At the University of Notre Dame, 82% of undergraduate students identify as Catholic. This strong religious affiliation is a defining characteristic of the institution's student body.
Religious Demographics at Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame, a renowned Catholic research university, maintains a significant Catholic presence among its student population. When examining the religious affiliation of its undergraduate students, Catholicism stands out as the predominant faith.
The breakdown of religious affiliations among undergraduates is as follows:
| Religious Affiliation | Percentage of Undergraduates |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 82% |
| Protestant | 7% |
| Other/None/Don't Know | 11% |
This data highlights Notre Dame's commitment to its Catholic identity while also welcoming students from diverse religious and non-religious backgrounds.
Understanding the Student Body
The term "kids" in the context of a university typically refers to its undergraduate students, who comprise the primary population engaging in full-time academic programs. Understanding the demographics beyond religious affiliation provides a fuller picture of the undergraduate experience at Notre Dame.
Diverse Affiliations
While a strong majority, the fact that nearly one in five students identifies with a Protestant faith or another/no religion underscores a diverse spiritual landscape on campus. This fosters an environment where various viewpoints and beliefs can be shared and discussed, enriching the overall educational experience.
Key Characteristics of Notre Dame Undergraduates
Beyond religious affiliation, the undergraduate student body at Notre Dame exhibits several other notable characteristics, offering a comprehensive view of its diversity and composition.
- Full-Time Enrollment: Virtually all undergraduate students (approximately 100%) are enrolled on a full-time basis, indicating a deeply immersive academic environment.
- Gender Balance: The student body shows a near-equal gender distribution, with women making up 47% of undergraduates.
- Geographic and Demographic Diversity:
- While rooted in Indiana, only about 12% of undergraduates hail from the state, demonstrating a broad national appeal.
- The university also attracts a portion of international students, accounting for approximately 3% of the undergraduate population.
- Minority students represent about 20% of the undergraduate body, with specific breakdowns including:
- African-American students: 4%
- Asian-American students: 6%
- Hispanic-American students: 9%
- Native American students: less than 1%
These statistics collectively paint a picture of a vibrant and varied undergraduate community at Notre Dame, united by academic pursuits and a shared university experience, with a strong, foundational Catholic identity.
