NDU is a private, Lebanese non-profit Catholic institution of higher education, which adopts the American system of education. The religious affiliation of the university does not impose any sectarian obligations on faculty members, staff, or students. 

NDU seeks to provide comprehensive quality education that fosters excellence in scholarship, lifelong learning, enlightened citizenship, human solidarity, moral integrity, and belief in God. In designing its curricula, NDU is committed to the philosophy and standards of the American model of liberal arts education. 

NDU promotes diversity, respect for human dignity and rights, and concern for the common good. NDU seeks to provide a highly personalized academic experience to students; integrate a strong, interdisciplinary, liberal arts core with degree programs that offer preparation for professional careers and graduate studies; excel in selected highly specialized areas, which would serve as regional models for the delivery of educational development; foresee changing needs, and meet them through developing programs; create and sustain a community in which all aspects of University life reflect its values.

NDU core values are the following: Faith; Excellence; Scholarship; Freedom; Integrity; Service; Diversity, and Learning for Life. NDU commits itself to lifelong learning, encourages personal responsibility, develops spiritual values, and affirms a philosophy of life which actively supports global economic equity, social justice, and human rights.

NDU is a Lebanese private non-profit university licensed by decree 4116 dated August 14, 1987. 

NDU offers a variety of degree programs (51 Bachelors and 20 Master degrees) and renders opportunities for research in various fields of interest. In addition to the main campus, NDU has two regional branches in Shouf and North Lebanon. As of 2014-15, the University housed 250 full-time and 451 part-time faculty members serving 7519 students enrolled at the University.