The Difference is Notre Dame

Your choice of college says a lot about who you are as a person, and what you want to do in life.  That’s where Notre Dame is decidedly distinctive—and why we attract so many top students.

Yes, we are a college with a rich history of excellence in providing a liberal arts education.  But we also are a community in a very real sense—one that is strengthened by shared values of inclusiveness, social responsibility, and service woven within the Catholic tradition.

A History of Firsts

The source of this progressive vision comes from our founders, the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND), who, more than a century ago, dedicated themselves to a single goal—educating women as leaders to transform the world.  This commitment took root in 1873 when College of Notre Dame of Maryland opened its doors, the first Catholic college for women in America to award a four-year baccalaureate degree.

A Growing Community

Today, their inspired mission continues to expand in new directions throughout the College. In our core undergraduate Women’s College, young women realize their authentic potential and creative voice in small classes with highly individual attention. Our Weekend College and Accelerated College reaches out to both women and men with part-time undergraduate programs, conveniently scheduled to meet the needs of working adults. And, our Graduate Studies division opens doors for post-baccalaureate students in a number of pre-professional, career-focused, and academic programs, including a Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership for Changing Populations and our new Doctor of Pharmacy program.

So, what makes Notre Dame so different? Just this: We’ll help you learn how to make a real difference in your life—and in the world.