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Notre Dame College

Accept Rate
80.35%
Grad Rate
39.3%
Enrollment
1,049
Avg SAT
995
Tuition
$32,606
Median Salary
$49,737
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Notre Dame College offers an intimate, community-focused experience where students are not just numbers but known individuals. The campus feels like a supportive family, with small class sizes fostering close relationships with professors and peers. Itโ€™s a place where you can expect a personalized education in a serene, suburban setting just outside the bustling city of Cleveland.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

80.35%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

SAT data not available

Average: 995

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Average: 19

Admissions Tips

["Highlight your interest in community service and leadership in your application, as Notre Dame values students who contribute to its close-knit environment.","Take the ACT or SAT, as scores are considered, but know that the admissions process is holistic and considers your overall profile.","Reach out to the admissions office to demonstrate your interest; a campus visit or virtual meeting can positively impact your application."]

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
995
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The college provides a solid liberal arts foundation with notable strengths in Business, Health Professions, and Education. Teaching quality is high, characterized by accessible professors dedicated to mentorship rather than just lecturing. While research opportunities are more limited than at a large university, students can engage in meaningful faculty-led projects and internships.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
33.3%
Health Professions
13.5%
Education
11.1%
Psychology
9.7%
Visual & Performing Arts
6.8%
Communications
6.8%
Criminal Justice
6.3%
Biology & Biomedical
4.3%
Social Sciences
1.9%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

39.3%
Graduation Rate
69.3%
Retention Rate
1,049
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$32,606
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$20,477
After financial aid
Total Cost
$46,641
Cost of attendance/year
38.9%
Receive Pell Grants
60.7%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Cleveland

Students frequently explore Clevelandโ€™s vibrant cultural scene, including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and world-class dining in the Flats and West Side Market area. For outdoor fun, the nearby Lake Erie shoreline and parks offer hiking and waterfront activities. The cityโ€™s sports teams and live music venues also provide popular weekend entertainment.

Local Rent Check

$913 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Cleveland
Explore Cleveland

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$130,424
$0Est. 4 Years: $130,424

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($49,737):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus itself is generally considered safe and quiet, with campus security present. The surrounding suburb of South Euclid is residential and peaceful, though students should practice standard urban precautions when traveling into Cleveland.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely small class sizes ensure personalized attention and strong student-faculty relationships.
  • โœ“ Suburban campus offers a quiet, safe environment with easy access to the amenities of Cleveland.
  • โœ“ Strong focus on practical career preparation in high-demand fields like health professions and business.
  • โœ“ Diverse student body with a notable percentage of Pell Grant recipients, indicating socioeconomic diversity.

Cons

  • โœ— Low graduation and retention rates may indicate challenges with student support or academic rigor.
  • โœ— Limited research opportunities and graduate-level programs compared to larger universities.
  • โœ— The campus social scene may feel quiet for students seeking a large, bustling university atmosphere.

Notable Alumni

Sister Diana Stano, O.S.U.
Award-winning poet and educator, known for her literary contributions and service.
James J. Lavelle
Former United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Michael J. Murphy
Former President and CEO of the United Way of Greater Cleveland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Notre Dame College is known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching and a supportive, close-knit community. It has particular strengths in its Business, Health Professions, and Education programs, and is recognized for its commitment to service and leadership development.

No, Notre Dame College is not hard to get into. With an acceptance rate of 80.35%, it is considered a moderately selective institution. The college looks at a holistic application, considering factors beyond just test scores and GPA.

Campus life is intimate and community-oriented, with a residential feel where students are encouraged to participate in clubs, athletics (NCAA Division II), and campus events. The small size fosters a family-like atmosphere, and students often take advantage of the proximity to Cleveland for off-campus entertainment and internships.

The value depends on the student's major and career goals. With an average net price of $20,477 and median earnings of $49,737, the ROI is moderate. It can be a worthwhile investment for students who leverage the personalized education to secure a good job in a high-demand field like nursing or business.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Cleveland Clinic University Hospitals KeyBank Cleveland Metropolitan School District Cleveland State University
Smart Start Score
50

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 1,620
  • In-State Tuition $32,606
  • Zip Code 44121

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 48.7% โ™€ 51.3%

The Money Talk

With a sticker price over $32,000 but an average net price of around $20,500, the financial burden is significant but manageable with aid. The 10-year median earnings of roughly $50,000 suggest a modest return on investment, which may be worthwhile for those pursuing high-demand fields like health professions or business. Ultimately, the value is maximized for students who take full advantage of career services and internships in the Cleveland area.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $32,606
Housing (12 mo) $10,956
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $50,762
With avg financial aid:
$20,477/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.