 3.7+ for Mendoza Business and College of Engineering. Show A’s in major-prep coursework.
Notre Dame’s admissions reviewers value evidence of alignment with ND’s Catholic tradition. Not required, but essays should engage authentically with what draws you to ND specifically.
What competitive Notre Dame transfer applicants look like
Competitive Notre Dame transfer admits share a consistent profile. Below any of these bars, you’re likely competing uphill.
What Notre Dame actually requires
Six non-negotiable pieces. Notre Dame admits to four undergraduate colleges — Arts & Letters, Business (Mendoza), Engineering, and Science.
Coursework Requirements
Mendoza: calculus + economics helpful. Engineering: calculus + physics + chemistry.
Application Essays
Common App transfer essay + Notre Dame-specific supplements. ND essays value engagement with Catholic tradition and service.
Letters of Recommendation
Two academic recommendations from college instructors.
Application Deadlines
March 15 for Fall entry.
Standing & Credits
Minimum one year of college coursework. ND enters most transfers as sophomores or juniors.
Test Scores
Test-optional policy varies year to year. Many elite privates reinstated SAT/ACT requirements post-2024 — verify NotreDame’s current policy. If submitting, top-quartile scores strengthen a competitive application.
Not sure if you can transfer to Notre Dame?
Book a free 60-minute consultation. We’ll look at your transcript, your prereqs, and your target majors — and give you a straight read on your chances.
Common transfer mistakes that kill Notre Dame applications
We’ve reviewed thousands of transfer files. These five failures show up more than any other — and each one is fixable if caught early.
- Waiting until senior year to think about transfer.By the time you’re serious about Notre Dame, your junior GPA is already locked in. Winners start planning transfer their first semester of freshman year.
- Assuming your current college’s grade is ‘good enough.’A 3.5 that got you honors at your current college won’t clear Notre Dame. Benchmark against admit medians, not your peers.
- Writing the same personal essay for every school.Notre Dame’s essays reward specific, researched fit. Generic ‘why transfer’ language is the #1 kill signal readers flag.
- Missing a prereq — or completing it at the wrong level.Community-college calc that transfers as elective (not prereq) doesn’t count. Check equivalency BEFORE you register — not after.
- Applying without a strategy for financial aid.Transfer aid pools shrink every year. Some elites cap need-based aid for transfers. Model this before you apply, not after.
Want us to spot these in your file before you submit? Book a 60-minute review →
Popular Notre Dame majors for transfers
Notre Dame’s most popular transfer destinations. Mendoza Business (Finance) is the signature transfer track; Engineering also strong.
How Notre Dame compares to peers
If Notre Dame is your target, apply to these schools in parallel. Boston College and Georgetown are Catholic peers; WashU is a strong non-Catholic alternative.
Frequently asked questions
What is Notre Dame’s transfer acceptance rate?
Approximately 27.6% in recent cycles — one of the most transfer-friendly elite privates.
Is Notre Dame Catholic?
Yes. Notre Dame is a Catholic university and its identity, campus life, and mission are shaped by that tradition. You don’t have to be Catholic to attend.
Which Notre Dame college is hardest to transfer into?
Mendoza School of Business (Finance) runs a competitive track.
Does Notre Dame accept the Common App?
Yes — Common App with ND-specific supplements.
When is Notre Dame’s transfer application deadline?
March 15 for Fall entry.
Where this data comes from
- Notre Dame OIR — Common Data Set — D2 transfer admit data
- Notre Dame Admissions — Transfer — deadlines, requirements
Want a real shot at Notre Dame?
Notre Dame’s 27.6% transfer rate is among the friendliest elite privates. We’ll help you position your file — and craft essays that engage authentically with ND’s tradition.