A Visit to Notre Dame of Maryland University: Tradition, Transformation, and Terrific Opportunities

Tucked away in the lively, leafy neighborhood of North Baltimore, Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) offers a refreshing blend of historic charm and forward-thinking education. Founded in 1895, NDMU has been preparing leaders to “transform the world” for well over a century.  Based on my visit, they seem to be doing just that, in some really impressive ways!

First, the basics: Notre Dame is a private, Catholic university with about 800 undergraduates, roughly half of whom live on campus. Though the university only opened its doors to male undergraduates about three years ago, the campus still honors its strong roots in women’s education while embracing a co-ed future (currently about 30% male, 70% female).

What immediately stood out to me was how hands-on and career-focused the student experience is. A whopping 90% of students participate in internships! From education majors partnering with every single county school district in Maryland to nursing students boasting an incredible 100% pass rate on their licensing exams, it’s clear that NDMU means business when it comes to real-world preparation.

The university is growing fast but still keeps things small and personal where it matters. Most classes have just 10-15 students, giving everyone a real chance to participate, get to know their professors, and develop their leadership skills.

Speaking of leadership, NDMU’s designation as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) opens a very cool door for students: they can attend sessions at the United Nations! Whether you’re studying international relations, health, or business, this is a truly unique opportunity to engage with global issues at the highest levels.

Academics are organized into several schools:

  • Business
  • Education (which has incredibly strong local ties)
  • Nursing (direct admission available!)
  • Pharmacy and Health Professions (mostly doctoral, but undergrad options too)
  • Integrative Health (coming soon, thanks to the exciting acquisition of Maryland University of Integrative Health, a leader in holistic medicine)

Art lovers will be happy to hear that NDMU offers undergraduate art therapy, blending creativity and psychology into a deeply meaningful career path.

On campus, students can choose from all-female or all-gender housing options, reflecting a modern, inclusive approach to residential life. Plus, as a member of the Baltimore Student Exchange Program, Notre Dame students can take classes at 13 other colleges in the area—including its neighbor, Loyola University, with whom NDMU also shares a beautiful library.

Athletically, Notre Dame is a proud Division III school, offering students a chance to compete while prioritizing academics. And if you’re academically strong, you’ll be happy to hear about their Morrissy Honors Program (no extra application required). The university is test-optional for most programs (except nursing), and rolling admissions means you can apply whenever you’re ready. Bonus: every student is considered for a merit scholarship, generally ranging from $22,000 to $26,000, and some high-achievers even get a full ride.

NDMU is also deeply committed to supporting first-generation and Pell Grant students, offering financial literacy programs to help students and families navigate college costs and beyond.

Bottom line? Notre Dame of Maryland University blends historic mission with modern momentum. Whether you’re looking for a tight-knit academic community, big-city access, service-learning opportunities, or a launching pad to global leadership, NDMU is definitely worth a look.