University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame's NROTC program has been named best in the nation and consistently ranks among the top producers of officers for the Naval service. The unit draws over 100 midshipmen from Notre Dame, Holy Cross College, and Saint Mary's College, creating a unusually cohesive battalion built around the university's deep Catholic military tradition. Admiral Christopher Grady, Class of 1984 — who served as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Acting Chairman — is among the unit's most notable alumni. Marine Option is strong here; the program's culture takes military development as seriously as academic development, with midshipmen holding varsity athletic, student government, and ROTC leadership simultaneously. Service selection outcomes are competitive across all communities, including aviation and the submarine warfare pipeline.