Later this week, the University of Notre Dame will welcome to campus first-year students who comprise the undergraduate Class of 2028. Almost 30,000 students applied to become part of the class and approximately 3,375 were admitted. Among many impressive characteristics, this group of students displays excellence in academic preparation, service to others, and leadership. The class also reflects the University’s highest yield of admitted students (62 percent) since the advent of the Common App, signaling students’ strong passion for Notre Dame’s distinct mission.

Many factors contributed to enrolling a high percentage of admitted students, including Notre Dame’s generous and long-standing commitment to financial aid. Over half of this year’s first-year class will receive need-based aid and 21 percent of the class are first-generation students or Pell Grant recipients.

“We are committed to ensuring that a Notre Dame education is affordable for students from all backgrounds and socioeconomic levels,” says Vice President for Undergraduate Enrollment Micki Kidder. “Creating pathways for middle- and low-income students has been and continues to be a top priority at Our Lady’s University.”

The Rally for admitted students also played a key role in student decisions to attend Notre Dame. The Rally is Notre Dame’s admitted student experience. In March and April, the University welcomed more than 4,000 admitted students and family members to campus for The Rally 2024. During these two-day events, students and families attended classes, toured campus, met classmates, and experienced the vibrant Notre Dame community.

The University is focused on ensuring that the undergraduate student body reflects the variety of gifts of the human family. With a strong commitment to Notre Dame’s mission, 82 percent of incoming first-year students are Catholic and 30 percent are domestic students from historically underrepresented groups. International students with citizenship from 72 nations make up an additional nine percent of the incoming class. Domestic students will matriculate to Notre Dame from all 50 states.

“We are excited to welcome these talented incoming students to campus,” says Kidder, “and we look forward to witnessing their meaningful contributions to the Notre Dame community and broader world.”

This week, the first-year class will be ushered onto campus for Welcome Weekend. These days consist of moving into residence halls, meeting hall staff and fellow hallmates, connecting with faculty and staff from all corners of campus, accessing academic, spiritual, and wellness resources, and acknowledging this significant time of transition for students and their families.