$60,220
2 years
Data reflects 2026 admissions cycle
“Values-driven business education. The alumni network rivals schools ranked 10 spots higher.”
Program Overview
Notre Dame Mendoza benefits from one of the most loyal alumni networks in higher education. The "Domers" phenomenon is real: Notre Dame graduates help each other in ways that transcend ranking brackets. The 110-person MBA class is small, but the broader Notre Dame alumni base (170,000+ worldwide) punches far above what you'd expect from a school ranked #29.
Mendoza's Catholic, ethics-first approach attracts candidates who care about business as a force for good. This isn't performative social impact. The school's curriculum integrates ethical decision-making in a way that's practical rather than preachy. Consulting and finance are the primary career paths, with strong placement into both.
Culture & Community
Mendoza's culture is values-driven, community-oriented, and surprisingly tight. The 110-person class means deep relationships, and the Notre Dame campus fosters a sense of belonging that most MBA programs can't replicate. Football weekends in the fall are a defining social experience. Students describe the atmosphere as supportive and purposeful, with less of the transactional networking that defines larger programs.
Academics & Curriculum
Mendoza's curriculum integrates ethics throughout rather than treating it as a standalone course. Core courses cover the standard MBA toolkit, and the teaching quality benefits from small class sizes and engaged faculty. The school's consulting and finance concentrations are strong, and the Gigot Center for Entrepreneurship supports student ventures. Interterm immersion courses between semesters allow students to do intensive one-week deep dives into specialized topics.
Career Outcomes
Mendoza's employment report shows 35% of graduates entering consulting, 25% finance, and 15% tech. Deloitte, EY, McKinsey, and BCG all recruit from Mendoza (MBB selectively). Finance placement includes corporate finance, banking, and PE roles. The Notre Dame network is the career differentiator: alumni respond to cold outreach at rates that outpace most schools. Median base salary is $145,000 with total first-year compensation around $168,000.
Who Should Apply
Mendoza fits candidates who value ethics alongside ambition. If you want a tight community, an alumni network that will pick up the phone for you 20 years after graduation, and strong consulting or finance placement, Mendoza delivers. Military veterans and candidates from faith-based or nonprofit backgrounds will find a natural community.
What to Watch Out For
South Bend, Indiana, is not a career hub. You'll need to travel for networking and interviews, and the geographic isolation limits on-campus recruiting. The Catholic identity, while not exclusive, shapes the culture in ways that may not resonate with everyone. And the 110-person class means a small annual graduating cohort that limits the alumni network growth rate.
Known For
Best For
Aiming for a 695+ GMAT? Start your prep today.
Get GMAT Prep Resources →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Notre Dame Mendoza?
Notre Dame Mendoza's acceptance rate is approximately 32% for the class of 2026. The school enrolls about 110 full-time MBA students from roughly 800 applications.
What GMAT score do I need for Notre Dame Mendoza?
The average GMAT at Mendoza is 695, with the middle 80% ranging from 660 to 730. Mendoza values leadership, community involvement, and ethical perspective alongside academic metrics.
How strong is the Notre Dame alumni network?
The Notre Dame alumni network is legendary. With 170,000+ alumni worldwide and a culture of mutual support, Domers help each other at rates that rival schools ranked much higher. The network is particularly strong in consulting, finance, and Chicago-area companies.
What is the average salary after Notre Dame Mendoza?
Mendoza graduates earn a median base salary of $145,000 with total first-year compensation averaging about $168,000. Consulting and finance drive the strongest compensation packages.