SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The University of Notre Dame announced it will be expanding the Pathways to Notre Dame initiative by enhancing its undergraduate financial aid program.

University officials say in the 2026-27 academic year, Notre Dame will ensure families with an annual income below $150,000 will receive need-based financial aid that covers tuition.

The announcement states families with an income below $200,000 will receive need-based aid that covers half the tuition.

Notre Dame officials added that most students from families with annual income below $60,000 will receive need-based financial aid that covers tuition, fees, housing, and food.

Notre Dame's president, Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., launched Pathways to Notre Dame in his September 2024 inauguration speech, announcing the university would be need-blind and loan-free for all students, domestic and international.

“In order to be the community of learning we are called to be, cost must never be a barrier. By expanding the Pathways to Notre Dame program with this announcement, we continue to make strides to make a Notre Dame education more affordable," Dowd said. "We are committed to making every effort to welcome talented young people from a variety of backgrounds to a Notre Dame community that will help them to develop their gifts. I have no doubt that the students who come to Notre Dame thanks to Pathways will enrich our community in every way.”

University officials say over the next four years, with support from members of the Notre Dame family, the undergraduate financial aid commitment will exceed $1 billion.