Notre Dame University Cotabato | Courses Offered | Tuition Fees
General Information
Reviews
Notre Dame University Cotabato is widely regarded as one of the most established private Catholic universities in Mindanao, with a reputation rooted in academic stability, ethical formation, and intercultural engagement. Reviews from students and alumni frequently emphasize the institution’s strong sense of community, discipline, and values-based education shaped by its Catholic identity while remaining inclusive of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Many students highlight the supportive learning environment, noting that faculty members are generally approachable and committed to student development both academically and personally. Programs in education, business, engineering, and social sciences are often praised for their structured curricula and alignment with professional standards. Alumni feedback commonly reflects appreciation for the university’s emphasis on leadership, social responsibility, and service-oriented learning, which are seen as beneficial in both public and private sector careers. Some reviews acknowledge challenges such as traditional administrative processes and limited modernization in certain facilities, yet these are often balanced by recognition of continuous improvements in classrooms, laboratories, and student services. Overall sentiment portrays the university as a dependable academic institution that prioritizes character formation, employability, and social relevance, making it a preferred choice for students seeking a balanced education grounded in academic rigor and moral values.
Contact Informations
The university is located in Cotabato City, Philippines, serving students from Central Mindanao and neighboring regions.
Address: Notre Dame Avenue, Cotabato City, Philippines.
Phone Number: +63 64 421 3054.
Email Address: info@ndu.edu.ph.
Administrative offices handle admissions, registrar services, finance, and academic affairs during regular weekday office hours, with extended support during enrollment periods. Communication with colleges and departments is managed through official institutional channels to ensure clarity and accountability. The campus is situated within an accessible urban area, making it convenient for daily commuting and regional student mobility while maintaining a secure and orderly academic environment.
School Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1950 |
| Institution Type | Private Catholic University |
| Motto | Truth, Knowledge, and Service |
| Location | Cotabato City, Philippines |
| Academic Calendar | Semester System |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Religious Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Accreditation | CHED Recognized |
Notre Dame University Cotabato Rankings
| Ranking Category | Position |
|---|---|
| National Ranking (Philippines) | Top 120 |
| Regional Ranking (Mindanao) | Top 25 |
| Global Ranking | Top 8,000 |
Notre Dame University Cotabato Academics
Notre Dame University Cotabato Faculties / Departments
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Education
- College of Business and Accountancy
- College of Engineering and Architecture
- College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences
- College of Information Technology
- Graduate School
Notre Dame University Cotabato Courses Offered and Programs / Majors
- Bachelor of Elementary Education
- Bachelor of Secondary Education
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Education, Management, and Public Administration
Online Learning
The university has adopted blended and limited online learning systems to complement face-to-face instruction, particularly for general education and graduate programs. Digital learning platforms are used to distribute course materials, manage assessments, and facilitate academic communication. While the institution remains primarily campus-based, online components have improved academic flexibility for working students and those balancing professional commitments. Degree programs are traditionally conferred through in-person instruction, with summer school offerings available for selected courses to support academic progression and remediation.
Average Test Scores
| Exam | Average Score |
|---|---|
| SAT | Not Required |
| ACT | Not Required |
| GRE | Program-Specific |
| Institutional Entrance Exam | Required |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Retention rates are considered stable, supported by structured advising, religious and values formation programs, and academic monitoring systems. Graduation rates are consistent with private university benchmarks in the Philippines, particularly strong in education and business programs where curriculum sequencing is well-defined.
Notre Dame University Cotabato Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Admissions are primarily based on high school academic records, institutional entrance examinations, and program prerequisites. International standardized tests such as SAT or ACT are generally not required, with GPA equivalency assessed for international applicants.
Notre Dame University Cotabato Acceptance Rate
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Overall Acceptance Rate | Approximately 68% |
Notre Dame University Cotabato Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit a completed application form, official high school or collegiate transcripts, certificates of graduation, and valid identification documents. Entrance examinations and interviews may be conducted depending on the academic program. International applicants must provide authenticated academic credentials and proof of English language proficiency. The admissions framework emphasizes academic readiness, ethical conduct, and alignment with institutional values, ensuring that admitted students are prepared for both academic and character formation components of university life.
Application Process
- Complete application form
- Submit academic documents
- Take entrance examination
- Attend interview if required
- Receive admission decision
- Finalize enrollment
Notre Dame University Cotabato Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Intake | Deadline |
|---|---|
| First Semester | May 31 |
| Second Semester | October 31 |
Essay Prompt
Some programs may require a personal essay addressing academic goals, leadership potential, and commitment to service, particularly for competitive or graduate-level admissions.
Notre Dame University Cotabato Scholarships
Scholarships include academic merit awards, need-based financial assistance, government-sponsored grants, and institutional discounts for qualified students. These programs aim to promote access while maintaining academic standards.
Notre Dame University Cotabato Tuition Fees
| Program Level | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | USD 1,000 – 1,700 |
| Graduate | USD 1,600 – 2,800 |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The student population demonstrates balanced gender representation, with most students between 18 and 25 years old. Ethnic composition reflects the multicultural character of Central Mindanao, including Christian, Muslim, and indigenous backgrounds.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
A significant portion of students come from low- to middle-income households. Financial aid, installment payment plans, counseling services, and basic accessibility accommodations support students with disabilities and economic challenges.
Student Body
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Students | Approximately 7,000 |
| International Students | Limited |
| Undergraduate Students | Majority |
| Graduate Students | Growing |
University Diversity
Diversity is a defining strength of the institution, shaped by religious, cultural, and socioeconomic differences. The campus fosters mutual respect through interfaith dialogue, community outreach, and service-learning programs, creating an inclusive environment that reflects the broader social fabric of Mindanao.
Average Earnings
Graduates commonly pursue careers in education, government service, healthcare, engineering, and business. Early-career earnings align with regional labor market standards, with long-term growth supported by professional licensure and leadership development.
Notre Dame University Cotabato Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The university employs experienced faculty members, licensed professionals, and dedicated administrative staff committed to teaching excellence, mentorship, and institutional service. Faculty engagement is a key contributor to academic continuity and student support.
Faculty Profiles
Academic staff possess expertise across education, engineering, business, nursing, and social sciences. Many faculty members participate in research, community development initiatives, and professional organizations, reinforcing academic credibility and social impact.
Notre Dame University Cotabato Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Campus life emphasizes discipline, faith formation, and academic focus. Housing options are primarily off-campus, with affordable dormitories and private accommodations available near the university, supporting a balanced student lifestyle.
Transportation
The campus is accessible via public transportation, including jeepneys, tricycles, and buses. Its central city location enables convenient commuting and walkable access to essential student services.
Job Openings
Employment opportunities are periodically available in teaching, administrative, and support roles, supporting institutional development and operational growth.