Notre Dame de Namur University

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Suburban campus with easy access to city resources
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at Notre Dame de Namur University has centered on the close-knit community that forms when a small student body shares a beautiful campus and common purpose. Residential students have lived in housing that fosters community building and peer support, with resident advisors providing guidance and programming. Student organizations have covered diverse interests, from cultural groups celebrating heritage to service organizations engaging with local communities. The university's Catholic identity has informed campus programming while welcoming students of all backgrounds to participate in community life. Athletic programs have competed at the NCAA Division II level, providing opportunities for student-athletes to pursue competitive sports while maintaining academic focus. Recreational facilities have supported fitness and wellness for all students. Campus events, from cultural celebrations to academic lectures to social gatherings, have created shared experiences that build lasting friendships. The Campus Ministry has offered spiritual programming and opportunities for service that extend the university's mission into practical action. Student government and leadership opportunities have allowed students to develop skills while shaping campus life. The small community has meant that every student could find their place and make meaningful contributions to university life.

Location & Surroundings

Belmont, California offers Notre Dame de Namur students a suburban setting with remarkable access to the opportunities of the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley. The town of approximately 28,000 residents maintains a quiet, family-oriented character while sitting at the heart of one of the world's most dynamic economic regions. San Francisco lies just twenty miles north, accessible by train and highway, offering world-class cultural attractions, entertainment, and professional opportunities. Stanford University and the technology companies of Palo Alto sit nearby to the south, creating possibilities for collaboration and career connections. The San Francisco International Airport provides convenient travel connections globally. The peninsula climate features mild temperatures year-round, with Mediterranean weather that supports outdoor activity in all seasons. Nearby hiking trails in the coastal range offer escape from urban development, while Bay Area beaches provide recreational opportunities. The cost of living in the region is among the highest in the nation, affecting both student budgets and post-graduation planning. However, the concentration of technology, healthcare, education, and other industries creates exceptional career opportunities that justify the regional costs. Public transportation connects Belmont to destinations throughout the Bay Area, though many students benefit from having vehicles.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Attending Notre Dame de Namur University has represented an investment in personalized education with access to one of America's most opportunity-rich regions. Financial aid packages have combined grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans to make attendance accessible for students from diverse economic backgrounds. Merit scholarships have recognized academic achievement and special talents. The Bay Area's high cost of living has affected total educational expenses, though the university has worked to support students in managing regional costs. Career services have connected students with the remarkable professional opportunities of Silicon Valley and the broader Bay Area. Internship programs have placed students in technology companies, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations throughout the region. Alumni networks, though smaller than those of larger institutions, have provided meaningful connections and mentorship opportunities. Graduate school placement has prepared students for advanced study in various fields. The skills developed through Notre Dame de Namur's emphasis on communication, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning have served graduates well in diverse career paths. The university's Catholic values have shaped graduates who seek not just professional success but meaningful contribution to their communities. Bay Area employers have valued the preparation and character development that Notre Dame de Namur students have demonstrated.

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